Educators
The educators at Partners in Learning are seasoned professionals, highly proficient in their respective fields. Academic Directors carefully match students with educators who best meet their individual needs. Our team is dedicated to cultivating strong relationships with students, fostering an environment that nurtures self-confidence and perseverance.
Our team members undergo comprehensive training in a variety of evidence-based intervention programs. These programs include Orton-Gillingham, Science of Reading, Wilson Reading System, Wilson Fundations, Just Words, Read Naturally, and the Leveled Literacy Intervention. Additionally, they possess expertise in Singapore math programs, Eureka Math/Engage NY, Go Math, My Math, Touch Math, Investigations, and Everyday Math.
To cater to the diverse needs of our students, our team comprises over thirty educators from various backgrounds. Among our staff, we have math specialists, reading specialists, middle school and high school teachers, and special education teachers.
We are proud to have a team of experienced and dedicated educators who are passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Together, we strive to create a supportive and enriching learning experience for all our students.
Allison Gilden, M.A. (she/her)
Alli Gilden is an experienced educator who has taught in both charter and public schools in Washington, DC. She holds a Master’s Degree from American University and completed a teacher residency program with The Center for Inspired Teaching. Alli leverages data-driven instruction to help her students achieve their goals. She is an expert in the EngageNY/Eureka Math curriculum and is trained in Orton-Gillingham through Wilson. Alli is known for her strong communication skills, collaborating effectively with fellow teachers to support students in applying their new skills in the classroom.
Allison Mitchell, M.Ed. (she/her)
With a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas and a decade of classroom teaching, Allison enriches the PIL team with extensive education expertise. Consistently fostering a positive learning environment, Allison delivers explicit and engaging instruction aligned with goals, driven by thorough analysis of student data. Her experience spans across elementary grade levels while teaching in diverse instructional settings, showcasing adaptability and providing multiple perspectives on various student experiences and learning profiles. Beyond her pedagogical skills, Allison is very warm and positive, consistently offering encouragement to students as they tackle new skills to achieve their goals. Her calming presence and effective communication empower students to persevere and embrace the learning process without fear of making mistakes.
Chloe Ball, M.Ed. (she/her)
Hailing from Bermuda, Chloe completed her Master’s Degree at Hunter College in Childhood Education and works as a K-3 Reading Specialist within DCPS. She has established expertise in curriculum development and data analysis and has a proven track record of success designing multi-sensory, innovative curricula to advance student learning and development. For Partners in Learning, Chloe provides literacy support to elementary students. She is trained in the I.M.S.E. Orton-Gillingham, LETRS, and Wilson Fundations.
Becky Alexander , B.S.
Becky is a dedicated and passionate early childhood educator with over 20 years of classroom experience. She is certified in Wilson Level 1 and IMSE Orton-Gillingham. She implements engaging lessons providing multisensory learning experiences and explicit instruction. Additionally, she conducts on-going assessments to progress monitor student’s growth. Her key in supporting students is building positive relationships, as well as a love of learning and self-confidence.
Megan Wiegmann, M.A.
Megan is an experienced elementary general and special education teacher. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham and excels in supporting students across content areas. She uses students' interests to develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. Megan has her Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama with an endorsement in Reading. She is knowledgeable in Common Core standards and uses data and observation to support students learning on their instructional level. She takes her time to really get to know students to keep learning fun and meaningful!
Danielle Imhoff, M.Ed. (she/her)
Danielle Imhoff is an accomplished educational leader with a strong academic background and extensive professional experience. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from GW and a Graduate Certificate in K-12 Foreign Language Education from UNC. Currently, she serves as the IB Diploma Program Coordinator at Eastern Senior High School in Washington, D.C. Danielle excels in supporting students in their executive function and writing development, providing actionable feedback and clear next steps to help them improve. She has also taught IB Spanish, assisting students in their language studies. Her expertise in modeling and coaching thrives due to the strong relationships she forms with students, using their interests and detailed explanations to drive instruction.
Danielle's collaboration with schools is exemplary, as she understands the importance of teamwork in helping students achieve their goals.
Julia Leavengood- Boxer, M.Ed.
