READING WRITING TUTORS SPECIALISTS

Jill is an expert literacy specialist and math instructor with 19 years of experience educating students from various backgrounds with diverse educational needs in kindergarten through 12th grade.  She is sought after by parents and educational institutions for her expertise and is certified in Bilingual Elementary Education (EC-4), English Language Arts and Reading (4-8), Special Education (EC-12), and Principal (EC-12).  Jill is also certified and equipped to assist dyslexic students in improving their reading, writing, and spelling skills through engaging instruction that utilizes multisensory teaching techniques.

Jill creates a nurturing learning environment and tailors her instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.  She believes in a student-centered approach to learning and incorporates various teaching strategies and resources into each lesson, such as hands-on interactive activities, manipulatives, multimodal digital texts, and mind mapping, to ensure that each child acquires the skills necessary to succeed academically and socioemotionally.  Parents find their children love her instructional style and ease of making learning engaging and fun!

Dan is a dual certified special education teacher with over 17 years experience. Dan believes relationship building is the cornerstone of a successful teaching practice and strives to quickly engage his students by exuding expertise and passion within his practice. In his 17 years as an educator, Dan has worked as a resource teacher, inclusive special education teacher, as well as a self-contained special education teacher. Dan has experience working with a wide variety of students including those with specific reading, writing and math learning disabilities, speech and language delays, ADD, ADHD, as well as issues with Executive Functioning. Through his experience as an educator, he has been able to find his own innovative, progressive approach, which allows him to tailor units, lessons and concepts to the individual learning needs and interests of his students.

Dan has worked with a multitude of students implementing multisensory reading instruction and specializes his instruction to students who have difficulties with decoding or dyslexia. He has experience in implementing the Corrective Reading Program, Wilson Fundations, Wilson Reading System, The Orton Gillingham Approach, Guided Reading Leveled Literacy, Novel Studies, Core-Knowledge and the Teachers College Readers Workshop. 

LOCATION: Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Downtown Brooklyn, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Vinegar Hill, Flatbush, Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens; All of Manhattan
TYPE OF SERVICES: Multisensory Reading Instruction, Administration and Interpretation of formal and informal Reading and Math Assessments, Math Instruction and Remediation, Executive Functioning, Study Skills, Common Core Homework Help
EXPERTISE: Working with children who have difficulty decoding (reading words correctly) including those with dyslexia, reading fluently, spelling difficulties, showing reading comprehension, expository and narrative writing instruction, grade level and remedial math instruction, homework help, common core tutoring, building executive functions.
AGES: Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Derek has a master's in Professional Studies a Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. He has the following New York State certifications: Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6; Early Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities Birth-Grade 2: and as a School Building and School District Leader. Derek has been teaching and tutoring for seven years in many different instructional capacities including a 3^rd-5^th grade self-contained classroom, an education consultant for grades 2-4, and 4^th grade integrated co-teaching classroom (ICT) and general education classrooms. Currently, Derek is a 4^th grade ICT teacher in a New York City public school in Brooklyn.

Derek has taught students using a multitude of literacy and mathematics programs including Teacher s College Reading and Writing Project, Ready Gen, Lit Life, Go Math, enVision Math, and the Engage NY ELA and Math modules. He has extensive literacy experience using Core Knowledge Language Arts, Orton-Gillingham, Reading A-Z, Read Works, Wilson, Fundations, as well as Edmark for supplemental ELA intervention. Additionally, he has experience with integrated instructional technology programs such as Lexia, I-Ready, and Achieve 3,000 into his daily small group and individualized classroom instruction.

LOCATION: Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island
TYPE OF SERVICES: Reading comprehension and fluency, reading and writing stamina, writing organization, structure, and development, spelling, phonological assessments, progressing monitoring, and data analysis
EXPERTISE: Curriculum modifications, phonological awareness, reading comprehension, writing for general education students and special education students, and data analysis
GRADES: Kindergarten thru 6^th grade

Tatiana is a certified teacher with a track record of success on the NY state exams and over 7 years of experience in NYC schools. She graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame and is a Teach for America alumna. During her time as a TFA corps member, she completed a Masters in Elementary Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education and holds a Professional Certificate in Childhood Education (grades 1-6).

Tatiana specializes in inquiry-based learning and constructivist teaching methods. She implements Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, and Tactile (VAKT) strategies in her lesson plans. She teaches math using a Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) approach and, in reading, she is trained in Teacher s College Reading and Writing as well as Fountas & Pinnell. 

Peter is a special educator and childhood literacy specialist, pre-K 4th grade, the learning to read phase of literacy instruction. He holds permanent New York State certification in special education, a masters in special education from Hunter College (CUNY) and a PhD in urban education from the Graduate Center (CUNY). He has supervised pre-service elementary school teachers at the undergraduate level and taught literacy assessment and instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Peter currently contributes, edits, and reviews book chapters and articles on the history, philosophy, and sociology of education for various academic publications.

Peter is trained in the Wilson Reading System, one of the many Orton-Gillingham approaches to multi-sensory phonics instruction. He has taught in both inclusive and self-contained special education environments (K 2nd grade). He has learned through his experience that multi-sensory phonics instruction braided with robust comprehension modalities is the sine qua non of childhood literacy instruction. Phonics and comprehension are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they must be coupled for effective assessment and instruction.

Maddie received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and is currently a full-time graduate Occupational Therapy student at New York University. She plans on specializing in pediatrics after graduation next winter. Prior to graduate school, Maddie was the Office Manager of a pediatric clinic offering Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy services. Maddie spent a lot of time working with the Department of Education and learning how to navigate specialized services for children in New York City. While working at the clinic, she was fortunate enough to take the Developmental Individual-difference Relationship-based model (DIR) course and obtain the introductory certificate. 

