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Master’s in Education Licensed Spanish Teacher P-12 TESOL Endorsement (K-12
10 years of teaching 9-12th
(TESOL) endorsement
I Student-taught in Spain and love celebrating Spanish culture. I enjoy offering opportunities for students to be creative and use higher order thinking skills in the classroom and in the community. I am excited to be more involved in the DSACO community and build literacy skills for our adult learners!

Maestría en Educación Maestra de Español Certificada P-12 TESOL Aprobada como Maestra de Enseñanza a Estudiantes de otros Idiomas (K-12)
La historia profesional de Alexandra incluye 10 años de experiencia docente a nivel de escuela secundaria. Ella realizo prácticas profesionales bajo la guía de un maestro mentor en España y le encanta celebrar la cultura española en su salón de clases. Tiene la aprobación como Maestra de Enseñanza a Estudiantes de otros Idiomas (TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Alexandra se enorgullece de cultivar un ambiente de enseñanza atento y positivo. Le gusta ofrecer oportunidades para que los estudiantes sean creativos y usen habilidades de pensamiento de orden superior en el salón de clases y en la comunidad. ¡Está muy emocionada de estar más involucrada en la comunidad de DSACO y desarrollar habilidades de alfabetización para nuestros estudiantes adultos!

M.A., Applied Behavior Analysis, Capella University M.A., Educational Leadership, University of Dayton M.A. in Education, Literacy Minor, University of Dayton B.S., in Special Education, Dowling College Licensed Intervention Specialist K-12 with Teacher as Leader Endorsement

Althea has worked with students of diverse age ranges from preschool through high school as well as various developmental disabilities including learners with Down syndrome. She implements creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning, community inclusion and transition preparation. Her professional history includes teaching, tutoring, curriculum planning, and development of assessment methods. She is currently the Executive Director of a learning and resource center in Columbus. Althea uses the Stevenson Language Skills Program and BrainSpring’s Phonics First program. Althea is excited to help fill the gap in adult literacy programming for adults with Down syndrome because she believes it is everyone’s right to be equipped with the tools to read and write. She has successfully assisted many students in their quest to learn how to read and is a firm believer that individuals of all ability levels can build literacy skills with the right supports.

Master’s in Reading & Literature Reading Endorsement (K-12) Orton Gillingham Certification In-Process Licensed Educator (P-3)

Amy’s professional history includes 27 years of tutoring and teaching experience as an intervention specialist, general education teacher, and reading specialist. Additionally, she has served as President of the Granville Education Association, served as Chair of her local Professional Development Committee, and was a National Board-Certified educator during her tenure as a Special Education teacher. In her undergraduate days, she enjoyed volunteering at an after-school program specifically for students with Down syndrome. Amy uses Read Works, which offers several non-fiction texts and articles to help assess background knowledge and ultimately build comprehension skills. Amy shares that she struggled with reading in elementary school, but with some intervention she learned how to break the code and then couldn’t put books down! She feels that reading is something you need daily, and that it can be fun. She looks forward to sharing her love of reading with learners in this program!

M.A. Ed Ashland University, Curriculum & Instruction: Literacy Licensed P – 3 Reading Endorsement Pre-K - 12

Over the course of her 21-year teaching career, Ashley has worked with a variety of students in the elementary setting. While working at Our Lady of the Lake School in Euclid, she facilitated a community partnership by pairing her students with adults with developmental disabilities to work collaboratively on monthly projects. She also has experience with private tutoring inclusive of learners with Down syndrome. Ashley uses both Orton Gillingham and Wilson Foundations. She is very passionate about reading and loves showing people the joys of reading. She is excited to share that passion with adult learners through this project!

M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Therapy
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Breanna’s professional experience includes working with individuals with Down syndrome, individuals with developmental disabilities, and adult populations throughout her graduate school career and during her clinical fellowship year. Specifically, she has worked in The Ohio State University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, Columbus City Schools, OSU Wexner Medical Center Dodd Rehabilitation, and The Ohio State University Aphasia Initiative. Breanna uses multi-sensory, language-based approaches. All her instruction is personalized, direct, and flexible. Breanna believes that reading unlocks so many parts of our world! In her day job, she serves the state of Ohio making sure people with disabilities have accessible voting available to them, as well as support for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Breanna is excited to be part of this program because being able to support literacy and accessibility with our adult learners is another great way she can learn about and help identify barriers that individuals face – and collaborate with them on the best solutions!

Bachelor of Science in Special Education (Moderate – Intensive), Bowling Green State University Highly Qualified Teacher Status in ELA/Reading Licensed K-12

Carla’s professional history includes 8 years of classroom teaching experience and tutoring. In addition to teaching children with developmental disabilities (including Down syndrome), she also has a daughter with special needs and is a treatment foster home provider. She has volunteered over several years through the Heinzerling Foundation and enjoyed working with both children and adults with developmental disabilities through the Foundation. Carla has received training in Orton-Gillingham and primarily uses these materials for literacy instruction. She prefers these because they are multi-sensory, systematic, and evidence based. Carla is excited to join this project because she believes that literacy is critical in every walk of life – from using a menu at a restaurant to reading a map at a local park. She believes that literacy is a powerful tool that equips individuals to advance their education, experience new hobbies, and communicate. She looks forward to supporting adult learners in reaching their literacy goals through DSACO’s Adult Literacy Project!

