Alexandra is a licensed elementary school teacher in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. She has worked with students in various settings, including first and second grade classrooms, special education, and as a certified Orton-Gillingham tutor. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from North Central University in Minneapolis and spent part of her studies teaching abroad in the Dominican Republic. Her favorite part of teaching has always been reading group instruction—witnessing students’ “aha” moments, bonding over stories, and building individual connections. Seeking to better support struggling readers, Alexandra pursued extensive training in the Structured Literacy approach and the Science of Reading. She now tutors online and has seen firsthand the effectiveness of the Orton-Gillingham approach for learners with diverse needs. Alexandra believes in empowering students through hands-on learning, working at each child’s pace, and celebrating successes—big or small. Outside of teaching, she enjoys playing the piano, traveling, exploring small towns, and trying new restaurants. Most recently, she and her husband made a big move across the country to Pennsylvania, where they’re starting their family and enjoying less brutal winters.

Teaching and training have been a consistent thread and source of enjoyment throughout Anne’s adult life. For the past six years, Anne has focused on her passion—helping struggling readers, both children and adults. She has tutored through several nonprofits, including Reading Partners and Literacy Partners. Anne received her training through the Orton-Gillingham Academy and is an Associate-level practitioner. Anne is currently working on her practicum toward full certification. She has worked with several Orton-Gillingham-based training systems, including Barton and Wilson/Fundations, and is a credentialed NYC DOE Substitute Teacher. Witnessing the difference the Orton-Gillingham approach makes for struggling readers—with its focus on confidence building—has made Anne a true champion of the method. Anne received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and her master’s from The New School. She lives in Brooklyn with her son and loves Zumba, spending time with friends, enjoying the NYC arts scene, and concocting new sweet treats!

Antoinette is a passionate educator with a relentless commitment to breakthrough student achievement. Holding a bachelor’s degree in English from Towson University in Maryland, she has pursued graduate coursework in Urban Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University and earned a master’s degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Furthering her expertise, Antoinette holds an Orton-Gillingham Certificate and has engaged in post-graduate work to deepen her understanding of dyslexia and other language-based challenges. With nearly two decades of experience educating students across K-12 public and independent schools as a teacher, reading specialist, and one-on-one tutor, Antoinette takes pride in cultivating learning experiences that deliver explicit and systematic instruction designed to reach all learners, including neurodivergent learners, irrespective of socioeconomic status. Known for her genuine and patient demeanor, Antoinette is accountable and responsive, meticulously triangulates student data, maintains a laser-like focus, and develops individualized educational plans with her students’ long-term interests at heart. Beyond her professional endeavors, Antoinette is a proud wife and mother who treasures time with her husband, their three children, and their English Bulldog. She finds joy in creating opportunities that enrich her learners’ lives and guide them toward lives of purpose.

Ashlee is a dedicated Literacy Specialist with eight years of experience in education, specializing in reading support for struggling readers and students with language-based learning differences. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and brings a deep understanding of the Science of Reading to her practice. Ashlee has completed comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training which she uses as the foundation for her reading interventions. She is also certified in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness. Throughout her career, Ashlee has supported diverse learners as a preschool teacher, reading specialist, and educator in a rural one-room schoolhouse in Wyoming. Her expertise in structured, multisensory literacy instruction enables her to effectively support students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Ashlee’s teaching philosophy centers on educating the whole child. She focuses on building meaningful relationships with students and families to foster academic growth, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. In her free time, Ashlee enjoys roping, riding horses, and baking with her family. She brings the same patience, dedication, and joy from these pastimes into her daily work with students.

Benjamin T. is a dedicated, patient, and compassionate teacher with over 15 years of private tutoring experience. He received his Bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Central Florida. Upon moving to NYC in 2023, Ben began training to become a reading and literacy tutor for children with dyslexia. He received his Orton Gillingham Multisensory Learning Education certification through the Children’s Dyslexia Center of New York accredited by the International Dyslexia Association. Ben’s tutoring is built on the National Reading Panel’s 5 pillars of effective reading instruction, which are Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. He has found this method of teaching to be highly effective and enjoys seeing his students gain confidence in their reading and writing abilities. Ben understands the challenges that children with dyslexia go through while learning to read and has the patience to meet them where they are by creating a fun and relaxed learning environment for them to thrive. Ben is set to continue his Orton Gillingham level 2 certification training later this year. Outside of teaching, Ben enjoys reading, writing, history, playing music, cycling around the city, and spending time with friends and family.