Jayne graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She then completed her MSEd in Childhood Education at the College of Staten Island. Jayne is a tenured teacher with 18 years of teaching experience. She has taught in various educational settings with students of different abilities and needs for pre-kindergarten -6th grades. Currently, Jayne is teaching fourth grade in an ICT classroom in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. She has extensive experience teaching literacy and with ELA and math test preparation.

She has a strong understanding of the needs of learners with ADHD (executive functioning), dyslexia, and autism. Jayne has incorporated Ed-tech and adaptive learning tools to meet the needs of her learners. Her expertise is with grades 1-3. Jayne is trained in Columbia University Teachers College’s reading and writing curriculum. This program relies on modeling and inquiry to help students improve their reading and writing skills.

Michelle is a learning specialist who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Cognitive Science with minors in psychology and disabilities studies from the University of Delaware. She went on to complete her Masters in Speech and Language Pathology at Hunter College, and in 2020 she received her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School intending to pursue Education Law in the future. During tutoring sessions, Michelle helps students develop skills from a variety of subjects including reading, math, and writing. 

Regarding reading skills, Michelle has provided in-home tutoring to assist students in developing their phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. Michelle’s approach is student-centered, and she makes a conscious effort to plan activities that align with a student’s specific interests to keep sessions engaging and enjoyable.

Kaitlyn is a childhood (Grade 1- Grade 5) special education teacher at a public school in Brooklyn. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) from The College of Staten Island. She continued at The College of Staten Island to obtain a Master’s Degree in Special Education (Grade 1- Grade 6). Kaitlyn recently completed the CITE program through The College of Saint Rose to obtain advanced certifications in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership. Kaitlyn has six years of experience working with students with diverse backgrounds. She has experience working with students with ADHD, autism, speech and language impairments, and dyslexia. She prides herself in differentiating her instruction to meet her students’ unique needs. She has experience teaching the Common Core Standards and newly adapted Next Generation Learning Standards.

Lynsey graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelors Degree in Childhood Education (1-6) and graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Masters of Science Degree in Literacy (Birth-6). Lynsey has over 5 years of teaching experience and has taught first-grade general education and is currently teaching in a fourth-grade inclusion classroom (integrated co-teaching with general and special education students). This has provided her with experiences involving students with a wide range of intellectual, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Being that she works in an inclusion classroom, she works closely with special education students and has practice differentiating and scaffolding lessons to meet their needs. Lynsey has taught summer school the last 3 years for the NYC DOE where she has taught second, third, and sixth grade, focusing specifically on literacy and math. Lynsey also taught a STEM after-school program for 3 years, helping students use digital tools and devices to complete enrichment projects.

Kara, a Certified Elementary, Special Education Teacher and Dyslexia Practitioner has been working in the public school setting for the past 6 years. She graduated with her Masters of Science in Education with a speciality in learning and behavior disorders from CUNY Hunter College.

Kara is certified in the Wilson Reading Program that specifically works to target language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia. She is also trained in several other multisensory reading and writing programs. Kara is currently a special education teacher in Westchester County working with students that have learning disabilities, executive functioning difficulties, ADHD, and autism. Kara also helps students with test prep for local and state exams.

Daria is a multi-certified teacher in Early Childhood Education (Birth – grade 2) and Special Education. She graduated from Hunter College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Brooklyn College with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. In addition, she is fully trained in the Orton Gillingham approach (multi-sensory approach for struggling readers/writers).

Daria has been teaching and tutoring for 9 years in various educational settings with students of different abilities and needs from early intervention to 5th grade. She currently works as a special education teacher in a self-contained classroom setting in a New York City public school in Brooklyn. She has experience working with children ages 2 – 10 with ASD, processing delays, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, ODD, and speech/language impairments.

Lauren is a NYC Department of Education teacher and holds 5 NYS Certifications: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Pre K to Grade 12), Students with Disabilities (Birth to Grade 2), Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6), Early Childhood General Education (Birth to Grade 2), and Childhood General Education (Grades 1-6). She received her Master’s Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language) from Hunter College in Manhattan. She also received a B.A. in Child Study/Mathematics from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn. Lauren is currently an ENL (English as a New Language) teacher in Brooklyn, NY. She works with English Language Learners and modifies instruction so that her diverse students can grasp the content being taught.

Lauren has experience working with many diverse cultures and backgrounds, currently working with students speaking 27 different languages. Lauren specializes in small-group guided reading instruction working on specific students’ needs. She understands that students learn in different ways and incorporates a variety of learning styles in her instruction such as, visual, linguistic, and kinesthetic. For reading struggles, Lauren uses multi-sensory instruction with various hands-on techniques (play-doh, sand writing, air writing, magnetic letter tiles) to aid in word memory and building and engages with the students in interactive shared reading.

Lauren is trained using multiple assessments and curriculum including Teacher’s College, Words Their Way, Fundations, Fountas and Pinnell, Go Math, Metamorphosis Math, and Envisions. She works with students who struggle with decoding, spelling, and writing by building on each student's current skill level. Lauren has experience working with students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.

LOCATION: Brooklyn: Flatbush (Ditmas Park, Flatbush Park South), Williamsburg, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park
Queens: Woodside, Astoria, Sunnyside, Glendale, Middle Village, Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights
TYPE OF SERVICE: ENL support, Administering reading and writing assessments, phonics work, individualized reading instruction, providing math help, language building, vocabulary instruction, test prep for NYSESLAT and State ELA & Math exams
EXPERTISE: Working with English Language Learners and helping them build language, Intervention for children struggling with decoding, comprehension, and fluency
AGES: Preschool-4th Grade

Alexa is a childhood (birth-grade 6) education teacher in a New York City public school in Brooklyn. She has been teaching since 2015. Alexa attended Iona College in New Rochelle, NY for her undergraduate education degree, with a minor in math. Following that Alexa attended Brooklyn College where she obtained her Masters Degree in Elementary Education. In addition, she is fully trained in the Orton Gillingham approach (multi-sensory approach for struggling readers/writers).

