Indeed, Mel's sister is being a bit horrible, but I think the mother at least thinks she's helping... Whether she actually is or not, who knows. I think that becomes clearer in the full story!
The psychologist said that Valeria was at a high first grader which was impressive considering for a girl didn't go to school, the psychologist also said that they could get Valeria a special tutor to help her improve witch made Evelyn smiled as that would means a whole new world was about to open up for her daughter.