The Story Behind Tessera
How nearly 20 years of teaching, a deep dive into reading science, and a gap in our community led to something new.
I spent two decades in the classroom watching kids learn to read — and watching some of them struggle in ways that didn't have to happen.
The research is clear: we know how reading works, we know what effective instruction looks like, and we know that the right support at the right time can change a child's entire trajectory. But too often, that knowledge stays locked inside academic journals and specialist offices. Families are left guessing. Teachers are doing their best with limited tools. And kids who could be thriving are falling behind — not because they can't learn, but because no one showed them the way that works for their brain.
I started Tessera Academy because I wanted to build something that didn't exist in our community yet: a place where the science of reading isn't just available to families in crisis, but woven into everything — from the way we read stories together on a Saturday morning to the way we help a child with dyslexia unlock the code of written language.
Tessera isn't just a tutoring practice. It's a hub. A home base for families who believe reading matters — whether your child is just getting started or needs expert support to get back on track.
What I Bring to This Work
Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist
Certified by the International Dyslexia Association through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction — the field's gold standard for literacy expertise.
Master’s in Reading Science
Mount St. Joseph University — a rigorous, research-focused program that goes deep into the science of how children learn to read and why some struggle.
Nearly 20 Years of Classroom Experience
Almost two decades of working directly with students across grade levels, in public school settings, and one-on-one — not just theory, but thousands of hours of practice.
Educational Leadership Endorsement (in progress)
Currently completing an Educational Leadership endorsement through William & Mary's School of Education, expected August 2026.
Ongoing Professional Development
Active member of the International Dyslexia Association. Committed to continuous learning because reading science keeps evolving — and so should the people who teach it.
What I Believe About Reading
Every child can learn to read. Not every child learns the same way, and not every child learns on the same timeline — but the science tells us that with the right instruction, virtually every child can become a confident, capable reader.
I also believe that literacy isn't just a school subject. It's the foundation of how we understand our world, connect with each other, and build the lives we want. That's why Tessera goes beyond tutoring. Families deserve a place where reading is celebrated, where questions are welcomed, and where the path forward is grounded in evidence — not guesswork.