Alexa began her teaching career in an elementary school in Brooklyn as a second grade teacher. She has experience working with children with processing delays, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and speech/language impairments. Alexa differentiates for each of her students using multi-sensory lessons that help students struggling with decoding/encoding, fluency, math, reading and reading comprehension. She specializes in teaching phonemic awareness, letter/sound identification, blending sounds, guided reading, reading comprehension skills and writing.

LOCATION: Brooklyn: Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Carrol Gardens, Cobble Hill, Marine Park, Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Gravesend and Borough Park
TYPE OF SERVICES: Individualized instruction in reading, decoding/encoding (spelling), phonics, reading comprehension, reading fluency, and writing
EXPERTISE: Orton Gillingham, individualized lessons in decoding/encoding, Leveled Literacy Instruction, reading comprehension, writing, and math
AGES: birth through elementary school

Raquel is a handwriting specialist who has been helping children improve their handwriting skills for over 12 years. She graduated magna cum laude from Florida International University with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. She has worked in various school districts in Florida, Boston, and New York City, working with children with various needs, specializing in handwriting instruction and support. She provides services to young children and has volunteered abroad, assisting parents, educators, and healthcare practitioners in child development. Raquel is a licensed and registered occupational therapist and certified pediatric massage therapist. She is currently seeking additional certification in brain coursework with Amen clinics to understand how neurodiversity impacts individuals. She has been trained in the Handwriting Without Tears program, uses methods found in TV Teacher, and tailors her approach to each child’s needs.

Raquel helps her students express their thoughts and concepts so they can be proud of their written and typing output. She uses various multi-sensory modalities (i.e., chalk, paint, playdough, etc.) and tactile and sensory experiences to help children grasp pre-writing and writing skills in developmentally appropriate and fun ways. Taking advantage of play, by incorporating children’s individual interests, has helped many of her younger children stay focused during her sessions.  Children are encouraged to find their unique way of recalling letter formation with mantras or songs.  Exercises warm up their hand and upper body muscles, helping her students write more legibly. Varied fine motor activities also help them isolate their fingers and support pencil grasp- which are other ways to help improve handwriting. During the toddler years, she supports pre-writing and readiness activities. She focuses on creating strokes, lines, and curves that prepare them for writing and early literacy. She supports letter formation and directionality in preschool and kindergarten, which is essential for writing efficiently and consistently. Once her students write sentences, Raquel focuses on legibility and spacing between letters and words to improve their readability. As children mature, cursive may be incorporated, which may help them express their ideas with greater fluidity. Raquel teaches typing to students who find handwriting arduous and laborious.

LOCATION: Online and throughout Manhattan
TYPE OF SERVICES: Handwriting Assessments, Handwriting Tutor (pre-writing, print, and cursive), and typing.
EXPERTISE: Handwriting
AGES: Preschool through adolescence.

Rebecca is an elementary education teacher (grades 1-6) in the New York City Department of Education. She currently teaches 1st grade in Brooklyn. Rebecca has also worked with students in 2nd through 4th grades in both classroom and extra support roles. She received her Bachelors in Economics from Northeastern University and her Masters of Science in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Middle School Social Studies from Northwestern University. Rebecca is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach (multi- sensory approach for struggling readers/writers), Fountas and Pinnell, Teachers College Reading and Writing, Metamorphosis Math, and TERC math. Rebecca has experience working with students with diverse needs, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety disorders, speech/language impairments, and learning disabilities. She specializes in working with students who need intervention in phonemic awareness, letter/sound identification, decoding/encoding, fluency, reading comprehension, and writing.

Margaret is a Brooklyn native literacy and math instructor with 6 years of experience. She has worked with a variety of students with diverse educational backgrounds including those with specific reading, writing, and math disabilities. Margaret is a dually certified General Education teacher. She attended Brooklyn college earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Grades 1-6) and Touro College earned a Master’s degree in Special Education (Birth-2). Margaret is also certified to assist dyslexic students in reading, writing, and spelling skills.

Margaret is an energetic educator who believes in full-body learning. Her approach to multisensory learning includes auditory, visual as well tactile learning. She uses a variety of teaching strategies tailored to the individual needs of a child including mind mapping, manipulatives, and interactive activities. Margaret’s instruction includes phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, dyslexia intervention, and elementary math.  She customizes an instructional plan based on students’ needs and strengths for the utmost growth in your child.

Mike graduated from St. Joseph s University on Long Island with a dual bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education for Early Childhood K- 6th grade. He also has a Masters Degree in Literacy K-6th grade from Long Island University. While working to attain his Literacy degree, he developed working knowledge of Fundations, as well as Fountas & Pinell. Before graduating from St. Josephs, Mike was an English major at Manhattanville University while studying to become a lawyer. However, he eventually realized his true passion was working with children and turned his attention to teaching. Both of Mike s parents were special education teachers. His mother taught middle and high school special education as a reading teacher, which helped expose him to years of teaching methods long before he had his own classroom. Now, Mike has over 10 years working in both general education and special education classrooms. For the past 4+ years, he has worked as a special education teacher in an I.C.T. (Integrated Co-Teaching) classroom, as well as a general education teacher at P.S. 170 in Brooklyn. One of his core beliefs is to create student engagement, which helps facilitate learning. He uses numerous multisensory and interactive techniques to enhance students writing, decoding, spelling, reading fluency, and reading comprehension skills. Mike also has extensive knowledge of the NYS Common Core learning standards, which he seamlessly incorporates into each lesson. He also has over five years of sports coaching experience. He brings a passion and willingness to work with students of all learning abilities and styles.