Master’s in Education Reading Endorsement Certified Academic Language Practitioner / Orton Gillingham Certified Licensed K-12 Intervention Specialist

Over the course of her 27-year professional career as an Intervention Specialist, Carrie has served a multitude of students with a variety of learning disabilities and needs. She will deliver instruction specifically using the Orton-Gillingham framework. Carrie is passionate about literacy and supporting those who have learning gaps in reading. She loves to read and wants to give others the opportunity to develop skills so they can enjoy reading and have the skills to support themselves in their everyday lives.

Master’s in Special Education Licensed Intervention Specialist K-12

Ingrid has 23 years of teaching experience which includes classroom instruction as well as in-home tutoring. She has access to Orton Gillingham, Stevenson and Wilson materials as well as many resources to help improve reading comprehension (materials for vocabulary, making inferences, visualizing, sequencing, etc.). Ingrid has a passion for teaching reading, and she does not believe that learning stops when students leave school. She is excited to be part of this project and help adults improve their literacy skills and be life-long learners.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Educational Administration Certified School Psychologist & Superintendent (K-12) Certified Dyslexia and ADHD Specialist (K-12)
Jean is a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience working with various ages from early childhood to post-graduate students. The reading program that she uses is based in Orton Gillingham principles; however, she takes pride in knowing how to adapt and meet the needs and interests of the individual learner. Her professional history includes working as a director of curriculum and instruction, a director of special education, an assistant superintendent, an assistant professor, and a supervisor of student teaching at Otterbein College. She is involved in many professional associations, including the Central Ohio Dyslexia Association and the International Reading Association. Jean enjoys learning and embraces new challenges. She wants adult learners to know that their minds can be stretched. Neuroplasticity is not just a term; it provides a window for us to open. Jean is willing to explore every angle to help adult learners grow and make a positive difference in their lives!

Master’s in Educational Psychology Reading Endorsement (K-12) Licensed Educator (P-3)

Jennifer has a combined 20 years of experience across the classroom, 1:1 tutoring, and homeschool settings. She has worked with a variety of age levels and draws from several curricula and methodologies (including Orton Gillingham) to create the most effective program for each learner. Jennifer’s professional history also includes 2 years as a Research Assistant at The Center for the Study of Reading in Champaign, IL. She is very excited to work with adults who wish to improve their literacy skills because literacy permeates life and can open so many doors for people, whether work-related, educational, or for pleasure. Jennifer considers herself a life-long learner, as she is always wanting to learn more about lots of different things!

Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction Licensed K-12 Intervention Specialist

John is a high school intervention specialist. A firm believer that every student learns in a different way, he uses a variety of teaching techniques with an emphasis on multisensory instruction. For reading comprehension, he uses materials that encourage making predictions, retelling, visualizing, and story maps. He has experience working with adults with Down syndrome as a direct support professional – and says that work is truly his “favorite thing!” John believes that there is so much room for growth within each individual – and looks forward to playing a role in the success and growth of our learners!

Bachelor of Science in Special Education (Moderate – Intensive) Highly Qualified Teacher Status in Reading Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction
Licensed Intervention Specialist (K-12)

Katie has 7 years of teaching experience and 10 years of non-profit leadership experience through her work as Founder & Director of Brighter Connections, an inclusive summer theatre program for students ages 8-26. She uses Wilson Reading (phonics/phonemic awareness/vocabulary), Unique Learning System/News2You (comprehension), and the Stevenson Program (multisensory program that supports spelling and writing along with reading) in her work. During college, Katie was involved in a work skills camp which served high schoolers with disabilities and she loved the experience. She developed a passion for helping students in their transition to life after high school. Katie is so excited to be part of this program and help adults enhance their quality of life beyond the school system.

Master’s in Education (Administration) Master’s in Education (Learning & Technology) Principal’s License (Grades 4-9 & 5-12) & Licensed French Teacher (K-12)

Larissa’s professional history includes 16 years of teaching and tutoring French and English, including vocabulary, reading, and writing. She has volunteered with Special Olympics and considers that experience a highlight of her high school career. Larissa uses a multi-sensory curriculum for word reading as well as strategies for reading comprehension and vocabulary development. When asked why she was excited to help fill the gap in adult literacy programming, Larissa said “I am so excited to be a part of this program so that I can help our community members with Down syndrome have more confidence in themselves and their literacy! I want each of them to know they have another trusted and friendly adult who is rooting for them and will walk with them as they continue to learn and grow. I love teaching and am thrilled to have the chance to work 1:1!”

