I am a retired elementary education teacher with 25+ years of experience and, for the last six years, a High Impact Literacy Tutor in both private and public schools. I am a licensed Birth-to-Kindergarten teacher with a unique ability to guide students using developmentally appropriate activities combined with research proven literacy curriculum. As a member of the NC Education Corps I have been trained in the Science of Reading including the The Top Ten Tools for Reading Teachers by the authors of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling-LETRS. The Simple View of Reading Model is the scientific framework that describes two distinct, equally important cognitive skills to learn to read, decoding words and language comprehension equals reading comprehension. To ensure I cover all aspects of learning to read I use various proven curriculum, Heggerty, UFLI (University of Florida Literary Institute), West Virginia Phonics, and Fundations by Wilson Language among other strategies like songs, games, edtech and worksheets. These programs are designed with sequential skill learning lessons and activities along with opportunities for me to progress monitor growth and reteach using a vertical alignment of Phonological Awareness and Phonics along with Reading Comprehension that is necessary at all stages of learning to read.

I LOVE spending time with my grandchildren and do so whenever I can. I love to swim, walk the local trails and exercise often. I enjoy spending time crocheting, sewing and home improvement projects. Along with my husband, I travel and enjoy watching sports, mostly football, golf and hockey. My passion for teaching children become strong readers keeps me busy with professional development literacy webinars and workshops and connected to other educators and the academic community.