Shannon is an experienced elementary special education teacher with a passion for helping children overcome reading challenges. As a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner with a Level 1 certification in the Wilson Reading System, Shannon has dedicated her career to supporting students with reading difficulties, including those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. She provides structured, multisensory instruction tailored to each child’s unique needs, helping them build the skills and confidence to become successful and independent. Shannon holds a BSE in Elementary and Special Education from SHU and an M.Ed. in Teaching Writing from WPU. Shannon has taught all grades Pre-K through 6th in general, special education, and gifted and talented education settings. 

Over the last decade, Jaclyn has invested her time in many facets of education. She has served as both an Instructional Aide and Elementary School Teacher for the last ten years of her career. Most recently, she has transitioned into the role of an Elementary Literacy Coach. Her educational certificates allow her to teach PreK-Grade 6, English as a Second Language, and Students with Disabilities. In addition, she has obtained her Orton Gillingham Certification. Jaclyn also holds her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Georgian Court University and is pursuing her Doctorate Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education in January of 2025. When Jaclyn is not working, you can find her spending time with her family. Jaclyn is a wife to Mark and a mom of two beautiful sons, Dylan and Chase. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and learning.

Anita has been in the education world for a decade. She has worked with pre-schoolers, and has taught in both sides of the classroom; general education and special education. She obtained her Masters degree in special education. She taught elementary school for many years, including K-2 special education. Anita is Orton Gillingham certified and heavily believes in this approach as she has taught many students to read and watch students blossom from it. She believes that not every student learns the same but a multi-sensory approach can educate a vast majority of students. She loves working with kids, being funny, engaging, and connecting with students to help them feel supported while helping build their self-esteem.

Giorgi has been teaching special education in a middle school setting for the past 7 years. As a teacher, she is committed to helping students grow into confident, successful learners. Supporting students in a way that makes learning feel accessible and engaging is something that Giorgi is   passionate about. Her educational certificates allow her to teach K-Grade 6, Mathematics, Science, Technology and Students with Disabilities. Giorgi has also received her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Rider University. In addition, Giorgi is trained in Orton Gillingham.

When she is not in the classroom, you can find her enjoying a long walk with her rescue dog or getting lost in a good book!

Meagan currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Dunellen Public School District. Meagan is and will always be a teacher first and her vision has always been "Student Centered...Equity Driven." Meagan began her teaching career in 2006 as a 3rd grade teacher in the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District and then transitioned to the Lakewood Public School District where she served as a 3rd grade SIOP teacher, interventionist for all areas, literacy coach, and K-12 data coach. During her time in Lakewood she became Wilson Level 1 certified and received her Dyslexia Practitioner Certification.  She then moved to the Manchester Township Public Schools, where she became an interventionist and Assistant to the Principal at Whiting Elementary School. In the summer of 2019, Meagan entered educational leadership in the Keyport Public School District as the Supervisor of Language Arts and then the Director of Curriculum and Instruction/Supervisor of PreK. 

Meagan received her undergraduate degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and teacher's certification. While in her first year of teaching, she pursued her Masters of Science in Sports Psychology from Capella University and believed that more high schools would have a need for sport psychologists in the future. However, as a new teacher she was provided with the opportunity to learn about and write curriculum, and that's when she realized her love for strong instructional practices and guiding students to take risks and achieve was her true passion. After completing her Masters, she received her Supervisor certification from Georgian Court University in 2013, her Principal certification from Rowan University in 2018, and will be headed back to school this Spring for her Superintendent Certification at Monmouth University. Meagan prides herself on being a listener and learner in the ever-evolving and changing educational world and making decisions backed by data and research. 

Gina Puchinsky is an experienced academic interventionist with over 25 years of dedication to fostering student success. Holding a Master’s in Literacy Education from Arizona State University and a Bachelor's in English with certification in Elementary Education from New Jersey City University, Gina is also an Orton-Gillingham certified tutor and a licensed supervisor.

Outside of her professional life, Gina enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time by the ocean—activities that help her recharge and stay grounded. She has been happily married for 30 years and is the proud mother of one son, a daughter-in-law, and a beloved grandchild.

