Ibis Mendoza spent more than twenty years in the classroom before founding Luminos. As a teacher, she sat with hundreds of children who were bright, curious, and capable — yet quietly struggling in ways no one had been able to name. Again and again she watched a single piece of understanding change everything for a child. That experience became a calling.
Ibis built her career at Florida International University, earning a Bachelor's in Education, a Master's in Early Childhood Education, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree — the advanced training that took her from the classroom into school psychology. She brought with her something many evaluators never have: years of real, daily life inside the classroom, and a deep instinct for how children actually learn, struggle, and grow.
Her approach is warm, unhurried, and deeply personal. Testing can feel intimidating — for kids and parents alike — so every evaluation at Luminos is built around comfort, trust, and genuine curiosity about the child in the room. The goal is never a label. It's understanding, and a clear path forward.
Areas of focus
- Psychoeducational and cognitive assessment
- Learning differences, including dyslexia and dysgraphia
- Attention and executive functioning (ADHD)
- School consultation and accommodation planning
- Family feedback and support
Background & training
- 20+ years as a classroom teacher
- Bachelor's in Education, Florida International University
- Master's in Early Childhood Education, Florida International University
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Florida International University
- Specialist in psychoeducational evaluation for children and adolescents
A note on philosophy
Luminos means light — and that's the spirit behind everything Ibis does. She brings light to learning, illuminating each child's unique strengths while honoring exactly who they are. Clarity, compassion, and calling guide every evaluation.