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 and has worked in both charter and public schools in Washington, DC. She holds a Master’s Degree from American University and completed a teacher residency program through The Center for Inspired Teaching. Alli utilizes data driven instruction to ensure that she is working to progress her students towards their goals. She is an expert in the EngageNy/Eureka math curriculum, and the Wilson Fundations program.
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!
Sanya Oluwafemi, M.Ed.
Sanya is a talented middle and high school English teacher. She brings innovation and creativity to every session with her students. She utilizes a ‘whole-brained’ approach, and will incorporate ideas and concepts from other facets of life in order to make connections and foster a mindset of learning with her students. Sanya holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins with a certification in Special Education and English Language Learning. She helps students develop and fine tune executive function skills through explicit practice. Sanya implements educational technology such as NoRedInk, and EdPuzzle to provide differentiated instruction while boosting engagement.
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 which utilize hands-on exploration through a multi-sensory approach.
Bess Wilson, M.Ed. (she/her)
Bess Wilson is an original member of the Partners in Learning team and supports students in literacy and math. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a Master’s Degree in Special Education Bess utilizes the Wilson Reading System in her sessions with developing readers and supports students as they learn executive functioning skills through teaching writing and organization strategies. Bess modifies math programs to support students at their level, to ensure they have a strong foundation to build skills on. Her engaging lessons keep students focused and motivated to achieve their goals.
Desmond McGlone, M.Ed. (he/him)
Desmond is a knowledgeable and experienced math educator. He is extremely personable and genuinely cares about his students. He is excellent at making connections with students and colleagues alike. Desmond holds a degree in Applied Mathematics, and is currently a doctoral candidate, working towards a PhD in Mathematics Education Leadership. As head of a high school math department, Desmond is adept in content delivery methods to reach students of various levels of academic ability, and enables students to enjoy the learning process.
Rachel Sepulveda, M.Ed.
Rachel is a reading specialist with a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology and Reading Specialist licensure. She has worked in public and private school settings and was a reading specialist at the Lab School of Washington. Rachel is trained in Orton-Gillingham through the Institute for Multisensory Education and also uses Wilson Reading System and Fundations. Rachel's background in speech allows her to bring a unique perspective to her sessions with early readers. She builds excellent relationships with students and creates engaging materials that connect with their strengths and interests.
Hillary Moore, M.Ed.
Hillary is a dedicated and knowledgeable educator with a Masters of Educational Policy and Leadership from American University with a concentration in literacy education. She worked as a practitioner at the DC Reading Clinic where she taught utilizing the Science of Reading and structured literacy. Hillary is trained in Heggerty, LETRS, Fundations, and Wilson Reading System, as well as the Hochman Writing Revolution. Additionally, she supports elementary aged students in foundational math skills. She delivers instruction to her students clearly and directly and is systematic in her planning while always incorporating cumulative review. Hillary is exceptionally effective in her teaching and demonstrates an exceptional understanding of all that goes into foundational instruction across content areas.
Donna Defino, Ed.S.
Donna Defino is an educator with extensive knowledge and understanding of evidence-based instructional approaches and pedagogy. She has a masters in special education from George Mason and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University. Donna provides individualized instruction to middle- high school students using best practices in curriculum delivery, progress monitoring, and executive function strategies to boost academic achievement and self-confidence. She has also coached teachers in math, literacy, science, and special education best practices in DC.
MaryEllen Noonan, M.Ed. (she/her)
MaryEllen holds a Master's Degree in Early 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. 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 ELA team lead for DC Public Schools. She was nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award in 2016. Mallory holds a degree in education from Catholic University. She has developed a passion for teaching and supporting all learners through programs such as the Wilson Reading System, Wilson Fundations, and the Hochman Writing Method.
Brian Garfield, M.A.
Brian has a degree in English and International Studies from Northwestern University. Has been a member of the PIL team since 2014 and is a Language Acquisition Specialist for DCPS. He supports elementary and middle school students in literacy and math using his vast experience in a variety of curricula. He develops students executive function skills through supporting planning, organization, communication skills, and working memory.
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.
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.
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.
Matthew Burgoyne , M.Ed. (he/his)
Matthew has a Master’s Degree in teaching from American University. He has been a member of the PIL team since 2018. He currently teachers Social Studies for DCPS. Matt supports middle and high school students across subject areas, and works with students to develop strong executive function skills. He helps students learn how to self-advocate, plan, and study effectively.
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.
Chandini Gupta, B.S. (she/her)
Chandini is a math specialist who supports elementary and middle students to help build foundational skills and boost confidence. Her passion in helping her students gain enthusiasm for learning is contagious. Chandini has experience using the Eureka math curriculum and differentiates the content to best support all learners. She has her teaching certificate from John Hopkins University and a Masters in Social Work. Chandini thrives in creating a welcoming environment and is an expert in social-emotional learning.