Anastasiya is a New York dual licensed Childhood (birth-grade 2) General and Special Education Teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching, mentoring, and tutoring students. She holds a bachelor of science from Brooklyn College in Speech Language Pathology, with a minor in Children s Studies, and a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education in General and Special Education from Touro College School of Education. Anastasiya is currently obtaining her second masters degree in School and District Leadership from Touro College. She is presently working as a special education teacher in an integrated NEST second grade classroom, at a highly regarded school in Brooklyn.

Anastasiya has dedicated her career to working in private and public schools, agencies, and home based intervention sites throughout all boroughs. She has experience servicing children grades K-5 with a wide range of disabilities including: speech and language impairments, learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, dyspraxia, anxiety disorders, and comorbidity of these impairments. Anastasiya has also worked with many ESL students who need assistance in understanding their school s curriculum and producing grade level work. She utilizes her interpersonal skills to collaborate with teachers, therapists and parents in order to set up effective communication, which is utilized as a powerful tool in helping the child become a successful lifelong learner.

Gretchen is a certified 1st-6th grade educator with over 7 years of experience. She is certified in both Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities. She has taught pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade and middle school (grades 6-8) within those 7 years. All of these classes were inclusive classrooms with students of varied ability levels. She holds a master of sciences in Literacy from Touro College and is a certified Reading Specialist.

Gretchen currently works at a school in Brooklyn and have been teaching there since 2012. She works in a specialized program that helps children with high functioning autism in an inclusive setting gain access to the curriculum and Common Core standards. She is trained in Orton Gillingham, such as Wilson Fundations, Junior Great Books, ReadyGen, Go Math, Fountas and Pinnell, and the International Baccalaureate Program that focuses on student centered learning in all curriculum areas. Within her current school, she conducts literacy interventions for struggling readers and hosts workshops on positive behavior interventions for her colleagues.

Natalie Hale is a New York State licensed Special Educator (Grades 1-6). She received her Masters of Science in Teaching Students with Special Needs from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College. Natalie is trained and certified in The Spalding Method (K-6), a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling. Natalie is also trained in the Wilson Fundations Program: a phonics-based program for young children (K-3).

Natalie has completed vigorous Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) trainings at New York University, as well as directly through the NYC Department of Education. She has been appointed as the lead teacher for the ASD Horizon Program at her public school.

Maddie is a reading tutor for children pre-k to 6th grade. She holds a dual M.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She is a certified Wilson Reading Instructor, having completed 11 separate graduate credits in the Wilson Program. Maddie has experience working with a diverse population of students, especially those with learning disabilities; e.g. dyslexia and ADHD.

Maddie’s personal experience with her own reading struggles as a child has given her a unique understanding of the emotional and social strains that struggling readers often face. Her interest in education began in high school where she tutored elementary school students in reading at The Churchill School and Center and taught children’s yoga. After receiving her B.A. in sociology from Guilford College, she began working at The Child School/Legacy High School where she gained experience teaching children with a wide range of special needs.

Lauren is an independent literacy/dyslexia tutor and instructor. She has earned the Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and Language from the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She is also a CERI/IDA Certified Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist, a Certified Wilson Reading System instructor, and a Certified Mindfulness Instructor (Mindful Schools). She is also trained in the Preventing Academic Failure program.

Lauren specializes in teaching critical literacy skills as well as simple mindfulness skills to ease anxiety, regain focus, and regulate their emotions. Her motto is, “A Calm Mind Is a Mind that Is Ready to Learn.”

Lauren tutors students in grades K through 8 who need help with reading (from decoding to comprehension) and writing (from brainstorming to revision). She has worked successfully with students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, processing issues, executive function deficits, ADHD, and ASD. She has also effectively supported students who are twice-exceptional, that is, gifted and also struggling learners. She provides individualized, comprehensive, multisensory, direct instruction with patience and a sense of fun. 

David worked for four years as an elementary school special education teacher in California. In New York, David focused on supporting individual students to succeed in school. He worked with all ages of students from elementary to teenager. He specializes in teaching literacy to students with special needs like Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, NVLD, and other learning disabilities. Success comes because David tailors his instruction to meet individual students’ needs. David has taught full general education classrooms, but his favorite practice is teaching small groups of special needs students, and individuals one-to-one. David believes that one of the key components to effective teaching is to build strong relationships based on mutual trust. David earned his bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the University of California, Davis. He earned his general education teaching credential at Mills College in Oakland. He earned his Masters degree in Special Education at California State University, East Bay.

Susan is a dual-certified special education teacher working in service of students with learning disabilities since 2007. She currently works as a 4th grade teacher at a public school in Brooklyn. Prior to teaching, Susan worked for a dyslexia organization providing information, advocacy support and tutoring programs to students of all ages. Susan believes that connecting with students over their interests or passions and helping them to tap into the wealth of knowledge they already possess are crucial steps to building a trusting, fruitful teaching relationship.

Susan has worked in co-taught classrooms as a special educator and general educator for grades 3 through 5 and has provided tutoring to students in 2nd through 8th grade, students with dyslexia, ADD and ADHD, math learning disabilities and struggles with executive functioning. Her approach to teaching is multi-sensory and incorporates creativity, encouraging students to, in the words of the poet Mary Oliver, pay attention, be astonished, tell about it, in their own expressive modalities including the arts and music (which Susan is personally most inspired by).