Brandy is a dyslexia specialist for a school district in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas and her Master of Education in Reading from the University of Texas at Tyler. Brandy began her teaching career as a classroom teacher for grades kindergarten through second grade. She was inspired to focus on students with reading difficulties after observing the difference an Orton-Gillingham-based program made for her daughter. Brandy later transitioned into a dyslexia specialist role within the school district and completed two years of training to earn her Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certification from the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). As a dyslexia specialist, Brandy teaches small groups of students with dyslexia using the Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA) curriculum. She has served students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Brandy was also fortunate to have the opportunity to train under skilled mentors to earn her Qualified Instructor (CALT-QI) certification. In addition to teaching, Brandy trains and mentors first- and second-year dyslexia specialists. After school, Brandy enjoys tutoring students individually, allowing her to tailor instruction to meet each learner’s specific needs. Brandy and her husband reside in Argyle, Texas, with their teenage daughter. They travel to Florida as much as possible to visit their young adult daughter, who lives near Orlando.

Britney is a reading specialist and instructional coach with over 18 years of experience supporting young readers and the educators who teach them. She has worked across a range of roles, including first- and third-grade classroom teacher, literacy coach, assistant principal, and elementary principal, giving her a deep understanding of how reading instruction works across settings and for students with diverse learning needs. Britney earned a Master of Arts in Reading Science from Mount St. Joseph University and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She is also a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist certified by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). Throughout her career, Britney has supported struggling readers in both instructional and intervention settings. As a school leader, she led the implementation of Science of Reading practices and structured literacy systems. This experience informs her individualized, data-driven approach to tutoring, where instruction is carefully tailored to each student’s strengths and needs. Britney also creates research-based literacy resources for families and educators and designs literacy-rich learning experiences for a children’s museum. Britney lives in Arkansas with her husband and children. Outside of teaching, she enjoys traveling with her family, reading, thrifting, and painting.

Brittany is a highly-qualified, veteran teacher and reading specialist with over 14 years of experience in literacy education. She holds an Advanced Professional License in the following areas: Reading Specialist (K-12), Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School Mathematics. She is also trained as an English Language Development teacher through McDaniel College. Brittany holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education through Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, and a Master of Science for Reading Specialist with ESOL degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. In addition, she is currently attending Towson University in the Teacher as a Leader in Autism Program to attain a Masters of Education in Special Education. Brittany is trained through The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education in Orton-Gillingham, an intensive literacy intervention. She is also trained in Sound Partners, SIPPS (Collaborative Classroom Explicit Phonics Intervention), and many informal diagnostic assessments. Finally, Brittany has been thoroughly trained in the Science of Reading through the LETRS program from Lexia. Working with students in small group interventions is the highlight of Brittany’s career as a reading specialist! She loves bringing the joy of reading and the feeling of success to students who find reading to be a challenge.

Caryn has over 30 years experience as an educator. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Massachusetts Teaching License for teaching pre-school through third grade and the Massachusetts Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement. Caryn has taught kindergarten, first, and second grades in public school, with experience working with all age groups. As a classroom teacher, Caryn was trained in various science reading programs and the implementation of many literacy assessments. Caryn is trained in Orton-Gillingham-based instruction through Orton-Gillingham Online Academy for all age groups. She is also trained as a Dyscalculia interventionist for all age groups through Dyscalculia Training Center. In 2014, Caryn left the classroom, and started a private practice providing individualized academic support and small group classes to students ranging from kindergarten through high school, in foundational literacy and foundational math fluency. During her free time, Caryn enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, reading and watching movies.

