I'm a word nerd at heart, deeply passionate about learning why words are spelled the way they are, delving into word origins, uncovering the myriad meanings of words, and exploring how we use language in our everyday lives.

My passion is to develop a love of lifelong learning and to help students become confident, independent readers, writers, and spellers! Reading unlocks so many doors for students to learn and explore what interests them, and being able to write their thoughts in an organized manner is a vital skill by the time they hit middle school and beyond.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Penn State University, where I discovered a love for the written word and grammar. As I started teaching my own children to read, I first noticed how phonics influences language development in spelling and reading. However, it was the moment I became trained in Orton-Gillingham phonics instruction intervention that I found my true calling!

As a trained Orton-Gillingham instructor, I use a structured, explicit, and systematic approach to phonics instruction that helps struggling readers make real progress. This method supports students with dyslexia and other reading challenges—but it's just as powerful for any learner who benefits from clear instruction and consistent practice. I incorporate multi-sensory techniques and cumulative review into every lesson to build mastery and confidence step by step.

With over 20 years of experience in homeschooling and over a decade of teaching online, I bring a unique perspective to education, understanding the importance of a well-rounded learning experience.

In my free time, I'm an avid reader, scrapbooker, gardener, hiker, and baker, always finding new ways to connect my own interests and skills to the joy of learning.