LONG ISLAND READING WRITING TUTORS SPECIALISTS

Anastasiya is a New York dual licensed Childhood (birth-grade 2) General and Special Education Teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching, mentoring, and tutoring students. She holds a bachelor of science from Brooklyn College in Speech Langugae Pathology, with a minor in Children’s Studies, and a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education in General and Special Education from Touro College School of Education. Anastasiya is currently obtaining her second masters degree in School and District Leadership from Touro College. She is presently working as a special education in an integrated NEST second grade clasroom, at a highly regarded school in Brooklyn.

Anastasiya has dedicated her career to working in private and public schools, agencies, and homebased intervention sites throughout all boroughs. She has experience servicing children grades K-12 with a wide range of disabilities including: speech and language impairments, learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, dyspraxia, anxiety disorders, and comorbidity of these impairments. Anastasiya has also worked with many ESL students who need assistance in understanding their school’s curriculum and producing grade level work. She utilizes her interpersonal skills to collaborate with teachers, therapists and parents in order to set up effective communication, which is utilized as a powerful tool in helping the child become a successful lifelong partner.

Derek has a master’s in Professional Studies a Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. He has the following New York State certifications: Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6; Early Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities Birth-Grade 2: and as a School Building and School District Leader. Derek has been teaching and tutoring for seven years in many different instructional capacities including a 3^rd-5^th grade self-contained classroom, an education consultant for grades 2-4, and 4^th grade integrated co-teaching classroom (ICT) and general education classrooms. Currently, Derek is a 4^th grade ICT teacher in a New York City public school in Brooklyn.

Derek has taught students using a multitude of literacy and mathematics programs including Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project, Ready Gen, Lit Life, Go Math, enVision Math, and the Engage NY ELA and Math modules. He has extensive literacy experience using Core Knowledge Language Arts, Orton-Gillingham, Reading A-Z, Read Works, Wilson, Fundations, as well as Edmark for supplemental ELA intervention.

Michelle’s experience over the past 16 years has included working as a math and reading learning specialist, a headteacher in a two-year-old classroom, co-teaching in a kindergarten and first-grade special education classroom, private SEIT work, as well as, leading social groups, providing a safe environment to strengthen social interaction and communication skills for children.

What truly sets Michelle apart from other learning specialists is her ability to connect to children encountering learning differences.  As a child, Michelle struggled with massive learning disabilities.  She attended the Windward school and was personally taught by Dr. Judith Hochman, creator of the Hochman Method.  Dr. Hochman taught Michelle how to learn, despite being ADD, having dyslexia, auditory processing issues, executive function issues, a weak working memory, and retrieval difficulties amongst a long list of other learning differences.  It is this life experience that motivates and allows her the ability to truly understand the frustration children with learning differences encounter.   As a mother of two young girls, Michelle now has the perspective from every angle of learning and child development to be a truly extraordinary educator.

Erica graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood and Special Education (Grades 1-6). Afterward, she completed her MSEd in Behavioral Disorders at Hunter College. Erica has nine years of teaching experience in various educational settings with students of different abilities and needs for k-5th grades. She has a strong understanding of the needs of students with ADD, ADHD, and students who have difficulty with executive functioning. Her expertise is in grades 3-5. In math, Erica is familiar with TERC Investigations, Engage NY (Eureka Math), and interactive supplements like 3-Act Tasks. She is familiar with various problem-solving methods and helps students use the method that works best for them and their understanding. Erica also works with students to break down multi-step word problems in a way that helps the student understand the problem. Additionally, Erica also incorporates a variety of instructional strategies in reading and writing. Erica teaches with a strong emphasis on modeling and guided practice to support students with skills such as elaboration and organization. Erica also supports students with homework help and test prep in math and ELA.

Giana Marie is from Carle Place, NY, and entering her third year as a 2nd grade Special Education Teacher in the New York City Department of Education. She is certified in Childhood Education and Special Education (1-6). Giana Marie has many years of experience tutoring students with multiple disabilities including autism, learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, and ADHD. Prior to teaching, she worked in a life-skills and vocational program. Giana Marie implements a multi-sensory approach to instruction by providing the students with multiple entry points to learning. This includes assessing children, determining the students’ strengths and areas of need and tailoring instruction accordingly. She has experience with integrating Orton Gillingham strategies utilizing programs such as Reading A-Z, Fundations, Wilson, and Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI). Giana Marie assesses her students with a variety of tools including Teacher’s College running records, LLI, and Fundations assessments.

