Mark Hopper, Ph.D. ACSW

Mark is the founder and president of EduFlex1, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy for struggling readers across the United States. With over 50 years of experience in child welfare, special education, and reading intervention, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. He has dedicated 25 years to working with students with reading disabilities, developing and implementing evidence-based literacy programs that have proven successful in helping children and adolescents improve their reading skills.

Before founding EduFlex1, Dr. Hopper had an extensive career in child welfare, where he gained significant experience in child protection, special education, and advocacy for children's rights. He served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education and various state departments, including Louisiana and New York City, helping to shape educational programs and ensure compliance with federal guidelines. He also co-founded two accredited non-public schools for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children, providing specialized education and support to students who had not thrived in traditional school settings.

Dr. Hopper’s commitment to literacy was further fueled by his belief that the nation's literacy crisis, particularly the lack of effective science-based reading programs, was contributing to the academic struggles of many students. Determined to make a difference, he founded EduFlex1 with the goal of restoring reading fluency, confidence, and hope to children who had fallen through the cracks of the educational system. His leadership and unwavering commitment to evidence-based instruction have driven EduFlex1’s success in delivering proven reading interventions that close instructional gaps and help struggling readers excel. Dr. Hopper continues to be deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of EduFlex1, ensuring that the organization’s mission to empower vulnerable students is carried out with integrity and impact.