Stephen holds a New York State Social Studies teaching license for grades 1-12 as well as a New York City Department of Education Common Branch license for grades 7-12. He earned a BA in English and History from Marquette University, an MA in Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University, and an MA in Liberal Studies from the City University of New York Graduate Center. 

Since 2003, Stephen has taught middle and high school social studies and film electives at the Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies (BCS). Another core role for Stephen is as an advisory teacher for a “crew” of high school students, serving as a mentor and guide through their 4-year journey, for social-emotional learning and scholarly development, as well as college counseling and active application engagement in junior/seniors years. At BCS, Stephen has run “reading buddy” programs pairing middle school and Brooklyn New School elementary school students.

Isabel is a tenured New York State public school educator who has taught a multitude of grades in elementary school. She is professionally certified in special education, bilingual education (Spanish), and general education. She currently works as a 1st grade teacher who provides special education teacher support services in English and Spanish. Isabel’s education includes a B.A. in English from SUNY Buffalo State College, a Masters of Science in Education for general/special education from Pace University, and an additional advanced certificate in bilingual education from CUNY Hunter College.

Isabel has experience teaching the New York Common Core Standards and is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Teachers College Reading/Writing, Fountas and Pinnell, and a variety of other research-based intervention frameworks, programs, and curricula. When it comes to teaching/tutoring, she highly regards delivering explicit instruction, having a multisensory approach, and incorporating the child’s learning style and interests to make learning engaging and meaningful.

Darielle is an elementary school Principal within the charter network in NYC. She is an NYS certified teacher for grades 1-6 in General and Special Education. Her education includes a B.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta and a Masters in General and Special Education (grades 1-6) from Touro College. She is passionate about working with kids and supporting them in any way she can.

Darielle has taught grade 1st, 2nd, 7th, 9th and 10th grade but has worked in grades K-7 and 9-12 within her career. She has tutored in elementary grades K-6 as well. She has worked with students with different needs such as ADHD, autism, and speech and language impairments.

Elizabeth graduated from Marist College with a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education & Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6) as well as she earned a master’s degree from Touro University in Childhood Education & Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6). Elizabeth is also a member of both the International Honor Society in Education and Psychology. Elizabeth spent the first part of her career as a Special Education teacher within schools across New York City. She also mentored new teachers, served as a grade-level team leader, and led several professional development training sessions for teachers and families. She is currently an Assistant Principal at the elementary level where she works with students to cultivate their love of learning while building their self confidence as they work to meet their individualized goals.

Elizabeth is a literacy and math instructor with years of experience in mentoring as well as tutoring children from diverse backgrounds with various needs. Specifically, Elizabeth’s instructional expertise includes phonics, phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary, as well as elementary math. She has experience implementing Wilson Fundations, Success For All (SFA), and Guided Reading Leveled Literacy.

Nicole is currently a New York State certified Middle School English Teacher in Brooklyn, NY. She has worked with many different types of budding scholars from 5th graders through undergraduate college students. Her master’s degree was obtained at CUNY Brooklyn, where she graduated with distinction. Also, Nicole graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seton Hall University with a B.A. in English Honors. Her personal teaching philosophy is rooted in the words of the late, great educator Rita Pierson, “every child deserves a champion.” Nicole strives for a classroom that is inclusive, built on respect and rapport, and serves as a safe space for all learners. Each child deserves an equitable education that meets his or her needs.

Heading into her eight-year teaching, she has supported students with autism, ADHD, auditory processing disorders, visual processing disorders, dysgraphia, and struggling readers and writers. Nicole has been trained in the following programs: Engage NY, Google Apps for Education, and Expeditionary Learning.

Chris is a licensed (Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6) special education teacher in a 1st grade ICT classroom in a public school in Brooklyn. He received both his bachelor’s degree in special education and his master’s degree in reading education from Boston University.

Chris has experience teaching in various educational settings and working with a wide variety of children both with and without disabilities. He has worked with students with learning disabilities, processing delays, ADD/ADHD, speech/language impairments, as well as students on the Autism spectrum. Using informal and formal assessment to collect data and learn more about students’ individual needs, Chris is able to create goals for students that they will work towards together during each tutoring session. He has a deep understanding of how literacy skills develop in young children and has an extensive toolbox of strategies to reach students based on their individual learning style. 

Chris uses a multi-sensory approach (i.e. play-doh, sand writing, air writing, magnetic letter tiles) to build up students’ phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and sight word knowledge. He uses expert questioning and discussion strategies to help students develop their comprehension skills. Chris is also able to support and guide students with their writing by focusing on essential skills such as handwriting, spelling, punctuation, and elaboration techniques in both narrative and informational writing.  Chris has experience with using Wilson Fundations, Wilson Learning System, Guided Reading, and Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop.

Chris is warm, caring, playful, and positive. He believes that motivation, engagement, and fun is key to helping students progress as learners, and individualizes his instruction to meet students’ interests and to target their specific strengths and needs.

LOCATION: Brooklyn: Park Slope, Borough Park, Kensington, Flatbush, Midwood, Red Hook, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, Bed Stuy, Crown Heights, Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint; Manhattan: Lower East Side, Soho, West Village, Greenwich Village, East Village, Chelsea, Tribeca, Midtown (east/west), Upper East/West Side
TYPE OF SERVICES: Multisensory reading and writing instruction, phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary
EXPERTISE: Improving phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, reading comprehension, writing skills, handwriting, and homework help
AGES: Kindergarten through 2nd grade

Diana Roffman is a tenured Special Education teacher. She is certified in the Wilson Reading Program and specializes in helping reluctant and dyslexic readers and writers become confident, independent readers and writers. 

