Happy Kids Read Tutoring

12/22/2025

I have completed my doctoral studies. I use poetry to teach fluency. Please reach out for tutoring rates.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

11/17/2025

Big news!

🎉 The Dyslexia Resolution Has PASSED! 🎉

Today marks a historic moment for students across New York State.
Delegates at the 2025 NYS PTA Convention voted YES on the Dyslexia Resolution — a powerful step toward ensuring that every child has access to evidence-based reading instruction, early identification, and educators trained to support diverse learners.

This victory belongs to the students who shared their stories, the families who advocated tirelessly, the educators who believe in their children, and every voice that said, “Literacy is a right.” ❤️📖

Thank you to everyone who supported, commented, shared, and stood with us. And a special thank you to Western Region PTA Board Members Abbey Bielefeld, Stacey Pellicano, and Brigette Callahan, who authored this resolution. You put into words what so many students with dyslexia feel every day and gave their experiences a voice.

Now adopted as an official NYS PTA position, the Dyslexia Resolution will guide statewide advocacy to ensure every child’s right to read. Together, we are creating a future where all children can learn, thrive, and succeed!

11/17/2025

I have completed my action based research.

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10/05/2025

Dyslexia is a condition that could qualify a child as having a specific learning disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). There is nothing in the IDEA that would prohibit the use of the term dyslexia in IDEA evaluation, eligibility determinations, or IEP documents. Further, State and Local Education Agencies cannot prohibit the use of the term dyslexia in evaluations, eligibility, and IEP documents. The IDEA and its implementing regulation contain a list of conditions under the definition of ‘specific learning disability,’ also known as SLD, and it includes dyslexia.

Check back tomorrow for another resource!

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This month we’re sharing new resources, videos, and tips about dyslexia that you can share with family, friends, and your network. Together, we can raise awareness, support early identification, and ensure every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader.

Explore more evidence-based information and tools about dyslexia here: https://improvingliteracy.org/dyslexia/

08/05/2025

A public service announcement: Impact of smartphone screens on eye health:

Smartphone usage is common among Americans. Recent data indicates that the average smartphone user:

Checks their phone 144 times a day.
Gets around 4.5 hours of screen time each day.
These figures underscore the addictive nature of smartphones and how easy it can be to overuse them.

Such a substantial amount of screen time can lead to digital eye strain symptoms and affect your eye health over time. Read on to learn how excessive smartphone use can be harmful to your eyes. Plus, learn what you can do to protect your vision in the long term.

Read more books! :)

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07/26/2025

A testimony from a grandparent.: "I wanted to share with you that he was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society this year. I believe the work you did with him in elementary school laid the foundation to his current success. He set a goal last year for this achievement. He will be entering 10th grade in the fall. Thank you." These are the best paychecks!

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07/04/2025

My dissertation is complete.

Title: Improving Professional Development Practices to Foster Fluidity of Teacher Engagement in Research Based Literacy Instructional Practices: The Weaving of Art and Science

Abstract

This dissertation explores the critical role of organizational support with improving professional development practices to foster teacher engagement in scientific, research-based structured literacy practices. The framework of this study includes professional learning communities (PLCs )which provide a supportive environment where educators can engage with evidence-based literacy practices and the implementation of those instructional practices. Additionally, Transformational Leadership Framework is included in the study, and it outlines the theoretical underpinnings of a leader’s influence within the organization. This study addresses the organizational need to improve professional development practices, aiming to increase teacher engagement with evidence-based literacy methods and foster a district-wide support system for sustained implementation. Key findings will support how professional opportunities can allow for a focus on evidence-based literacy practices. The dissertation will highlight the importance of professional development opportunities and evidence-based practice.

In Vermont, Act 139 was recently passed to support young learners through evidence-based literacy instruction. This legislation mandates that educators in both independent and public schools receiving public tuition deliver evidence-based instruction, including the use of reading screeners to guide targeted interventions based on the five core components of reading.This action research project was designed to cultivate teacher interest in evidence-based literacy instruction through cyclic interventions focused on foundational literacy skills. Findings indicate that ongoing professional development in structured literacy and a collaborative implementation model - anchored by PLCs - are essential. A supportive organizational culture focused on teachers' professional growth ultimately enhances student learning outcomes.

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07/02/2025

Celebrating my 11th year of tutoring. I graduated in 2014 from Simmons and started my own side business. Last year - I bought the Story Barn and have been tutoring at our farm. Last week- I presented my dissertation defense. Loving this job the most!

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02/17/2025

A WRS Level I Certified individual is eligible for the W.D.P. credential. This credential recognizes individuals as prepared to diagnostically teach students identified with a language‐based learning disability, such as dyslexia, at the beginning levels of encoding and reading. This W.D.P. credential is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years after successfully completing recredentialing activities and coursework.

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12/09/2024

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-05-27/smartphone-tech-addiction-mental-health-flip-phone

With links between mental health challenges and excessive technology use, our app-dependent world should make it easier for a flip phone user like me.

10/02/2024

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language.”

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09/02/2024

Learning to read transforms lives. Reading is the basis for the acquisition of knowledge, for cultural engagement, for democracy, and for success in the workplace. Illiteracy costs the global economy more than $1 trillion (U.S. dollars) annually in direct costs alone (World Literacy Foundation, 2015). The indirect costs are far greater because the failure to attain satisfactory literacy blocks people from acquiring basic knowledge, such as understanding information about hygiene, diet, or safety.

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