Kirsten is an English Language Development (ELD) teacher with over 20 years of experience supporting children in learning to read. While she primarily works with elementary students, she also has experience teaching adults who need support with basic literacy skills and English language acquisition. Kirsten is a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner and completed her Orton-Gillingham training at the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Lancaster, PA. She holds a Master’s degree in Literacy from Eastern Mennonite University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Spanish, and ELD. She is trained in the Wilson Reading System, Heggerty, and FUNdations, and has extensive experience working with English learners. Training in Orton-Gillingham was a turning point in Kirsten’s teaching journey. After years of working with struggling readers, she found OG to be the most effective and engaging approach. She values its interactive nature and the flexibility it offers to tailor lessons to each student’s unique learning style and interests. Kirsten also places a strong emphasis on building relationships with students and their families, striving to ensure every learner feels supported, challenged, and encouraged. Outside of teaching, Kirsten enjoys spending time with her husband and four sons. She loves being outdoors, walking her yellow lab mix Winnie, reading, traveling, and gathering with friends and family.