Master’s in Reading & Literacy Licensed Teacher K-3

Laura is a veteran educator with over 24 years of teaching experience including work as a home instructor, private tutor for students ages 5-17, and most recently as a Title Reading Specialist. She has experience working with students with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and Autism. Through her teaching career, she has always prioritized supporting students and sometimes parents who struggle with literacy. She is trained in the Wilson Reading Program and has also received training in LETRS and Acadience. Her connection to this program is both professional and personal – along with almost three decades of teaching children how to read, she is a proud aunt to a niece with Down syndrome! Laura shares that teaching literacy to children and adults is a passion and she is very excited to support adult literacy efforts through this program!

Master’s in Special Education with emphasis on Clinical & Remedial Reading
Retired K-12 Intervention Specialist

Lisa is a retired intervention specialist with 24 years of classroom experience and five years of reading tutoring. Her tutoring experiences include work with a range of ages, including adults! Lisa is excited to join this program because she loves to read and loves to teach others how to read at any level. She has 54 hours of training in Orton Gillingham and has also been trained in the Wilson Reading Program. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at the Columbus Zoo where she teaches children and adults about the animals in her favorite region (stingrays, kangaroos, and giraffes).

B.S. Education, University of Michigan M.A. Business, Ohio Dominican University Licensed K-12

Marlene has taught in many venues and with individuals of all ages through her over three decades of experience as a classroom teacher, school administrator, private tutor, and test assessor for a local publishing company. During Marlene’s tenure as a private tutor, she had the honor of working with several adults who came to her as non-readers. She has completed an intensive summer program on teaching reading using Orton-Gillingham principles and programs and uses the Wilson Reading System. The materials are research-based, multi-sensory, phonetic and sequential. She believes that when the program is presented with fidelity, students of all ages and abilities make significant progress in their ability to read, write, and spell – and can attest to this through her experience implementing the Wilson Reading System with both children and adult learners. Marlene loves celebrating the uniqueness and talents possessed by each person and looks forward to being part of this initiative!

Master’s in Education Orton Gillingham Certification In-Process Licensed K-12 Intervention Specialist

Mary has 17 years of teaching experience in both the public school system and through her local county board of developmental disabilities, where she taught middle and high school. Additionally, she is a loyal volunteer for Special Olympics and loves being part of the winter and summer games. Mary believes that literacy is a life-long event and learning shouldn’t stop after graduation. She is very excited to continue building literacy skills outside of the school environment through this project!

Bachelor’s in Education Licensed P-3

Megan’s professional history includes 7 years of teaching in an inclusion classroom and 1 year of tutoring. She is trained in both Heggerty and S.P.I.R.E. (Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence) and currently uses Heggerty and 95 Phonics as her whole class reading curriculum. She is a firm believer in any curriculum that follows the science of reading. Megan personally loves how reading a great book can make her feel inspired and empowered, and she wants to share that love of reading with others so they too can feel inspired and empowered! She is very excited to be a part of this project and help adults develop and improve their reading skills while finding a passion to read.

Bachelor’s in Special Education Licensed K-12 Intervention Specialist

Molly’s professional history includes 12 years of teaching across a variety of grade levels, with experience spanning from kindergarten all the way through high school. Literacy is something that Molly is passionate about, and she has sought out extra classes to enhance her knowledge and teaching skills – particularly with reading comprehension. Molly uses NEWSELA, an online news-as-literacy platform that features high-interest articles and has a track record of improving vocabulary, background knowledge, and comprehension skills. Molly is looking forward to working with adult learners through DSACO’s Adult Literacy program!

Master’s in Special Education Permanent Teaching Certificate for Special Education K-12

Sandie has 30 years of classroom teaching experience serving students with multiple disabilities. Additionally, she is a long-time supporter of DSACO and has been involved with the Adult Stamping Club for about a decade! She is using Orton-Gillingham materials for this project. Sandie believes that reading is an essential skill for independence and empowerment and is so excited to help adults with Down syndrome gain additional reading skills to better understand the written communication in their environment.

Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction Reading Endorsement PreK-12 Licensed Intervention Specialist K-12

Sarah’s professional history includes 15 years working as an intervention specialist with students of varying abilities. She has received training in both Orton Gillingham and Wilson Reading System and has a Reading Endorsement. Sarah is excited to help fill the gap in adult literacy programming because she loves helping people develop confidence and pride in their academics. She embraces the idea that reading is an integral part of building independence and looks forward to supporting adult learners in their reading skills and knowledge!

Ph. D, Foreign and Second Language Education English as a Second Language Bilingual Instructor

Tona brings over 15 years of experience teaching English and Spanish at all educational levels. She has worked 1:1 with learners with Down syndrome, dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and undiagnosed learning challenges. She uses Wilson Fundations. Tona is excited to join this program because she believes that everyone can learn when given the appropriate strategies and attention to individual differences. In addition to teaching, Tona has authored many publications, presentations, and technical reports about second-language learners.