Gina's approach to teaching is deeply influenced by her personal philosophy: "Be the teacher you needed when you were younger." This mindset drives her passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs, ensuring they have the guidance and care she once sought. She remains committed to making a lasting impact, both in and out of the classroom.

Lisa has been teaching in West Orange for 25 years.  She spent 17 years in kindergarten and seven in 1st grade, in both general education and inclusion settings.  Currently, she teaches 3rd grade pullout Resource Center in Language Arts and Math and 4th grade Language Arts.  She has provided professional development training to teachers in her district.

She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from New Jersey City University and obtained both her Orton-Gillingham and Dyslexia Specialist Certifications from Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

She lives in Morris County with her husband, who was her high school sweetheart, their two children, and their dog.  Both her daughter and son are dyslexic.  Although they struggled tremendously, their diagnosis pushed Lisa into learning all about dyslexia and how to best teach students to read.  She has been passionately pursuing research on literacy for the past 10 years and makes sure to implement the most up-to-date practices in her teaching.

When Lisa’s not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, and walking her dog.   

With 22 years of passion and experience in the classroom, Vicky has spent her career shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning for students in their early elementary years.  She has taught third grade in Ridgewood and first and second grades in Westfield. Vicky holds a M.Ed. from Rutgers University and has continually sought professional development to enhance her teaching skills. Over the years, she has become an expert in early literacy instruction, utilizing evidence-based programs such as Wilson Fundations and Heggerty. She recognizes the unique needs of each child and strives to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that cater to various learning styles.

Throughout her two decades in education, Vicky has formed lasting relationships with her students and their families, earning the trust and respect of the school community. She takes pride in celebrating the small victories, whether it's a student's first steps in reading or mastering a challenging concept, and always works to make learning fun and accessible.

Outside of the classroom she enjoys spending time with her family. She is a mom of three very active children. If she isn't teaching, she is usually watching a basketball or lacrosse game or attending a dance rehearsal or recital. She is committed to making a lasting impact on each child’s educational journey, one small step at a time.

Leigh Ann is serving in her current role as a 6th grade language arts teacher in middle school. She has been teaching since 2016 when she started as a traveling resource teacher, serving students at two elementary schools in both in-class support and out-of-class replacement support in 3rd and 4th grade math and science. The following year she was retained at one of the schools to serve in a self-contained classroom setting for 1st and 2nd grade students with mild to moderate learning and behavioral needs. After that year, she began a 6 year long stay in 5th grade as the science and language arts teacher. Leigh Ann has her BSE in Elementary and Special Education from Seton Hall University and her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. She is certified in K-6 instruction, K-3 Early Childhood, English 5-8, and Students with Disabilities. She takes pride in her adaptability, her student achievement and relationships, and her equitable and culturally responsive instructional methods. When she is not teaching, she can be found playing with her rescue dog, spending time with family and friends, hiking, or traveling. 

Jen has been a dedicated special education teacher for the past eight years, specializing in math and social studies. As an educator, she is passionate about helping students understand how they learn best and empowering them to advocate for their own educational needs. Jen is dedicated to ensuring that students, parents, and teachers have the necessary tools and resources to understand a student's IEP, creating a supportive and effective learning environment. She earned her Master's Degree at The College of New Jersey and holds certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education, Mathematics, and Social Studies. With a student-centered approach, Jen strives to create an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. She believes that education extends beyond academics and she is committed to fostering confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning in her students. 

Outside the classroom, Jen enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and playing with her dog.

Elizabeth is a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher with a Master’s degree in Language Arts. As a dedicated reading interventionist, she provides multi-sensory reading and writing instruction to students grades K-6. She is passionate about engaging all learners, including those with diverse needs, and helping them crack the code to become confident and successful readers and writers.

Her approach to instruction is both structured and dynamic, incorporating fun, game-based learning to make literacy accessible and enjoyable for all students. She believes that when learning is interactive and engaging, students build not only their skills, but also their confidence and love for reading and writing.

