Joanna Brown
Joanna Brown, founder and CEO of The Reading Guru, is a master Orton-Gillingham reading tutor with more than 15 years of experience providing personalized, one-on-one reading instruction. Joanna earned her M.S. in Elementary Education and Literacy from Bank Street College of Education in New York City in 2011, and her B.A. in History from the University of Colorado in 2004.
Joanna is certified by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS). Joanna earned this certification through training at the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) as well as with the digital, multisensory training program, Lexercise. She also has training with the Orton-Gillingham based, multi-sensory program Preventing Academic Failure (PAF). Joanna was also recently profiled in VoyageDenver in an interview that explains why she founded The Reading Guru.
Joanna began tutoring children in reading in New York City in 2005. She has worked with hundreds of struggling readers, dyslexic readers, and readers needing enrichment and became one of the most in-demand Orton-Gillingham tutors in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In 2019, she founded The Reading Guru and began developing a series of tools and techniques to allow her to bring her Orton-Gillingham-based literacy tutoring to students all over the world.
Joanna and her team of highly experienced tutors now work virtually with students who attend private schools, public schools, charter schools, and homeschools, both in the United States and internationally, so they understand the challenges students face in dramatically different educational environments. She and her team also work with students who have a variety of educational differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, speech and language disorders, writing issues, and executive functioning issues. The Reading Guru team also offers in-person reading tutoring in Denver.
In addition to her teaching and tutoring work, Joanna writes comedy, watches horror movies, fosters dogs and figure skates in her spare time.
Elizabeth A.
Elizabeth has worked as an educator for the last twenty years in both public and private schools, as well as in private practice. Elizabeth is a licensed K-12 Special Education Generalist and holds a Master’s degree in education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She taught for several years at a private school for children with language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia and has had extensive training in effective, research-based literacy interventions. Elizabeth has completed Classroom Educator and Associate-level training in the Orton-Gillingham approach, Wilson Reading System Level 1 certification, and many other professional development courses centered on structured literacy over the course of her career.
Elizabeth is also a certified social-emotional learning facilitator. She integrates strategies for developing self-awareness, self-regulation, and a growth mindset in her work with students. Elizabeth and her students explore how they learn best, and lessons are tailored according to each individual student’s learning style and needs. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for Elizabeth is seeing her students grow in confidence as they master new skills and begin to see themselves as capable learners.
Elizabeth lives in Boulder, CO, with her husband Andrei, son Uri, dog Patches, and cat Benji. When she isn’t teaching, Elizabeth enjoys reading, journaling, hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family.
Erica A.
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.
Michelle A.
Michelle is a passionate and experienced educator with over 22 years of teaching in Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado. A native of Denver, Colorado, she has taught both first and fourth grades, bringing energy, compassion, and a strong commitment to student success at every level. Her goal is to provide individualized instruction that meets each student where they are and helps them succeed using proven, research-based strategies.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Reading and Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. She has received extensive training in literacy instruction, including three years of Orton-Gillingham training and participation in multiple dyslexia-focused professional development programs, including intensive training in the Orton-Gillingham approach through the Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE).
Outside the classroom, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and taking relaxing vacations. Her dedication to fostering a love of learning—especially in literacy—continues to inspire and support the growth of every student she teaches.
Angela B.
Angela is a highly experienced literacy educator with 22 years of teaching elementary-aged students with a wide range of social, emotional, academic, and learning needs. She is currently a Reading Interventionist and third-grade literacy teacher to a diverse student population in Denver.
After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana, she received her CELTA certificate through the University of Cambridge and taught English in Japan for two years. It was there that she discovered the joy of teaching, leading her to return to the United States to earn her K–6 Elementary Education license at MSU Denver. She has since taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade literacy for the past 20 years in Denver Public Schools.
Angela is trained in the Science of Reading, Wilson Reading, Read Naturally, and Really Great Reading programs. She is deeply passionate about providing each student with the precise skills they need to reach their full reading potential.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, gardening, and doing anything outdoors.
Michelle B.
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.
Alexandra D.
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.
Brandy E.
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.
Emily E.
Jenny F.
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.
Ashlee G.
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.
Anne G.
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!
Laura H.
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.
Jennifer H.
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.
Erica H.
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.
Antoinette H.
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.
Katelan H.
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.
Nicole H.
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.
Kirsten H.
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.
Erin K.
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.
Jamie K.
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.
Jess K.
Jess is a master educator with 23 years of experience teaching children in grades Kindergarten to 5th grade. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist in the state of Massachusetts. Jess is currently a Reading Specialist servicing students in grades Kindergarten to 5th grade. She is always looking to grow and learn as an educator and she enjoys taking courses based on current reading research. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Fundations, SPIRE, the Science of Reading, Heggerty, Keys to Literacy, and Telian Letters. She provides online Orton-Gillingham tutoring.
When she first started her teaching career she realized very quickly that teaching her students how to read gave her the greatest joy.
For Jess, “This is more than just a job to me, this is my passion! I enjoy assessing my students to find out their strengths and weaknesses and tailoring my lessons accordingly. The best part of my job is when that lightbulb goes off in their head and they feel successful!”
Jess is a wife, mom to 3 children, and a dog mom to a teacup Yorkie named Lulu. In her spare time you can catch her at the football field or baseball field watching her son, or at the dance studio where her daughters dance competitively.
Melisa L.
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.
Sade L.
Sade is a dedicated educator with 13 years of experience. She earned her Master’s Degree from Touro College and is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach at the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE). In addition, she holds certification in Special Education for grades 1-6.
Throughout her career, Sade has been passionate about creating a nurturing environment where all students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. She is committed to fostering a culture of acceptance and respect for all students’ backgrounds while instilling confidence, motivation, and a love for learning.
Sade enjoys working with students one-on-one, where she can build strong relationships with them and tailor instruction to meet their individual needs. This personalized approach promotes greater engagement, accountability, and a stronger sense of ownership in the learning process. She finds it deeply rewarding to watch students gain confidence as they master the routines of the Orton-Gillingham program. Sade is a firm believer in the Science of Reading, and she sees the Orton-Gillingham approach as a key tool for student success.
In her personal life, Sade enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, writing, and traveling the world. She is a proud mother of two children and loves spending time with them.
Jessica M.
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.
Katie M.
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 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.
Jennifer S.
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.
Lauren S.
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 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.
