About Me

For 25 years, I have put my energy into education and literacy; first as a teacher and administrator, and currently as Vice-President of Educator Initiatives for Learning Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to "Literacy for All." 

Over 20 years ago, I adopted a personal mission statement that comes from James 3:5, "......see how great a forest a little fire kindles."

I knew this was my calling, to ignite enthusiasm, encouragement, passion and purpose in others. 

 I was the teacher in the classroom that didn't know anything about how to teach students to read. I recall putting tracing papers in front of students and thought that would do the trick. After beginning work at Learning Ally, I immediately became immersed in a world where students couldn't read. It was apparent that I needed to learn more to do more, become more and teach more. 

Recognized as a thought-leader, I speak about literacy at national education conferences and webinars that draw thousands of educators to hear captivating stories, take-away strategies, research, and best practices, which I always deliver with humor, and inspiration.  

I am a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and stay grounded in a Structured Literacy approach by tutoring students weekly. I have a Ph.D. in Literacy and Educational Leadership from St. John's University. I am a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach, trainer, and member of the President's Advisory Council.  My passion runs deep for children not proficient in reading and the educators that serve them. 

Literacy and leadership are both urgent problems in our country. We need effective, capable and fully resourced leaders to boldly advance evidence-based literacy practices to genius every child that we encounter.