Giana Marie also has expertise providing quality direct instruction with phonological awareness, sight word recognition, guided reading, writing development, and reading fluency and comprehension. For example, she is proficient with using Teacher’s College and technology programs such as Lexia and Raz-Kids to support her students with phonics, reading fluency, and vocabulary development.

Also, Giana Marie has experience in mathematics instruction where she uses manipulatives and various strategies from the Go Math and enVision curriculum. Furthermore, she uses ABA methodologies, visual schedules, and positive reinforcement systems to support student learning. For instance, Giana Marie uses a token economy system with academic tasks for students who require behavior modifications to support their academic and social-emotional needs.

TYPE OF SERVICES: Elementary reading, writing, and math
TEST PREP: 3-5 ELA and Math test prep
EXPERTISE: Learning disabilities, Speech and Language impairments, ADHD, autism, guided reading, writing development, curriculum modification, assessment, and data analysis
AGES: K-5

Sohayla graduated from Saint John’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education and a Masters of Science in Special Education. She is certified in New York State to teach 1st through 6th grade and also has extensive experience working with students all the way up to the doctoral level. Sohayla built her academic career and gained leadership experience during her 5 years as a Saint John’s student. While being an after school teacher, and a graduate assistant at Saint John’s University’s Writing Center, Sohayla has learned the skills necessary to facilitate a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment for all her students. Her experiences as a Writing Consultant have allowed her to view learning through multiple interconnected perspectives. She has held writer’s workshops for elementary age students. Sohayla has an ability to work with students with various ranges of abilities and she is known for her patience and creativity.

Sohayla has worked in various classroom settings including self-contained, inclusive, ICT, and general. Within these classroom settings, Sohayla has taught students using literacy and mathematics programs/strategies including Teachers College, Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), Go Math, and enVision Math. Sohayla is familiar with tools such as What Works Clearinghouse and is able to implement evidence-based practices. She also has experience working one-to-one with students or in larger group settings specifically in literacy and math. Sohayla’s teaching style is unique in that it is student-centered and can apply to a wide range of ages and abilities. Sohayla’s top priority is for her students to master new concepts while simultaneously building self-efficacy.

Sohayla knows that each student learns differently. She believes in designing accommodations and modifying content to meet the needs of her students. When it comes to math or literacy, Sohayla focuses on the concepts being taught and works with students to determine their abilities. Sohayla is able to highlight a student’s strengths and uses those strengths to hone their weaknesses in math or literacy. When a student seems to not grasp a concept, Sohayla first analyzes her own teaching and checks to see how she can design a re-teach to meet the student’s specific needs.

Sohayla has proven effective communication through her success with clients, and she updates parents on all significant matters in a timely manner. She believes that her love for student curiosity, coupled with helping others to succeed, makes her passionate and driven in the field. Sohayla works with students to learn their interests and applies those interests within her lessons when appropriate. She works hard to make learning intriguing for her students, and she understands the importance of building teacher to student rapport. Sohayla’s admiration for teaching extends far beyond her own philosophy and exists to help the voices of others be realized and expressed. She believes in order to set students up for success, a positive classroom environment that meets the needs of all learners regardless of race, language, or ability needs to be established.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Literacy, Reading Comprehension, writing, spelling, vocabulary, math skills, and concepts.
EXPERTISE: Specializing in working with students with learning disabilities. Following systematic and explicit instruction. Implementing Evidence-based practices.
AGES: K-6 also works with 12th grade and & students on writing assignments.

Michelle is certified in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education and Special Education (birth-grade 6). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Hofstra University. Michelle is trained in Fountas and Pinell, Fundations, and Orton Gillingham. Michelle has a passion for working with children and families.

Michelle has experience working with a diverse population of general and special education students. She taught preschool for a little over a year, kindergarten for three years, first grade for one year, and has been teaching third-grade special education since 2018. 

Michelle has been working for the New York City Department of Education since 2014. She has experience working with students who are emotionally disturbed, have speech and language impairments, struggling readers, and students who struggle in all academic areas. She uses a systematic, multi-sensory, phonemic-based approach in order to improve spelling, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Michelle is trained in both Go-Math and Envisions math. She has experience collaborating with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists in order to better meet the needs of each child. She also has a lot of experience working closely with families.