Julia is a phenomenal educator with many years of experience teaching in both charter and public schools in New York City and Montgomery County. She holds a Master's Degree in Special Education from Columbia University with a focus on inclusive education and students with disabilities. While working in MCPS, Julia was trained in the Orton- Gillingham approach through LETRS. She teaches explicit phonics to students with dyslexia while also providing them opportunities to read complex texts via assistive technology, resulting in a boost in confidence and the opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking abilities. Julia is responsive to students' behaviors, learning goals, social-emotional needs, and experiences outside of school. She goes above and beyond to give students access to grade-level curriculum while also addressing unfinished learning.
Kristin Bartlett, M.Ed.
Kristin is an early childhood educator with over fifteen years of experience in the classroom. She has a passion for guiding children’s emotional, social, creative, and cognitive development. Kristin has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University and is trained in Orton-Gillingham through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education. She creates adaptive, innovative, open-ended lessons that utilize hands-on exploration through a multi-sensory approach. Kristin also provides writing support and focuses on fostering the development of early executive function skills, helping young learners build essential skills such as self-regulation, organization, and problem-solving. Her teaching philosophy is centered on creating a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive and develop the foundational skills they need for lifelong learning.
Kirstin King, M.Ed. (she/her)
Kirsten is a dedicated and passionate reading specialist. She holds a Master’s degree in teaching from American University and supports students at charter schools throughout the city. Kirsten collaborates to implement research-based reading programs, such as Orton-Gillingham, tailored to diverse learners. Using a data-driven, prescriptive approach, she works primarily in 1:1 settings to strengthen students' vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and phonological awareness. She weaves Heggerty’s curriculum activity sequence, and various sound-manipulation and other multisensory tasks into her sessions. Kirsten's warm and effervescent spirit makes her beloved by her students.
Bess Wilson, M.Ed.
Bess Wilson, an original member of the Partners in Learning team, excels in supporting students in both literacy and math. Holding a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Brooklyn College, Bess brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach through Wilson Reading, which she leverages to empower developing readers. In math, Bess differentiates curricula to meet students at their individual levels, ensuring a solid foundational understanding upon which to build advanced skills. Her dynamic and engaging lessons captivate students, keeping them focused and motivated to reach their academic goals. With her dedication and expertise, Bess Wilson is instrumental in fostering both academic growth and confidence in her students.
Caroline Ponatoski M.Ed.
Caroline is an exceptional educator who excels in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. With a Master's degree in Elementary and Special Education and training in Orton-Gillingham, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to connect with early elementary school students, providing individualized support that matches each student's unique needs. Caroline is highly skilled in crafting effective lesson plans that are both data driven and engaging. She is also a strong communicator and collaborator, working seamlessly with staff, parents, and related service providers to foster a cohesive educational team. Currently, Caroline is furthering her expertise by pursuing a second Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Sarah Brady, B.S. (she/her)
Sarah is a dedicated English Language Arts teacher and certified Dyslexia Interventionist known for her effective use of science-based teaching strategies. Her approach has led to significant growth in her students' literacy skills by integrating research-backed methods that boost student engagement and learning. With a natural ability to connect with middle school students, Sarah excels in implementing strategies that deepen literary analysis, foster close reading skills, and strengthen written expression. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literary Studies and is certified in Connections OG through the International Dyslexia Association. To strengthen executive function skills, Sarah helps students create SMART goals, use academic planners, fine tune time management skills, and break larger assignments into smaller pieces.
MaryEllen Noonan, M.Ed. (she/her)
MaryEllen holds a Master's Degree in Childhood Special Education, accompanied by an Education Specialist certification in Educational Leadership and Administration. With a rich background supporting PIL students since 2015, she presently serves as a dedicated special education teacher and instructional coach for DCPS. Her expertise extends to being a certified practitioner of the highly effective Wilson Reading System, an Orton-Gillingham based program. MaryEllen excels in assisting students in developing essential phonemic awareness skills, strengthening foundational literacy skills. She collaborates closely with fellow educators, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes the sharing of effective instructional strategies and best practices, across subject areas. Additionally, MaryEllen forms strong relationships with her students and helps them find their love of learning.
Mallory Vessa , B.A.
Mallory is a Highly Effective educator and serves as the English Language Arts team lead for DC Public Schools. With over a decade of experience in education, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to student success, earning her a nomination for the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award in 2016. Mallory holds a degree in education from Catholic University, where she cultivated her commitment to inclusive and innovative teaching practices.
Her passion for literacy and differentiated instruction has driven her to specialize in research-based programs, including the Wilson Reading System, Wilson Fundations, and the Hochman Writing Method. These methodologies have allowed her to effectively support diverse learners, particularly those who struggle with reading and writing, by providing structured and evidence-based interventions.