With over 15 years of experience in education, Chaney is a passionate educator dedicated to supporting student success through structured literacy and effective instructional practices. For the past five years, she has specialized in dyslexia intervention, providing targeted, research-based instruction to help struggling readers build confidence and achieve academic growth. She is also a Certified Academic Language Practitioner through the Academic Language Therapy Association, demonstrating her commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and professional excellence. Chaney is trained in three Orton-Gillingham–based programs, including Wilson Reading System, Basic Language Skills, and Reading by Design. These experiences have equipped me with a strong foundation in multisensory, structured literacy instruction designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. Chaney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University. Additionally, she earned her Professional Certificate in Digital Learning with a specialization in Instructional Design from the Digital Learning Institute, allowing her to integrate technology and innovative design principles into modern learning environments. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Her family stays busy attending sporting events, and in her spare time, she enjoys crafting and creative projects.

Emilee brings over a decade of dedicated teaching experience to the classroom, focusing on creating equitable and engaging learning environments for all students, especially in diverse, multicultural schools. Her career began as an interventionist, where she spent time working with students on reading and math. This experience included utilizing various phonics programs and instructional strategies to support students with learning disabilities. She then spent seven years teaching second grade before transitioning to her current role in sixth grade, where she enjoys helping students learn and grow. To further her specialization, she completed the intensive Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive Course and is certified in the OG approach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, specializing in Language Arts. She furthered her education by earning a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Valley State University, with an emphasis on differentiation. This combined training ensures she can meet the individual, complex needs of every learner in her classroom with precision and confidence. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys being outdoors, including camping with her dog in the mountains or curling up with a good book. Also, karaoke!

Emily is a first grade teacher in New York City. She has six years of experience teaching in first through fourth grade. Prior to working at her current school, she taught at a school for children with language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia. She also has experience tutoring children in pre-K through fourth grade across subject areas. Emily has a master’s degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. She is trained in PAF, an Orton Gillingham-based reading program. She is also trained and has experience in other reading programs including EBLI, Heggerty, Fundations, EL, and SIPPS. She believes early reading intervention is the key to later success. Emily loves seeing the moment when reading clicks for students. She enjoys helping children who are struggling to learn how to succeed in reading. She believes in differentiating to meet individual students’ needs, incorporating students’ interests into lessons to keep them engaged, and making sure students are emotionally cared for so they are in the mindset where they can learn best. Outside of teaching, Emily enjoys watching and participating in theater, sewing and weaving, going to museums, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

With over a decade of experience in education and a steadfast commitment to literacy, Erica has been a champion for students and educators alike. Since 2018, she has served as District Dyslexia Specialist for Irving Independent School District, in Irving, Texas, coaching interventionists, developing instructional strategies, and ensuring adherence to structured literacy principles. At Irving High School, Erica delivers literacy instruction using the Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA) and extends her impact through private dyslexia therapy, partnering with families to provide tailored interventions that empower students academically and build their confidence. Erica is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) through the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), earning this designation in 2020 after completing rigorous training in the Shelton Academic Language Approach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Methodist University and a master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Multisensory Teaching from Dallas Baptist University. As a dyslexia coach and specialist, Erica equips educators with tools and strategies to support diverse learners effectively. She leads professional development, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and designs cross-curricular lesson plans aligned with Texas state standards. Her dedication ensures educators can meet the needs of students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Erica and her husband, Amen, have been married for 13 years and are parents to three children, two of whom have dyslexia. Their experiences fuel Erica’s passion for empowering students and families to navigate print-rich environments confidently, helping them recognize their strengths and achieve their goals. Her career reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence in dyslexia education and a commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all students.

Erica has been teaching for 18 years, ten of which have been as a reading interventionist. She has taught all elementary grades except fifth grade, but working with small groups of students to help them overcome their reading struggles is where her heart lies. She is Orton-Gillingham trained from the Institute of Multisensory Education (IMSE). She also holds a master’s degree as a reading specialist from Regis University and is currently working to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) through Academic Language Therapy (ALTA). In addition to working with small groups of students, she also supports her school and district with writing and maintaining goals for struggling readers. She provide teachers with interventions to best support their students. When she is not working, she enjoys time with her family. She has three very active children (a stepson, a son and a daughter), and she spends a lot time travelling between sporting events and playing family games. Erica lives in Colorado.