Diana graduated from Brooklyn College with a Masters Degree in Teaching. She has a BA in Creative Writing and Comparative Religions from Eugene Lang College, as well as an MFA from the University of Missoula in Creative Writing. She has also studied Restorative Justice and Practices and has taken Mindful Schools communication courses, both of which help her create engaging spaces for people to feel comfortable and able to learn. 

Diana currently teaches at Brooklyn Collaborative Studies, K448, in Carroll Gardens. She has taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, 12:1:1 classes, Integrated Co-Teaching classes, and college undergraduates. 

Fotini has her Master’s degree in Secondary Education for English and a Bachelor’s degree in English with a Minor in Dance from the College of Staten Island. After earning her English general education certification, Fotini went further and earned a teaching certification for Special Education; she is dual certified. She has worked for the NYC Department of Education for nine years. Fotini started teaching at Franklin D. Roosevelt high school and worked there for seven years. She taught English in self-contained, ICT, ESL, and resource classrooms. She has experience working with students with emotional disorders, speech and language disorders, ADHD, dyslexia, oppositional defiant disorder, and autism. She then wanted to gain more experience with different grade levels and continue growing as an educator so she decided to make a switch and is now currently teaching at Dyker Heights Intermediate School teaching General Education, ICT, and self-contained ELA, Health, and Drama for grades 6-8 for two years now.

Julie is a NYS Certified teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. She holds dual certification; PK- Grade 6 Common Branch/General Education and Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6.

After changing careers from Business, Julie began teaching 4th grade ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies where she also became familiar with the NY State tests in all subjects. When other opportunities arose to teach Math to 4-5th graders, 6-8th grade Science and 7th grade ELA in the private school where she worked, Julie was excited for the opportunity to work with students at different stages in their academic lives.

Julie joined the NYC Department of Education as a Title 1 Math teacher in 2007 and had the opportunity to work with students in Grades 1-8 in both Brooklyn and Queens providing small group, remedial Math instruction.

Christine is a Handwriting Specialist and an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about teaching the principles and mechanics of handwriting to children of all ages and learning styles. Christine graduated with a masters in occupational therapy from Long Island University in 2014. She currently works in the Department of Education in NYC assisting students with needs in the areas of handwriting, sensory processing, fine motor, and visual perceptual skills. Christine has also worked in a sensory clinic with children ages 2 to 18 addressing several areas of need and helping children reach their goals.

Christine is trained in using the Handwriting without Tears program and applies aspects of TV Teacher and the Zaner-Bloser Method to create individualized learning plans for each student based on their skill level and learning styles.

Inspired by her occupational therapy background, Christine implements sensory modalities to teach pre-writing skills and letter formation in a fun-filled environment, keeping the children engaged and interested. Additionally, Christine uses her expertise to improve children’s pencil grasp through working on fine motor skills and hand manipulation skills.

Rachel is a School Psychologist with the New York City Department of Education and certified in the Wilson Reading System. Rachel is passionate about working with children to promote their academic, social, and emotional growth. Her education includes a B.S. in Marketing from the Rutgers School of Business and a Master’s in Education with an Advanced Certificate in School Psychology from CUNY Brooklyn College.

As a School Psychologist, Rachel has worked with a diverse population of general and special education students at the elementary and middle school levels, conducting psycho-educational assessments and providing counseling services. She also fosters collaborative relationships in which children, parents, school staff, and outside agencies can work together to maximize students’ potential and create the most positive school environment that is possible for them.

As a Brooklyn Letters reading tutor, Rachel uses the Wilson (Grade 3 and above) and Fundations (Grades K-2) programs to improve children’s decoding fluency, comprehension, and spelling skills.

Alyssa is certified in General Education and Special Education for birth through sixth grade. She received her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland and her Master’s Degree from Manhattanville College. Alyssa teaches within the NYC DOE and is going on her fifth year as a Kindergarten Special Education teacher in an Integrated Co-Taught (ICT) class.  She also has experience as a Pre-kindergarten enrichment teacher, and in first and second grade.  Alyssa has worked as a Grade Team Lead, where she differentiated lesson plans for all types of learners based on data and led development sessions for teachers.  She has also worked as a New Teacher Coach, helping new teachers plan engaging and meaningful lessons.  Alyssa has experience working with children who are English Language Learners, have autism, ADHD, behavior disorders, speech and language disorders and other learning differences.

Emily graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Elementary Education. She continued her studies at Teachers College, Columbia University with a Masters’s in Elementary Inclusive Education (Grades 1-6). Emily is currently a second-grade public school teacher with a New York State Professional License. She has 7 years of teaching experience in varying educational settings and student needs. In particular, she has worked closely with English Language Learners, students with ADD and ADHD, and students in need of support with executive functioning skills.

As a Teachers College graduate, she is well versed in their Reading and Writing Curriculum. She incorporates these practices into her everyday teaching, which includes modeling and inquiry-based instruction. Emily believes that teaching begins with establishing a positive student-teacher relationship. She listens to and observes her student’s strengths and interests, and uses this information to tailor instruction to meet her student’s needs and specific learning styles.