Devin Scott, M.S.
Devin is highly knowledgeable and experienced in supporting middle and high school students. She has a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. During her time teaching in MCPS, Devin worked as a special educator where she taught Algebra 1 & 2. She played a key role in supporting students' academic growth in an inclusive classroom environment. Devin has a natural ability to engage students by offering a variety of learning methods tailored to their needs. Devin excels at simplifying complex concepts, making them more accessible. While her primary focus is math, her strong background in science makes her a valuable resource for students seeking help in their science classes as well. Her positive demeanor and enthusiasm for learning inspire students to stay motivated and engaged. Devin is also compassionate and patient, creating an environment where students feel comfortable approaching her for help with their work.
Katie Pawlowski, B.S.
Katie is an experienced secondary math teacher with a strong background in Algebra I, Geometry, and Precalculus. She holds a degree in Mathematics in Secondary Education from Indiana University. Her teaching approach incorporates differentiated supports and technology-enhanced learning activities, fostering a deep understanding of concepts and procedural fluency among her students. Her positive rapport with students is evident, as her students feel secure to explore new concepts, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. Katie demonstrates remarkable patience when working with struggling learners, providing the necessary support for their growth. Her dedication to student success, adaptability to new methodologies, and relationship with students make Katie a valuable asset to the PIL team.
Matthew Burgoyne , M.Ed. (he/his)
Matthew holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching from American University, where he honed his skills in education and pedagogy. Since joining the PIL team in 2018, he has been a dedicated and impactful member of the team. Currently, Matthew is a Social Studies teacher for DCPS, where he brings his passion for history and civic education to the classroom.
Matthew’s expertise goes beyond Social Studies. He is deeply committed to supporting students across various subject areas, particularly focusing on middle and high school math, science, and Language Arts. He is known for his ability to help students strengthen their executive function skills. Matthew works closely with his students to improve their abilities in time management, organization, and goal-setting, guiding them in learning how to self-advocate and take ownership of their learning. His approach emphasizes teaching students how to plan, study effectively, and navigate challenges, providing them with tools to succeed both academically and personally.
Jenny Jou, M.A.
Jenny exemplifies the qualities of a patient, kind, and passionate educator. She holds a Master's degree in Education and Human Development from GW, and her unwavering belief is that every child should have access to opportunities for showcasing their strengths. With a wealth of experience in various research-based programs including Fundations, Wilson Reading System, Responsive Classroom I and II, TouchMath, and MathTree, Jenny is a highly effective teacher. She goes above and beyond to support students across different subjects, and her ability to collaborate with classroom teachers enhances the effectiveness of her lessons, fostering remarkable student growth. Her creativity and thoughtfulness continuously bring joy to the students she interacts with.
Mary Erusta, M.Ed. (she/her)
Mary is a literacy educator that received her Master’s in Education from Charleston University. She has over fifteen years of classroom experience in both the United States and Istanbul. Mary’s ability to connect with her students is truly superior. She uses both hands on and cooperative learning activities to ensure student mastery of concepts. She incorporates her drama background into all of her teaching, and her students are always engaged and having fun. Mary uses data driven instruction to support the development of key reading and writing skills that can be applied across all content areas.
Kira Burba, M.A. (she/her)
Kira is an accomplished and dedicated educator who supports elementary and middle school students. She earned a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Special Education: Learning Disabilities from American University. With expertise in Orton-Gillingham, Really Great Reading, and Eureka Math/Engage NY curricula, she has a comprehensive understanding of effective teaching methodologies. Throughout her professional experience, Kira has significantly impacted student growth and development. She has designed differentiated curricula incorporating research-based activities, fostering enhanced acquisition of skills in reading, math, writing, science, and social studies. With her extensive educational background, commitment to inclusive teaching practices, and notable contributions to student success, Kira continues positively impacting students' lives.
Lisa Jensen, M.Ed. (she/her)
Lisa is a dedicated and accomplished educator with a Master of Education in Elementary Education from GW, and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. Currently, Lisa is a math intervention teacher and coach to teachers. Prior, she taught 4th grade math at Janney Elementary, yet her experience ranges across elementary school grades in public schools throughout DC. In 2011, Lisa was named D.C. History Teacher of the Year. Lisa is committed to ongoing professional development, having participated in various programs and courses to enhance her teaching skills and methodologies. Lisa excels in teaching math, ensuring students understand the "why" behind concepts and develop a strong conceptual foundation. Her engaging teaching style reflects her passion for education, as she truly enjoys her work.