Erica is a highly experienced literacy educator with over 25 years in the field, specializing in supporting students with complex learning needs, including those with dyslexia. Her background includes extensive training and expertise in various areas of education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University. During her undergraduate studies, Erica trained in Orton-Gillingham instruction and worked as a reading specialist while pursuing her graduate degree. She later became a licensed school psychologist and a board-certified educational therapist. She has held various positions at private clinics on both the East and West coasts, including Director of Clinical Instruction and Director of Evaluation and Instruction. Erica has researched and published effective interventions for phonological processing and established an early intervention preschool for students with intensive language and literacy needs. Her nuanced approach to working with gifted dyslexic students is particularly notable. She has most recently worked as Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Stevenson School in Carmel, California, and is currently the Head of Lower School of TASIS Portugal. Her expertise and comprehensive approach make her a valuable resource for supporting students’ literacy needs.

Erin is a former elementary educator in Jefferson County Public Schools. She taught first and second grade for eight years. Erin graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in Elementary Education. Teaching is her passion. She loves working with students and getting to see how much they grow over the year! During her time as a primary teacher, Erin realized that literacy curriculum and structure did not meet students’ needs or fill the gaps, so she set out to become more educated to better serve her students. She was trained in the Science of Reading, FUNdations, and Heggerty. Erin has also completed training in Orton-Gillingham through the Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE). Erin maintains a professional teaching license in the state of Colorado along with READ Act and ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsements through the CDE (Colorado Department of Education). Erin believes in a positive, safe, and collaborative environment that allows for students to develop a growth mindset as well as a love for learning. When Erin is not in the classroom or tutoring, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and two miniature schnauzers. Additionally, Erin loves to read and paint, and enjoys hiking in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Gracy is a compassionate dyslexia therapist who provides remote, Orton-Gillingham–based structured literacy intervention to students who struggle with reading. Diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of ten, she understands firsthand the academic and emotional challenges many dyslexic learners face and uses that insight to create supportive, confidence-building learning experiences. Gracy holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Child Development from Mississippi State University. She received her Master’s degree in Dyslexia Therapy from Mississippi College, where her training focused on evidence-based, structured literacy instruction grounded in the Orton-Gillingham Approach. As a dyslexia therapist, Gracy provides individualized, multisensory reading intervention tailored to each student’s unique needs. She believes strong reading skills develop best in an environment where students feel encouraged, understood, and supported. With additional experience in early childhood and elementary education, Gracy brings patience, flexibility, and warmth to every session. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, discover their strengths, and grow into capable, independent readers.

Jacquie currently serves as a special education learning specialist in a 5th grade English/Language Arts classroom. Over the years, she has supported students across a range of grade levels, from sixth grade general education to targeted reading and writing intervention. She also has extensive experience working with multilingual learners. Jacquie has a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Miami University, a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also completed an advanced certificate in K–12 Literacy at Columbia University and will soon hold New York State certification in literacy. Her training in Orton-Gillingham through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education helped deepen her passion for structured literacy instruction, particularly in supporting students with dyslexia. She especially enjoys helping students develop fluency and explore the building blocks of language through morphology. Outside of the classroom, she loves exploring new places and traveling, and is currently training for the NYC Marathon.

Jamie has over 10 years of teaching experience teaching high school English and at the elementary level, which has provided her the privilege of working with a diverse range of students. Throughout her career, she has come to believe that reading is one of the most crucial social justice issues of our time. It’s the key to accessing information, fully participating in society, and unlocking students’ potential. Currently, Jamie serves as the lead reading intervention teacher at a vibrant K-8 school in Aurora, Colorado, where she is deeply committed to supporting all students in becoming successful readers. Her passion lies in exploring the science of reading and the science of learning. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, Heggerty, SIPPS and LETRS, and is continuously seeking ways to enhance and refine her practice. What drives her most is building meaningful connections with her students and their families, and personalizing lessons to cater to her students’ individual interests and needs. In addition to her work in education, Jamie is part of a founding group of educators and business professionals working to establish a non-profit organization aimed at supporting neurodiverse learners from kindergarten through high school and into the adult workforce. Her deep commitment to supporting neurodiverse learners reflects her belief in inclusive education and empowerment. Outside of teaching, Jamie enjoys reading, exploring history, solving word puzzles, and spending time outdoors with her four children.

