The Mardan Center of Educational Therapy was founded in 1962 by David Eisenman, who continues as the school’s Executive Director.  Mardan began as a tutoring program, and by 1967 the first day school class was opened with 12 students. At that time, the number of tutoring students being served was up to 145.

Mardan leased the old Costa Mesa City Hall building in 1968 and moved in with 60 full-time students.  In 1969, for the first time, Mardan enrolled a student who was funded by a public school district, and by 1970 Mardan’s enrollment increased to 100 full-time students. 
 
In 1979 Mardan purchased the Costa Mesa site from the city of Costa Mesa, and then having outgrown that building, a capital campaign was initiated in 1985 with the goal of raising six and a half million dollars for a new facility.  Three acres of land in Irvine were purchased as a site for the new Mardan facility, and by January 1990, construction was completed and Mardan staff and students moved into the spectacular, custom-designed facility.  Purchase of the property and construction of the facilities was made possible by the support of private foundations, local corporations, and many very generous donors.  This “vote of confidence" from the community was very much appreciated by the Mardan staff and the students and families they serve.

Mardan students continue to thrive in the beautiful facility in Irvine, where they work and learn in the light, bright classrooms, express their creativity in the arts and crafts room, cook in the student kitchen, enjoy books and computers in the large, centrally-located Resource Center, attend P.E. classes in the full-size gym, and interact with each other throughout the campus. 

OUR FOUNDER
Meet David Eisenman, the founder and Executive Director of the Mardan Center of Educational Therapy.  In 1962, after completing his graduate work in Special Education at USC, David recognized the need for a day school program in Orange County for children with learning disabilities.  He started modestly, with a few students, and named his program Mardan (after his two daughters, Marla and Dana).  At the time, he did not realize the impact he would have on the community and the field of Special Education.

More than 40 years later, as David leads a staff of approximately 40 professionals, Mardan continues to lead the field in Special Education with a reputation of service with integrity.  Philanthropists in Orange County recognize this reputation by donating generously to Mardan’s scholarship fund; physicians, psychologists, educators, and other professionals recognize this reputation by referring their clients to Mardan; and parents recognize this reputation by trusting Mardan with their most valuable possessions – their children.

David has touched the lives of many students, and he has made it possible for many parents to find hope after years of frustration or despair.  David’s door is always open – you are welcome to stop in and meet the man who made this all possible. 

1 Osborn, Irvine, California 92604 • (949) 733-1500  FAX (949) 733-9234
info@mardancenter.org