Outside of her professional life, she is happily married and a proud mother of two beautiful girls. They love spending time together as a family, especially but the beach, creating lasting memories.

Kristen is a dedicated educator certified in grades K-6, with a Master of Science in Literacy Education and a Reading Specialist certification. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and is passionate about supporting students in developing strong literacy skills. Kristen is committed to fostering a love of reading and helping students build confidence in their abilities through structured, research-based instruction.

With a student-centered approach, Kristen strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed. She believes in the power of literacy to open doors and is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to become lifelong readers and learners.

Outside the classroom, Kristen enjoys reading, hiking with her dogs, and spending time with friends and family.

Nina is passionate about her literacy work with children! She believes that her role is to help students overcome their literacy challenges and foster a love of learning where each child can see and feel that growth and progress are possible for them.

She believes every student deserves to feel supported, and her goal is to bolster their confidence and make a meaningful impact on their lives.

Nina is a certified Orton Gillingham Multi-Sensory Reading Practitioner and a Structured Literacy Interventionist with the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in the Science of Reading with a Certification in Dyslexia from Mount Saint Joseph’s University. This program has received Accreditation Plus status from the International Dyslexia Association, reflecting its adherence to high standards in dyslexia education. She is also certified in the Orton Gillingham Plus Associate Level Program under the mentorship of the late Fran Bowman, a fellow with the Academy of Orton Gillingham. She has been working with students privately, in-person, and virtually since 2019 and completed a full-year practicum virtually during her graduate program.

Nina is most proud of the students with whom she works! She is amazed at how hard her students work, and she takes immense pride in knowing that she has made a positive difference in their lives. Her dedication shines through as she positions herself not just as an educator, but as a passionate cheerleader for each student’s progress.

Arielle is a passionate high school math teacher with 13 years of experience in special education in West Orange, NJ, specializing in working with LLD, POR, and in-class resource students.

Dedicated to advocating for students and families within the special education community, she is committed to ensuring all learners receive the support they need to succeed. She takes pride in creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment, tailored to each student’s unique strengths and challenges.

Kim has dedicated the past 19 years of her career to serving as a School Psychologist. During this time, she has had the privilege of supporting students in their academic and personal development, helping them navigate the challenges they face in today’s educational environment. Her background also includes valuable experience as a Student Assistance Counselor, where she focused on providing support and interventions for students in need. Kim is also an active member of the Child Study Team, collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to ensure that each child receives the comprehensive care and support they deserve.

Over the last couple of years, Kim has also taken on the role of an Executive Functioning Coach, assisting students in understanding their academic responsibilities and helping them develop personalized strategies that work for them. In addition to this, she emphasizes the importance of mindfulness practices, guiding students to cultivate awareness and focus. By integrating mindfulness techniques, Kim helps students manage stress and improve concentration, which further enhances their ability to implement the strategies she provides. Kim's passion lies in creating conducive learning environments and fostering mental well-being, which she believes are essential for student success.

Kim is also a Certified Holistic Integrative Nutritional Health Coach and Reiki Master. In her spare time, she is a traveling Line Dance Instructor. Kim looks forward to continuing her journey in education and contributing to the growth and well-being of the children and families she serves.

Tiffany Behn has been working in education for 10 years. She started her career at a small private school in Southport, CT. known as The Southport School. She worked with students who had language based disabilities. (ex, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Executive Functioning, ADHD).

She is an Orton-Gillingham Associate Level Practitioner with a masters in Elementary Education. She has been using OG for about 10 years in which she was trained at a school called The Southport School that is specifically for students with language based disabilities. This is where her love for OG blossomed. 

She then had her second daughter in which she decided to stay home and continue her career through private tutoring. She tutors both virtually and in person and her passion for helping children keeps growing.

Danielle Stio has been a Special Education teacher for 16 years. Danielle has taught in various classroom settings and has a lot of experience working with students with reading disabilities. She is certified in Orton Gillingham and has a Master's Degree in Reading.

When she is not teaching, Danielle loves photography, spending time outdoors with her family, and reading mystery novels.