Jennifer is a highly experienced elementary teacher with over ten years of experience in the classroom. She graduated from New Mexico State University with a B.A. in Government. After college, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic for two years. During her time abroad, she recognized the value of quality literacy education, which became the cornerstone of her career. Since then, she has earned an M.A. in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado and has become a valuable member of her school community in Jefferson Country, Colorado. Jennifer has focused her ongoing reading education training on Orton-Gillingham, Fundations, the Science of Reading, and Heggerty. She has had the privilege of helping over 250 children at her school progress from emerging to proficient and advanced readers. When she is not teaching in the classroom, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family engaging in various outdoor activities around Colorado. They can often be found hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, or camping in the great outdoors.

Jennipher is a passionate educator who has taught in public, private, nonprofit, and international schools since the late ’90s. She is an Orton-Gillingham Associate in multisensory language and math instruction, holds an MA in Specific Learning Differences from London Metropolitan University via the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, and earned a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Montana State University. She has been a tutor for many years, helping students discover their individual strengths and develop a love of reading. As a specialist in teaching students with dyslexia and ADHD, her lessons are highly individualized and dynamic, constantly adapting to students’ evolving interests and needs. In her free time, Jennipher enjoys rock climbing and mountain biking with her family, gardening, and creative writing. She has also traveled to dozens of countries around the world and has previously lived and taught in Indonesia and Singapore.

Jenny is a certified Reading Specialist with 18 years of experience teaching reading to students from Pre-K to 8th grade. She holds a Master’s Degree in Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania and is trained in the Wilson Reading System, a comprehensive and research-proven program that emphasizes Orton-Gillingham methods and is designed for students with dyslexia and other reading needs. She is also trained in Fundations, Heggerty, Sound Partners, and Read Naturally interventions. For 15 years, Jenny taught students in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Initially an 8th grade ELA teacher, she discovered that many older students had undiagnosed decoding and spelling gaps, prompting her to learn how to address foundational reading skills. As she gained expertise in intervention, she transitioned to the elementary school level to diagnose and address reading needs as early as possible. For the past 3 years, Jenny has worked with students one-on-one, both remotely and in person, and is now based in Denver. She individualizes each lesson to target specific phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, and fluency skills based on data from previous lessons. She loves building strong relationships with each child and demonstrating how successful they can be when taught at their own pace and according to their specific needs. Jenny enjoys being outdoors, playing with her three young children, running, and reading.

Jessica has nearly 20 years of teaching experience in both public education and private tutoring. She earned her Master’s Degree in Reading Instruction from Aurora University in Illinois in 2011 and is a Certified Reading Specialist. Jessica taught in the West Aurora, Illinois, school district from 2007 to 2019. She began her career as a 4th-grade classroom teacher for one year, then taught 3rd grade for three years, and 1st grade for five years. From 2016 to 2019, she served as a K–5 Reading Specialist. For the past five years, Jessica has worked as a private tutor for developing readers, many of whom have been diagnosed with dyslexia. She believes that early, structured, systematic, and multisensory instruction is key to reading success. Jessica has completed over 30 hours of training in Orton-Gillingham instruction through the Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE). She also has training and years of experience with Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI) as well as the Barton Reading and Spelling System. When she is not teaching, Jessica enjoys being outdoors, gardening, baking, and spending time with her family.

Josie is a passionate and patient Orton-Gillingham trained dyslexia tutor. Originally from New York, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics, Law at The State University of New York at Binghamton. After graduating she moved to Colorado where she gained teaching experience as an English as a Second Langauge tutor and a Registered Behavior Technician for children with autism. Later she went on to receive her Associate level Orton-Gillingham training through the Orton-Gillingham Academy. For the past three and a half years she has been private tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham approach for students with dyslexia and ADHD. She has also taught literacy intervention in small groups to grades 3rd through 5th at a private school. Josie loves connecting with her students and ensuring that they feel comfortable and supported. She customizes each lesson to the needs of the individual student, and likes to include games to keep students engaged. When she is not teaching, Josie enjoys learning Spanish, walking her dog, and reading. Josie is a life-long lover of reading and hopes to empower her students with the skills and confidence needed to enjoy reading as much as she does!