Lindsay Sheldon, M.S. (she/her)
Lindsay is an experienced special education teacher that is dedicated to helping students realize and achieve their potential through engaging, individualized lessons and a growth mindset. She received a M.S. in Special Education from Brooklyn College and is trained in IMSE's Orton Gillingham approach. Lindsay excels in developing literacy and math skills by utilizing a variety of approaches to best fit a child’s learning style. She enjoys collaborating with educators and families so that they have full confidence that their child is cared for and being provided the best education.
Clare Berke, Ph.D. Candidate
Clare is an experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching experience, specializing in English education and curriculum development. Clare holds a Doctor of Education in Education Policy and Leadership from American University (expected Dec. 2024) and a Masters of Education in Teaching Secondary English from GW. Additionally, as an adjunct professor at AU, Clare teaches evidence-based literacy practices for K-12 teachers and mentors doctoral students. At DCPS, Clare has demonstrated success teaching English to diverse student populations, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities. She has earned the highest teacher evaluation rating for twelve consecutive years and has served in leadership roles, including as Lead English Teacher at Capitol Hill Montessori Middle School and Chair of the English Department at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. At PIL, Clare supports students developing their executive function skills, as well as strengthening their literacy skills across content areas.
Emily Holmstead, M.Ed.
Emily is an engaging, creative English teacher with a background in writing and editing. She holds a Master's Degree in Secondary English Education from the University of Maryland. Emily has years of experience supporting students by creating exciting and memorable lessons. She enjoys bringing students into the learning process and excels in helping students develop executive functioning skills. She is a thoughtful teacher that creates strong relationships with her students while assisting them in reaching new levels of success.
Thiel Secrist, M.Ed. (they/them)
Thiel has extensive experience teaching mathematics to middle and high school students, covering a wide range of topics up to and including calculus. They hold a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, where they gained expertise in effective teaching strategies. Thiel is committed to making mathematics accessible and engaging for all learners by employing diverse methods of instruction. They utilize verbal explanations, written examples, graphical depictions, and pictorial representations to ensure that students can grasp and apply complex math concepts in various ways.
Henry Dickmeyer, M.Ed. (he/his)
Henry received his Masters in Education from Columbia University. He has experience teaching upper elementary through high school students in New York City and uses the Common Core standards to craft purposeful lessons to support students. He enjoys teaching literacy, historical thinking, and mathematics. Henry is known for forming strong, positive relationships with his students, which allows him to effectively tailor his approach to each individual's needs. His focus on executive function is integral to his teaching, as he empowers students to develop critical organizational and time-management skills across all subjects, helping them to thrive both academically and personally.
Courtney Outlaw, B.A.
Courtney is an experienced elementary educator, holding a wealth of expertise in both literacy and mathematics. She excels in tailoring curricula to accommodate the diverse needs of her students. Courtney holds certifications in both the IMSE Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive and Intermediate programs, allowing her to instruct students toward significant progress in their literacy skill development. Furthermore, she brings experience in teaching Eureka math, demonstrating a mastery of facilitating students' comprehension of fundamental concepts and fostering the application of critical thinking skills. Courtney loves making her sessions fun and engaging. She also actively involves students in cultivating a growth mindset.
Vanessa Ross, M.Ed.
Vanessa is an experienced early childhood educator with a Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Florida. She was trained in Orton-Gillingham by Reading is Essential for All People and uses multisensory instruction to support her students. Vanessa works collaboratively with parents, teachers, and related professionals to best support her student’s learning in and out of the classroom. Her engaging teaching style helps foster a love of learning and boosts confidence in students when learning reading and math.
Sarah Strong, M.Ed.
Sarah is an accomplished educator with a Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Education from the prestigious University of Virginia, Curry School of Education and Human Development. With a profound passion for fostering both the strengths and growth areas of her students, Sarah has immersed herself in various methodologies to cater to diverse learning needs. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, seamlessly integrating these techniques into her teaching toolkit. In the classroom, Sarah has focused on elementary education, where she has honed her skills in crafting an inclusive classroom environment. As an advocate for inclusive education, she diligently creates lesson strategies that accommodate the diverse needs of all learners. Sarah's commitment to student success remains unwavering in both the whole class and one-on-one settings.