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.
Jennifer Albro, Ph.D. (she/her)
Jennifer Albro is an expert in literacy education. She holds a doctorate from University of Maryland, College Park’s Department of Teaching and Learning and has completed two master’s degrees, one in reading education and one in holistic education/early childhood education. Jenny is a professor of graduate studies in literacy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. Jenny also coaches and mentors graduate students in the Urban Teachers program. She has previously taught techniques in reading instruction at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a former elementary education teacher and reading interventionist.
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 experience teaching middle and high school mathematics up through calculus. Thiel has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech. They work to make math relatable and attainable for all students through using verbal, written, graphical, and pictorial representations of math concepts.
Henry Dickmeyer, M.Ed. (he/his)
Henry received his Masters in Education from Columbia University. He has experience teaching middle and 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 middle-high school mathematics. Henry also supports students with developing their executive function skills as they navigate middle and high school demands.
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.
Amy Kolence, B.S.
Amy, a certified IMSE Orton-Gillingham educator, brings her wealth of experience to her interactions with students, infusing each session with a positive demeanor and an energetic personality. She completed her degree in Elementary Education and English Literacy, with a focus on teaching writing to students. Amy places a strong emphasis on cultivating meaningful connections with her students, allowing her to establish rapport across diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Within her classroom teaching experience, Amy has effectively employed educational curricula such as Heggery, Teachers College Readers and Writers workshop, and Eureka Math. Furthermore, she is actively engaged in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Instruction and Design. Additionally, through partnerships with Mission of Hope, Amy participated in community development by teaching life skills in Haiti, Nigeria, and Mexico.
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. 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.
Sara Keller, B.A.
Sara Keller, an accomplished educator, holds a degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and is trained in Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham through the Institute of Multisensory Education. She excels in forming strong connections with her students by tailoring her instruction to their interests, igniting their enthusiasm for learning. Sara's expertise in Orton-Gillingham and her hands-on classroom experience with Wilson Fundations equips her to teach foundational literacy skills in a systematic and engaging way. In addition, she brings her innovative approach to mathematics, employing the Terc Investigations and Illustrative curriculum, which emphasize a diverse range of strategies to help students solve problems and gain a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Beyond the classroom, Sara serves as an educational consultant, playing a pivotal role in developing non-fiction educational children's books and curriculum for the Know Yourself series, focusing on body systems and anatomy.
Tirsa Guillen, BA
Tirsa is an enthusiastic Reading Interventionist. She is a driven, organized teacher who develops inspiring relationships with her students. She works with elementary aged kids to build foundational skills. Tirsa has experience with a variety of research-based interventions to support the development of phonological awareness and phonics skills. Additionally, she uses texts that capture student’s interests in order to help develop their comprehension skills. Tirsa’s background as an ELL teacher helps her to support students' understanding and processing of complex math problems.
Elena Speridakos, M.Ed.
Elena has Master’s in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is trained in international baccalaureate curriculum, Teachers College Writing and Phonics programs, and the Orton-Gillingham reading program. She previously taught elementary school at an independent school in DC and is currently a learning specialist at Brooklyn Friends School in NYC.
Lauren Lynn, B.S.
Lauren is a passionate and enthusiastic educator with experience working with students from Kindergarten through 6th grade across all subject areas. She has her Bachelors in Education and a graduate certificate in School Leadership. Lauren is working towards her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Howard University. She is organized, relatable, and creative when it comes to working with her students. Lauren always tries to find a solution when students are struggling, and she is dedicated to their success. She is engaging and disciplined, and she is always working towards a goal.
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.
Megan Sibree, B.S. (she/her)
Megan is an experienced teacher currently leading 6th grade math and science at a DC middle school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Elon University. In her classroom, she has excelled in developing and implementing curriculums aligned to NGSS and CCSS, exceeding national average growth targets in both math and science. Before PIL, Megan worked as a tutor at District Scholars, where she provided valuable support to students in SAT preparation and Algebra II. Additionally, she excels in supporting students navigating middle and highschool by developing their executive function skills. Her commitment to her students is immeasurable, as she truly cares about their success.
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.
Jamie Smith, M.Ed. (she/her)
Jamie Smith is a passionate literacy specialist. She has experience working with kindergarten through college students as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, and professional coach in Literacy, English, and ESL. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Temple University, as well as a Master of Education in Reading, Writing, and Literacy. Jamie also has a certificate of Writing Fellowship from the UPenn Invitational ELL Summer Institute. After working in England for a year as the Deputy Curriculum Leader for English, she is now back in the states supporting PIL students of all ages in literacy and executive function.
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.
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 elementary and middle school, 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.