Katelan is a highly experienced reading tutor with 10 years of experience in elementary education. She received her B.S. in Education from the University of Kentucky and M.Ed, Literacy Specialist from the University of the Cumberlands. She has received training on the Orton Gillingham approach, Carolyn Gwen for guided reading, WIDA for English language learners and SEL (social emotional learning). Katelan provides online Orton-Gillingham tutoring. She worked as an elementary educator at a Title 1 school in Indiana for the past decade with roles ranging from kindergarten and second grade teacher, Academic Improvement Coordinator and reading interventionist. She has experience working with students of diverse backgrounds with various educational needs in a small group setting. Katelan has a calm, patient, nurturing and understanding approach that helps her to connect with students. She resides in Louisville, KY. In addition to tutoring, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and dog. She also enjoys going to concerts and hiking.

Katie is a Special Education Literacy teacher with ten years of experience in elementary and middle school education. Currently, she is the Child Study Team Coordinator and Structured Literacy Teacher at a Jersey City, NJ charter school. She has also taught Kindergarten through 7th grade in general education and special education settings at a public school in Washington, D.C., and an international school in Malaysia. Katie has undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology from Dartmouth College and a Dual Master’s in Elementary Education and Special Education from Lesley University. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach through the Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE) and certified as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (C-SLDI) through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). She continues to seek out new training and research to inform her instruction. Utilizing the structured and multisensory principles of Orton-Gillingham and tailoring it to specific student strengths, interests, and needs has been incredibly effective for literacy instruction. Katie has always been passionate about teaching literacy and helping all students find confidence and success through a personalized and engaging approach. Katie loves reading books, trying new recipes and foods, biking, and dancing. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends in the city, nature, or new destinations.

Kerry is a reading instructor with experience teaching Special Education in public schools in both Washington, DC and Denver. She recently completed her Orton-Gillingham training through the Orton Gillingham Academy. Reflecting a lifelong interest in language and culture, Kerry holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in International Relations and an M.A. from Harvard University in Russian Studies. Kerry cares deeply about supporting children’s literacy and prizes the opportunity to engage with individual learners to help them meet their goals. Kerry lives in Denver with her husband and two young sons. Outside the tutoring room, she seeks the outdoors and enjoys skiing and traveling with her family and friends. Kerry is always building up her humor, history, and fantasy reading lists and welcomes recommendations.

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.

Kristina is a dedicated educator with 15 years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher, literacy interventionist, and effectiveness coach. Throughout her career, she has worked to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive as readers and writers. In 2022, she earned a Practitioner Certification from the Institute for Multisensory Education in Orton-Gillingham methodology, further strengthening her expertise in supporting students with dyslexia and other reading challenges through structured, multisensory instruction. She was honored as a “Colorado Literacy Champion” by the Reading League of Colorado in 2023 for her leadership in Science of Reading-aligned practices.
Kristina is passionate about helping students build strong foundational skills and grow into confident, independent readers. She believes in every child’s genius and is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based instruction that supports each student’s unique literacy journey. When she’s not digging into the latest literacy research or planning phonics games, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and friends. You can find her on the sidelines at her boys’ soccer games, skiing in the mountains, playing volleyball, practicing yoga, or reading at her favorite local coffee shop.