Rita is a certified literacy specialist with a M.A. from Bank Street College of Education and a B.A. in Literature from Bard College. She has practiced assessment and tutoring in private and clinical settings. Rita has had classroom experience at Hunter Elementary School as well as in public elementary schools in Queens and Harlem. She has completed Advanced Coursework in Part 3 of Literacy through Multisensory Teaching (LMUST), an Orton Gillingham curriculum developed by Judith Birsh. She has also completed coursework in the Wilson and Fundations programs. Growing up with a dyslexic sister in a time when learning disabilities were less understood, she has personally witnessed the challenges that struggling readers and writers face. She has also had extensive music and computer experience and has worked in online news and in web design and development. Rita combines her experience in the arts, computers, and education to teach literacy skills such as decoding and comprehension strategies. She has also had success helping students prepare for the New York State ELA exams. Her students have fun following a series of short, engaging exercises while they learn the skills they need. Rita strives to help her students gain confidence by teaching them to direct their particular strengths toward the goal of becoming more independent learners and successful readers and writers

Will’s passion for teaching was sparked as an undergraduate student at Tulane University during tutoring sessions with ESOL students in New Orleans. Upon graduating, Will taught for three years as a literacy specialist at the International School of Louisiana. As a literacy specialist, Will was trained in a sophisticated phonemic curriculum that incorporated the Wilson Method, Fundations, and Reading Rescue. Over three years, Will worked with twenty-six emerging readers from grades two through five. At the beginning of his tenure, many of Will’s students did not know all of their letter sounds, but within two years every student was reading and writing at or above grade level. Since moving to New York eight years ago Will has earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education, taught elementary school, high school, and served in a leadership position at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. From 2015-2017 Will was a first grade special education teacher at PS123 in Harlem, where he used his experience as a literacy specialist to create individualized literacy plans for his students. Will left that position to teach and serve as the elementary school associate dean at Academics West, a specialized school for students with severe behavior-related learning disabilities. In 2019, Will would return to Harlem to participate in a program that used an SAT based curriculum to support students in Math and English. Will was excited about this program since he had accrued extensive experience as a test prep specialist during his time in New York and was excited to work with high schoolers in a classroom setting.

Jessica is a New York State Certified General Education Teacher for Grades K-5 and a licensed New Jersey Elementary School Teacher for Grades K-5 who received her Masters Degree in TESOL. She has been a NYC teacher for over ten years in grades 2-4. and has experienced multiple curriculums and all subjects throughout her years as a NYC teacher in a public school setting. During this time, Jessica has modified daily assessments to differentiate needs according to each student’s academic and linguistic proficiency levels. Clear goals are aligned to ensure academic needs are mastered.

With her training in teaching English as a second language (TESOL), she specializes in helping non-native speakers of all sociocultural and academic backgrounds to develop the confidence, general grammar, vocabulary, and colloquial terms in their development of the English language. She feels it is her obligation to build the confidence of her new language learners by practicing the use of English in multiple settings, such as phonics, ELA, math, social studies, and science. Preparing students to communicate clearly and comfortably with their English-speaking peers is the ultimate goal. 

Jessica is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Fundations, iReady, ReadyGen, GoMath, Reading A-Z. She uses these instructional tools to assess, modify and execute each student’s academic needs.

Janeese earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education and her Master’s degree in special education from University of Hartford. Over the last decade, Janeese has taught students from all ages in NYC public schools. She is also trained in specialized teaching strategies for students with disabilities. Janeese is currently a fourth grade special education teacher. Janeese has also worked as a scorer on the Common Core New York State math and ELA exams. Additionally, Janeese obtained her school building and district leader license from the College of Saint Rose. She also serves her school as a coach and ensures educators are promoting equity in their teaching.

Janeese always understood the importance of education and has a deep passion for learning. When Janeese realized that some children learned differently, she knew it was her job to lend a helping hand. She grew up in Rockaway Beach. This helped her to realize that people were like seashells, some more fragile than others and they would need extra care. Janeese decided to study special education.

Clint is a certified Childhood Education and Students With Disabilities teacher with almost a decade of experience in the field of education. His education includes a B.S. from Siena College and a Master’s in General and Special Education (grades 1-6) from Touro College. Clint believes empathy, patience, and relationships are the gateway to helping students learn. Clint has worked as an ICT teacher, general education homeroom teacher, and TESOL teacher. Clint has experience working with a variety of students, including students with specific reading, writing, and math learning disabilities, speech and language delays, ADD, ADHD, and general learning disabilities. Clint believes that since no individual is the same, no education plan is the same for any student. Clint can help students struggling with decoding/encoding, fluency, reading, and reading comprehension. He works with students who need support in phonemic awareness, letter/sound identification, blending sounds, as well as guided reading, reading comprehension skills, and writing.

Shana is a New York State licensed Special Education Teacher and Teacher of Speech Improvement. She is certified as a Teacher of Speech and Hearing Handicapped (TSHH) and is currently in her tenth year working as a Speech Teacher for the Department of Education. Shana received both her Bachelors of Science Degree in Communication Disorders and her Masters of Arts Degree in Special Education from Queens College, New York.

Shana’s extensive training includes Orton-Gilllingham, Preventing Academic Failure (PAF), Wilson Fundations, Lexia Core5 Reading, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, Responsive Classroom, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She uses her expertise to help her students improve in their academic levels, receptive and expressive language, articulation, phonological awareness, decoding, pragmatic/social language, fluency, and executive functioning skills. Shana believes that the key to successful learning is to find the modality that best fits each learner, and she is committed to create those experiences to encourage life-long learners.

Julia graduated from State University of New York at Fredonia with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood and Special Education (Grades 1-6).  She then received her M.S.Ed. in Literacy Education (Grades 1-6) from Nazareth College.  Julia has over eight years of experience working with students with ASD, ADHD, processing delays, and learning disabilities. 

During this time, she has taught in a general education setting (ages 5-12), special education settings (ages 4-14), and as a literacy specialist (worked with ages 4-14).  Throughout her years of teaching, she has utilized a multitude of programs, including Orton Gillingham, Wilson Fundations Program, Fountas & Pinnell, Reading Street, Wonders, SPIRE, GoMath, and Math Expressions.  During her individual reading sessions as a literacy specialist, she first assesses the student’s decoding, encoding, fluency, and comprehension skills and uses the assessment results to guide future sessions.  