Kimberly Ellis, M.A. (she/her)
Kimberly is an interventionist with experience teaching in DC Public Charter Schools. She has a Master’s Degree in Education Policy from Vanderbilt University and is trained in Wilson Reading, Sound Partners, and Read Naturally. Following her graduation from Harvard University in 2015, she was a teacher through Teach for America and a special education teacher in DC. Kimberly has extensive knowledge in foundational literacy skills and utilizes best practices to support her students.
Emily Coleman, M.S.
Emily Coleman has a strong knowledge of the academic and executive functioning skills students need to be successful at all grade levels. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Emily uses direct activities, data, and observation to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses, and will target them directly and confidently. She connects with students on a personal level and incorporates their interests and learning styles in her instructional plans. She has a warm demeanor but high expectations when working with students; she effortlessly redirects and supports even the busiest learners with kindness!
Annie Campbell, M.Ed.
Annie is a dedicated and experienced educator with a passion for teaching and creating engaging learning experiences. With a Master of Education in Gifted and Talented Education from Elon University, Annie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a teacher. A firm believer in the individuality of her students, she is dedicated to catering to their diverse needs, ensuring that every child receives the support necessary to thrive. She is skilled at implementing lessons from research based curricula in both literacy and math. She uses best practice and supports the development of foundational skills in students, while also using their interests for engagement and motivation.
Emily Romero, M.Ed. (she/her)
Emily Romero is a math specialist with over ten years of experience in elementary and middle school math. She is an expert in implementing individualized interventions that build conceptual understanding, problem solving strategies, and foundational skills. She has a Master’s Degree in Education from American University in Curriculum and Instruction and a degree in Child Development from Vanderbilt University.
Samone Crews, B.S. (she/her)
Samone Crews is an experienced educator with Orton-Gillingham certification from the Institute for Multisensory Education. Additionally, she specializes in building strong foundational math skills, fostering a love for learning through engaging and interactive teaching methods. Her teaching style radiates with enthusiasm; crafting lessons tailored to students' interests and academic requirements. As the grade level lead at her school, Samone takes the initiative to organize school-wide professional development sessions, offering invaluable support to her colleagues in implementing best practices. Her dedication is evident in her unwavering commitment to analyzing student data, a critical component in tracking and nurturing students' growth, ensuring their continued progress.
Ashley Neubert, M.Ed.
Ashley holds a Masters in Elementary Education with a Special Education Endorsement from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining Teach for America, she spent six years teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea. With extensive experience in connecting with families from diverse backgrounds, Ashley excelled in the classroom by implementing effective differentiation techniques, ensuring that all her students could effectively engage with the curriculum. Ashley also adeptly integrated methods from the Science of Reading, the EngageNY/Eureka, and Illustrative math curriculums into her teaching, enhancing the quality of education she provided.
Saba Akram, M.Ed. (she/her)
Saba is a dedicated and experienced Special Education teacher with over 10 years of expertise in supporting students. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education from George Mason University. She creates personalized lessons to reinforce classroom instruction and enhance student skills in various areas such as phonics, reading fluency, reading comprehension, writing, executive functioning, conceptual math understanding, and computational math skills. Saba engages students in active learning experiences that incorporate manipulatives, real-world examples, and physical activities to deepen their understanding of concepts. She emphasizes the use of concrete materials and practical applications to make abstract concepts more tangible and accessible for learners.
Ashley Van Norden, M.S.
Ashley Van Norden is an innovative educator with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as a part time Special Education Inclusion Teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools. She has extensive experience in small group interventions, IEP implementation, and specialized instruction, resulting in significant reading-level growth for her students. With a certification in Orton Gillingham and a Masters of Education in Literacy and Reading Specialist degree from Loyola University, as well as a Master of Arts in Education & Human Development from George Washington University, Ashley brings a robust skill set in to work with her students. She prioritizes student building student rapport and builds wonderful relationships with the families and schools she works with.
Elspeth Grasso, M.Ed.
Elspeth Grasso is an experienced and dedicated educator with a strong background in special education and math instruction at both the middle and high school levels. Elspeth excels at building trusting relationships with her students, and creating a safe and supportive environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks. Her ability to foster a sense of ownership in students, and encourage academic discourse, has proven invaluable in helping students reach their potential. She communicates effectively, with a style that is both approachable and supportive, making her a trusted figure among students. With a Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins and years of math teaching experience, Elspeth’s blend of knowledge and engaging teaching style drives students toward their academic goals.