Laura is a Senior Reading Specialist, Academic Coach, and ALTA certified CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist) with a goal to earn her QI (Qualified Instructor) status in the next couple of years so that she can train other teachers and grow capacity for literacy instruction in the Denver area. Laura graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Regis University and later received her Master’s Degree in Reading with an emphasis in OG (Orton-Gillingham) from Kings College in Pennsylvania. Laura has had a passion for studying literacy since 2016 and is trained in both Yoshimoto OG as well as MSLE (Multisensory Structured Language Education). She is also trained in Hill Reading Acceleration Program from the Hill Springs Institute in Colorado Springs. Laura is also a member of the International Literacy Association. Laura spent over 10 years teaching in various public-school settings in Colorado. While there, Laura worked as both a French immersion classroom teacher and as a reading specialist providing reading therapy to students with characteristics of dyslexia. During lessons, Laura provides data-driven, individualized, and comprehensive reading instruction that is explicit, systematic, structured, and most importantly multisensory. For Laura, lifelong learning is a priority, and she finds joy in supporting students as they grow into confident and fluent readers. Most recently, Laura has had the opportunity to use her knowledge to serve with the Westwood Reads Initiative supported by Carmel Hill and finds great purpose in providing reading instruction for the English learner and bilingual population. As a result, Laura is committed to continuing to grow her knowledge and experience in best practices for CLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) instruction. When Laura is not tutoring, you can find her hiking or biking with her husband, gardening, riding her motorcycle, doing yoga, or of course reading.

Lauren is an experienced special education teacher with over 12 years of teaching experience in both New Jersey and South Carolina. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Montclair State University, as well as a B.A. in Communications and Writing Arts from Rowan University. Lauren is passionate about fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments that meet the unique needs of every student. Her teaching approach is deeply rooted in the Science of Reading, and she specializes in literacy intervention for students with language-based learning differences. She is a certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading System and has completed comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE). In addition to her work in the classroom, Lauren has extensive experience supporting and coaching educators on evidence-based reading strategies and designing differentiated, accessible curriculum. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is watching children grow in confidence and seeing how transformative the right reading support can be. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, and taking barre classes.

Lisa has been teaching students to read for 20 years as a bilingual (English/Spanish) special education teacher in Brooklyn, NY. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy/Language Arts. She is trained in and has used many Orton-Gillingham-based programs, including Fundations (Wilson), SPIRE, Heggerty, Phonics for Reading, and Aprendo Leyendo. She received her Orton-Gillingham training from the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) and is certified in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). She received her Master’s Degree from Bank Street College of Education in 2005 and stays up-to-date with current education research, including the Science of Reading. Lisa’s passion for teaching reading is based on her commitment to Equity. She believes that reading is a basic human right; it creates opportunities and allows individuals, families, and social groups to be active participants in society. For most of Lisa’s career, she has been the special education teacher within the general education ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching) classroom. More recently, however, she has been working with small groups of students outside of the classroom as a reading interventionist for students with learning disabilities, and she loves it. Lisa lives in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. She has two college-aged children, whom she misses terribly when they’re away. She enjoys exercising, eating whole foods, hiking, swimming, reading, and playing with her cat.

With over 11 years of experience in education, Mariah brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping students grow into confident, capable readers. Her background includes teaching first grade, supporting English language learners, and serving as an assistant principal. Most recently, Mariah worked as a literacy interventionist, where she provided targeted reading support to struggling readers across all elementary grade levels. In this role, she also served as the intervention team lead, collaborating with teachers, specialists, and families to design and implement effective, data-driven instruction. Mariah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa and a Master’s degree in Reading from Adams State University. In addition, she has completed intensive training in the Orton-Gillingham approach through the Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE), equipping her to work effectively with students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Her instructional approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and focused on building a supportive, engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to succeed. Outside of teaching, Mariah enjoys reading, creating pottery, and traveling. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Jerid, and their daughter, Maren. She is committed to helping each student develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive as readers.

Melisa is a certified teacher with over ten years of tutoring experience, during which she has successfully guided students in developing reading, writing, organizational and study skills. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and English from The College of New Jersey and has trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, having completed the OG Associate level course and practicum. She has also helped students overcome reading difficulties using the Barton Reading and Spelling System, an Orton-Gillingham based program. She incorporates phonemic awareness and multi-sensory strategies into each of her lessons, teaching concepts in an explicit, systematic, and sequential manner to ensure students become proficient and self-assured in their abilities. Throughout her career, Melisa has enjoyed teaching students possessing a wide range of needs, talents, and interests. Her approach is characterized by her patience and diligence, and she is fully dedicated to crafting lessons and activities that align with each student’s unique strengths and learning style. A lifelong learner, Melisa actively seeks out new and innovative techniques that she can use to help struggling readers overcome challenges and gain confidence. Outside of teaching, Melisa has a deep love for nature and enjoys hiking the scenic hills and mountains of Marin County, California. She also loves exploring nature abroad, sampling local foods, and visiting museums and shops during her travels.