Once she has a full picture of the student’s abilities and has built a relationship with them, she then chooses a curriculum that best suits the needs of the student. 

Alicia holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Hampshire. She has worked as an educator in various settings, from public and independent schools to tutoring small groups and providing 1-on-1 services within students’ homes. Alicia specializes in teaching young children, toddlers through 3rd grade. Within her repertoire of experience, she has learned how to differentiate instruction, create safe learning environments, and assess and support students across all domains of development.

When teaching math, Alicia incorporates manipulatives such as ten frames and double-sided counters. She uses follow-up questions in response to a student’s work to further support their understanding. Equally important are the discussions she leads on math topics, which create connections across different concepts, support greater retention, and encourage reflection on one’s learning (metacognition). Alicia has utilized the Math in Focus and Bridges in Math programs.

Brian is certified to teach in Grades 1-6. He has spent the previous eight years teaching children in Ecuador, Azerbaijan, China, and New York City. His students have ranged from pre-K to fifth grade, representing a spectrum of cultures, languages, and abilities. He is passionate about making education a fun and rewarding endeavor for children while encouraging them to take ownership of their own learning goals.

Brian  earned his Masters in Teaching at the University of Georgia with a program focus on constructivist principles within early childhood education. These principles guide his lesson plans which create experiences for students to construct their understanding throughimportant ‘A-ha’ moments. Brian also recognizes the important role of direct and explicit instruction, which is part of a balanced approach to helping any child grow to their potential.

Carlos is a resolute, multilingual educator with seven years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton in French and Francophone Studies, a DUEF level C1 diploma from the Université de Rennes II, and an M.S. ED from City College in Bilingual Education. Carlos prides himself in accommodating the varied learning styles and aptitudes of his students in his sessions. He believes students learn best when they are understood and when learning materials are adjusted to meet their needs. This has prompted him to cultivate a safe space so students can openly discuss the content of the sessions and solidify their learning. He consistently makes use of visual aids and varies the amount of structured and creative assignments so students have ample opportunities to exercise their creativity and formulate their arguments. Carlos designs his instruction around student interests and provides them with engaging assignments that speak to them.

Carlos has taught fourth grade in French in a dual-language program for seven years. His instructional expertise covers all elementary subjects including math, writing, grammar, fluency and comprehension, and state test-prep. He has experience working with students with ADHD, behavior disorder, and anxiety. Beyond the elementary level, Carlos has provided students with language instruction in French and Spanish to target the areas of oral expression and comprehension, fluency, composition, and the study of literature. Carlos has also taught English as a new language to children and adults.

Evanthia received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Pre-K-6) from Brooklyn College and then completed her Master of Science Degree in Special Education at Touro College. She has over 20 years experience working as a tutor and as an early childhood teacher in various settings such as ICT and Dual Language. She has extensive experience working with children with ADD/ADHD, speech and language impairments, and dyslexia.

Evanthia has solid training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, Wilson Fundations Program, Handwriting Without Tears, SRSD, ReadyGen, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project.

Julia graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies. She then joined the Teach For America Corps, where she taught grades kindergarten- fourth grade, while obtaining her Dual M.S.Ed in General and Special Education for grades 1-6. Julia has 4 years experience teaching whole group and small group instruction. During this time, she has taught SEL, writing, math, science and guided literacy in both the General and Special Education setting. She has experience with reading programs like Amplify, CKLA, iReady, NWEA, STEP tool and F&P. In math, she has used tools like Zearn, iReady, NWEA to analyze and target instruction to student needs.

In her most current role, she is a Learning Specialist in which she solely focuses on students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), for students with processing disorders, learning disabilities and Speech/ Language delays. She uses consistent data tracking to tailor instructional plans that will achieve a student’s IEP and personal goals. Julia progress monitors all of her students frequently to understand what concepts they can grasp and which they need more at bats.

Maribell received her Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University at Albany. Soon after, she received her Bachelor of Science in Education at Hunter College. Having realized her passion for teaching, she went ahead and attained her Certificate in Special Education. Having worked for years with students of different needs, Maribell has compile a vast list of unique experiences. She has experience teaching grades 2-5, with and without learning differences. She taught Second Grade students for three years; two of which she was the lead Special Education Classroom Teacher. Her fourth year of teaching was completed in the United Arab Emirates, where she taught 62 Third Grade English Language Learners (between two homeroom classes, both virtually and in-person).

Lillian has been teaching for twelve years teaching both 5th and 6th grade ICT for students with mild to moderate disabilities, in a 2nd-3rd grade self-contained classroom for students with moderate disabilities, and currently math and reading intervention for general education students. She is currently the Special Education Liaison and Lead IEP teacher at a public elementary school in Manhattan. She holds a BA from Tufts University in Peace and Justice Studies and a dual MA from New York University in Child Education and Special Education.

Lillian believes that all students have the capacity to learn, and it is the job of educators to use research-based methods partnered with compassion, understanding, and games. She supports students with reading, writing, and math skills, as well as executive functioning strategies. By getting to know students on a personal level, Lillian is able to connect the material to the individual learner and find the best methods to strengthen areas of need. When tutoring in math, Lillian focuses on building number sense and fluency with number talks and games, while simultaneously strengthening conceptual understanding using math manipulatives and tools. For literacy, Lillian focuses on building strong phonics and phonological awareness through multisensory appraochess to grow students’ decoding and encoding abilities. Self-perception is often a significant piece of learning challenges, so she also focuses on building student self-confidence and advocacy.

Lillian has experience working with students with many different types of learning challenges including: Specific Learning Disabilities, ADHD/ADD, executive functioning needs, ASD, dyscalculia, and other learning issues.