The concept for Nature of Learning began as an outgrowth of their own private school, Merced Christian Academy. Marian was encouraged by other private school leaders to provide a testing service to help parents understand both the way their students learn and how to teach to their strengths. In June of 1999, after studying many of the tests used nationwide, Marian began assessing students. In the field of education for over 30 years, she received her B.A. in English at CSULB and possesses both K-12 Teaching and Learning Disabilities Specialist credentials. Marian taught language arts to secondary students for over six years, also team teaching at the community college level and being a professor at a local Bible Institute. She completed graduate work at Azusa Pacific University with an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy. Before entering private schooling, she practiced as a Christian marital & family therapist for over six years. Currently, she administers educational testing, consults with teachers and parents, and is a resource specialist. Marian is also a popular conference and workshop speaker in the Christian community, as well as a CLASS seminar graduate. She has been married to Erik for 25 years and is the mother of Nathan and Katy, both successfully home educated to college. Katy now married, is a 2004 BIOLA Torry Institute graduate. The Soderholm’s currently reside in Long Beach, CA.