Boost! Learning Enrichment Program, LLC was founded in 2006 by Sara Tinklenberg. The business originated because there was a clear need for programs catering to younger learners and their caregivers. During her extensive work as an early childhood special education teacher in the Lakeville Area School District, Sara was regularly asked for assistance and ideas that extended beyond what was offered at school.

Sara is also a parent of a child with special needs resulting in social struggles. She searched for area programs to provide guided social opportunities for her son. Although he received wonderful support in the school, and also was receiving weekly play therapy sessions, there was really no business in the Dakota County area that provided intensive, small group, guided social skills training.

To fill those voids, Boost! Learning Enrichment Programs offers social skills courses for children in Kindergarten through 7th grade. During the 1-hour sessions, children participate in age-appropriate, guided social play. Instructors work with children on their specific areas of need, helping them develop the skills needed to interact with peers and be a successful member of their communities.

Boost! also offers Preschool Playskills sessions for children getting ready for kindergarten. The 60-minute classes are designed for any child who may need a little help with social skills before they enter school, whether they have a diagnosis or not.

Sara Tinklenberg (daughter Audrey pictured) holds teaching licenses in pre-kindergarten and early childhood special education and is completing work on an additional licensure in K-12 learning disabilities. She has a bachelor of arts in psychology from Hamline University, post graduate work in Child and Family Studies, and earned her master of science in special education in May 2007 from Minnesota Southwest State University.

Sara has 14 years' experience working with children in preschool and early childhood special education settings. Her areas of special interest include early literacy and early intervention for struggling readers, inclusion, and early childhood mental health.

Sara is the mother of two beautiful children, Audrey and Ethan, two adorable cats, and is married to her silent business partner and not-so-silent life partner, Aaron. They live in Lakeville.