Ashley Bryant, M.Ed.
Ashley Bryant has extensive experience teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students of all ages both in the U.S. and abroad. She earned a Master of Science Degree in Urban Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Ashley has a particularly keen interest in helping students develop academic writing, historical thinking, and time management skills, as well as counseling students for college and fellowship applications. Her work with EducationUSA helped her learn the college application process and how to help students craft a strong and meaningful personal statement. Ashley utilizes the creation of SMART goals, and graphic organizers with her students to bolster students' confidence in their analytical writing and executive functioning skills. All of these qualities contribute to her enthusiasm for working with Partners in Learning students which truly takes a multi-faceted approach to bringing students to their own academic success.
Grace Ficco, B.S. (she/her)
Grace is a dedicated educator with a rich background in teaching elementary school students. She leverages her training in Orton-Gillingham to support developing readers effectively. Grace previously taught at Charlotte Lab School, where she provided comprehensive instruction to students from diverse socio-economic, ethnic, and developmental backgrounds. She excels in communication with families, students, and colleagues, facilitating the carryover of skills taught in sessions to larger environments. Grace uses data-driven instruction to create tailored lessons that meet the individual needs and interests of her students. She delivers instruction to her students clearly and directly and is systematic in her planning while always incorporating cumulative review. Grace is exceptionally effective in her teaching and demonstrates an extraordinary understanding of all that goes into foundational instruction across content areas.
Sophie Knight, PGCE
Sophie has a robust background in elementary education, both in public schools in the UK and independent schools in D.C., Sophie brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for fostering young readers and mathematicians. Her teaching qualifications were gained in the UK where her reading instruction was consistent with the principles of the Science of Reading and has been trained in Orton-Gillingham through ISME. Due to her dedication and the progress of her students, Sophie was quickly promoted to be the lead English Language Arts expert across the school (PK3-5th Grade). In the US, Sophie was a 3rd and 4th grade classroom teacher at independent schools. Additionally, Sophie has extensive expertise in numerous math programs, enabling her to employ a variety of strategies to support learners effectively. Her commitment to maintaining rigorous standards for students is evident in her implementation of well-organized, data-driven lessons to meet the needs of all students.
Tammy LaMantia, M.Ed.
Tammy is a 30-year veteran elementary school literacy teacher. She received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Reading from the Curry School of Education, UVA. She is an exceptional educator with strong knowledge and expertise in building foundational literacy skills in students. She utilizes many strategies from her Orton- Gillingham training to support student development. Tammy is masterful at determining student’s strengths and areas of growth and uses data to develop targeted and differentiated goals and learning plans. Tammy maintains open communication with families, students, and colleagues to ensure that she is partnering with all available resources for her students.
Molly Keegan, M.Ed.
Molly is a passionate and dynamic educator with a strong foundation in secondary education. She has a Masters in Secondary English and Special Education from Lesley University. Additionally, she is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. Prior to supporting students at Partners in Learning, Molly has experience as a curriculum writer and middle school teacher. She is an artist with her craft, relatable and responsive to the needs of her students. She thrives in creating engaging lessons based on the interests of her students while ensuring they are met on their instructional level and making progress towards their goals.
Lucy Lansing, JD
Lucy is a dynamic legal professional with a passion for education and a commitment to teaching. She earned her JD from Emory University School of Law in May 2023. Lucy also completed graduate coursework in special education at Johns Hopkins University, where she honed her skills in fostering inclusive learning environments. Her classroom experience stems from working as a middle school English teacher at an IB school in North Carolina. Lucy's dedication to education led her to the prestigious Georgetown Law Street Law Clinic, where she teaches an elective course in practical law to students in public and charter high schools throughout DC. Lucy’s sessions are characterized by their inviting and calm atmosphere, fostering organization and an environment of profound learning. Her holistic approach to education and genuine care for her students make her an exceptional educator to student’s managing the demands of middle and high school.
Valerie Ciskowski, M.Ed.
Val is a compassionate, experienced elementary educator that prioritizes social-emotional learning and empowering student voices. Val’s passion and positive attitude shine through in her interactions with students. She delivers rigorous lessons that focus on the whole child. Val differentiates instruction to meet each student where they are to achieve their learning goals. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and a Master's Degree in Educational Technology, Val is passionate about STEM education and loves to support students across the curriculum. She particularly enjoys teaching mathematical reasoning, using various curricula, and literacy with a Science of Reading focus.