Michelle is an experienced reading instructor with seven years of teaching experience in elementary education. She is a former elementary teacher for Jeffco Public Schools, where she taught kindergarten through third grade students. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder, along with a professional teaching license, before entering the classroom. Once in the classroom and working with young readers, Michelle quickly realized that the reading curriculum she was teaching did not always address foundational literacy skills. In search of a way to better meet the needs of all her students, Michelle earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Reading Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, she received training in the Orton-Gillingham method through IMSE Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham K–2, pursued further training in the Science of Reading, and holds a READ Act Teacher designation in the state of Colorado. Michelle is also trained in the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum. As a lifelong learner, Michelle is currently pursuing her English Language Learners endorsement in the state of Colorado. When not tutoring, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, soaking up the Colorado sunshine, and reading.

Nicole H. brings 14 years of teaching experience to her current role as a K-5 reading interventionist in one of Jersey City’s most diverse schools. Prior to this role, Nicole taught 1st grade in an autistic inclusive school in Harlem, NY. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist from New Jersey City University. She is also an active member of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and the International Literacy Association (ILA). Certified as an Orton Gillingham teacher from an IDA-accredited reading program, Nicole has two years experience teaching the Orton approach. She utilizes personalized, multisensory techniques to support students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. In her online tutoring sessions, Nicole prioritizes creating a fun, nurturing, and engaging learning environment, to motivate students and build reading confidence. She believes that communication with families is vital, as it fosters a collaborative partnership in supporting the student’s learning journey. Beyond the classroom, Nicole finds joy in practicing yoga, traveling, and exploring her creative side through watercoloring. Nicole also cherishes moments spent with her boyfriend and their beloved dog, Toby.

Sakinah has ten years of teaching experience, and has specialized in literacy instruction since 2019. She has taught Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 3rd grade, and currently serves as a Reading Interventionist with New York City Public Schools. She is trained in several Orton-Gillingham-based programs, including SPIRE, Sounds Sensible, Wilson Fundations, the Wilson Reading System, and the PAF Reading Program. Prior to becoming a Reading Interventionist, she had the privilege of working at South Bronx Literacy Academy, the first free public school in New York City dedicated to students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. That experience deepened her commitment to structured literacy and individualized instruction. In her current role, she provides small-group, structured literacy instruction using Orton-Gillingham–based programs to explicitly teach foundational phonics skills. This work allows her to meet students exactly where they are while delivering systematic, explicit instruction that strengthens decoding, fluency, and overall reading confidence. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation in reading. She believes effective literacy instruction is explicit, responsive, and grounded in a deep understanding of each learner’s strengths and needs.

Sara is an accomplished teacher and tutor with deep Orton-Gillingham experience. She completed her undergraduate studies in social work at the University of the West Indies and Florida International University. After graduation, Sara worked for several years as community health educator, during which time she discovered her passion for teaching. She went on to complete a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) allowing her to teach English across the globe in places such as Spain, Chile, and India. Upon her return to the U.S., Sara worked as a bilingual tutor in several CT public school systems while completing a M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A. TESOL) and obtaining her K-12 TESOL teaching license. As she searched for ways to help struggling readers, Sara initially discovered Brain Friendly Reading (an Orton-Gillingham-based program). After witnessing profound improvement in her students’ literacy skills, she became inspired to learn more about the Orton-Gillingham approach and ultimately completed the Associate Certification with the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Sara has provided fun and empowering literacy tutoring for students privately and at the Bilgrav School for Dyslexic Students. Aside from teaching, Sara loves traveling, riding the waves on her boogie board, and running with her dog.