Sophia Nimlo, M.A.
Sophia is an experienced educator who embodies compassion, care, and relatability in her interactions with students. With a Masters in Teaching and experience teaching in a wide range of classrooms, her knowledge is matched by her dedication to understanding the material thoroughly and using innovative methods to captivate learners. With patience and kindness, she bridges gaps and tailors her approach to resonate with students' interests and learning styles. Sophia supports students across subject areas, and is always excited to work with students in social studies, as she is pursuing her PHd in U.S. History at Georgetown University. Additionally, Sophia excels in helping students build higher order thinking skills and writing techniques that will accelerate growth across content areas.
Dana LesPierre, B.A.
With over ten years of classroom experience, Dana has supported students through differentiated instruction and innovative curriculum development, transitioning from balanced to structured literacy and incorporating Orton Gillingham methods. Embracing project-based learning, she cultivates real-world connections while fostering inclusive and socially conscious lessons. Dana has a BA in Elementary Education and is trained in research based curricula, ranging from IMSE Orton-Gillingham, Science of Reading to Terc Investigations. Dana uses hands-on manipulatives in math to help students think about strategies and then apply them in practice. In literacy, she uses her large toolkit of strategies to meet students needs based on data and observation. Known for her warm and engaging demeanor, Dana instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in her students as they tackle new challenges with confidence.
Diona Gambini, M.Ed.
An accomplished and empathetic special education and elementary educator, Diona is a highly skilled teacher with a passion for literacy development. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and extensive experience in literacy intervention, Diona excels at using data-driven instructional practices, such as IMSE Orton-Gillingham and LETRS. Diona's commitment to professional development and her ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including consistently exceeding teacher evaluation standards. She is a dedicated lifelong learner, continuously seeking opportunities to improve her teaching practice and support her students' success.
Michael Connolly, B.S. (he/him)
Michael is a professional educator with extensive experience teaching various grade levels, including first through fifth grades. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Michael excels in creating engaging lessons that capture students' attention and promote academic and personal growth. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baldwin Wallace University and is proficient in creating lesson plans that integrate core subjects, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching learning experience. His commitment to helping students become model scholars and citizens is evident in his thoughtful and innovative teaching methods.
Raymond Pyle, M.Ed.
Raymond is a dedicated educator with a strong background in early childhood and elementary education, currently teaching second grade in DC Public Schools. He holds a Master’s in Education and Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education. Raymond brings expertise in differentiated instruction across literacy and math, helping his students develop a growth mindset through innovative lessons that blend core content with their interests. He has a strong background in teaching early literacy skills through programs that align with the Science of Reading, and experience with math programs that strengthen foundational skills, including computation and building a deep understanding of processes. Raymond’s commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom, where he engages families and teachers, ensuring alignment of teaching practices to deliver the best support.
Kathleen Kennedy, M.Ed.
Kathleen is an experienced educator and instructional coach with a diverse background in teaching and mentoring. She holds an M.Ed. from Lesley University and is trained in Orton-Gillingham. Since 2023, she has worked as a Professional Lecturer at American University/City Teaching Alliance, where she teaches graduate-level courses in literacy and language development and coaches early childhood, special education, and elementary teachers. With extensive elementary classroom experience, Kathleen has implemented innovative learning experiences across all subjects. She has a deep understanding of assessment, explicit instruction, and reassessment, particularly in phonics, phonemic awareness, and structured literacy instruction. Kathleen is both kind and nurturing, maintaining high expectations for her students to keep them motivated and engaged in learning.
Miles Paraggio, M.Ed.
Miles is a dedicated educational leader with nearly a decade of experience in teaching, coaching, and data analysis, who specializes in STEM and special education. Currently serving as a Senior Lead Educator for 6-12 Math & Special Education at District of Columbia Public Schools, he provides intensive coaching and support to teachers, focusing on the implementation of the math curricula. He excels in planning scaffolds to support students with disabilities and multilingual learners, analyzing student data, and collaborating with colleagues. Miles holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Special Education, Math, and Science from Relay Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Science & Technology Studies from Wesleyan University. His passion for education is driven by a commitment to fostering student growth by delivering high-quality instruction.