TYPES OF SERVICE: Initial reading assessment, Orton Gillingham-based reading instruction, including individualized reading instruction and intervention in phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding strategies; individualized instruction in reading fluency and comprehension instruction; writing instruction, and math instruction and intervention.
EXPERTISE: Orton Gillingham-based reading instruction, differentiating instruction for students with and without learning disabilities, and students who need extra literacy support; differentiating instruction for students who need extra math support.

Kimberly is a New York State-certified teacher with over ten years of experience in special education. Currently, she teaches a self-contained class in preschool special education, utilizing her expertise in a kinesthetic, multi-sensory, hands-on approach to maximize her students’ learning abilities. Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s College and holds general education and special education certifications from birth to sixth grade. Additionally, she earned her Master of Literacy degree through Touro College.

Specializing in supporting students with diverse needs, Kimberly also assists individuals with ADHD and executive function coaching needs. She has worked extensively with children who have Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, and those with undiagnosed differentiated learning abilities. Kimberly actively participates in CPSE and CSE committee meetings, evaluating and assessing her students’ abilities to ensure all needs are met effectively. She strongly believes in incorporating various learning styles for all students, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Individualized plans for reading, writing, and arithmetic intervention, foundational reading, writing, and arithmetic support, leveled literacy assessments, and interventions, phonemic acquisition.
EXPERTISE: Early and emergent readers, phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, reading comprehension, and writing, individuals with different learning abilities and disabilities, individualized instruction
AGES: Prek- 6th

Evanthia received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Pre-K-6) from Brooklyn College and then completed her Master of Science Degree in Special Education at Touro College. She has over 20 years experience working as a tutor and as an early childhood teacher in various settings such as ICT and Dual Language. She has extensive experience working with children with ADD/ADHD, speech and language impairments, and dyslexia.

Evanthia has solid training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, Wilson Fundations Program, Handwriting Without Tears, SRSD, ReadyGen, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. She is also trained in Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment. Evanthia believes in differentiated instruction and tailors each lesson to meet the needs of each student. She uses multi-sensory lessons to help students with phonemic awareness, letter name/sound ID, decoding/encoding, sight word recognition, fluency, and comprehension.

Evanthia is a patient, and nurturing educator that will help your child grow as a reader, writer and learner.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Orton-Gillingham, decoding/encoding, sight-word recognition, leveled literacy instruction, reading fluency and comprehension, writing, math
EXPERTISE: Orton-Gillingham, reading readiness, decoding/encoding support, improving reading fluency and comprehension, strengthening writing skills
AGES: 3K through elementary school

Danielle graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Cortland and Master’s Degree from Long Island University obtaining her certifications in Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 6), Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grades 6), and Health Education (Grades K-12). She tutors students ranging from Pre-K through 6th Grade with different ability levels. As a 2nd grade, Special Education ICT Teacher in a Long Island public school, Danielle helps strengthen individualized needs in reading, spelling, writing, math, test preparation, and IEP goals. She provides hands-on experiences by utilizing manipulatives and encourages an interactive way for students to learn. She builds upon phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and phonics to enhance every aspect of reading.  

She has experience working with students of various needs such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and others. She also works with students who require enrichment and extra challenges. Danielle has used programs such as Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop model, Fountas and Pinnell, Wilson Fundations, Journeys, Go Math, Math in Focus, and more!

Danielle accommodates the individual needs of her students and is mindful of their learning styles, backgrounds, and interests. The comforting learning environment and strong rapport that she shares with her students allow her to implement innovative, engaging, and rigorous lessons, inviting students to flourish into lifelong learners.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Reading, math, writing, enrichment, IEP goals, and supporting the needs of students with special needs.
EXPERTISE: Individualizing instruction to meet the needs of all learners by using a multisensory and engaging approach.
AGES: Birth through 6th Grade

Brittany H. is a New York dual licensed Childhood General and Special Education Teacher (Birth-6th grade) who has worked with children in various capacities for over 15 years. She graduated as a student ambassador from New York University receiving her Masters in Childhood General and Special Education. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in psychology. Brittany currently works as the curriculum coordinator at a prestigious independent school in New York City. Through her tenure, she has had experience as a classroom teacher, a mentor, a small groups instructor, a one-on-one teacher, and now holds an administrative role overseeing curriculum and student development for preschool-grade 5. Other past experiences include working in special education settings, preschools, and tutoring. Brittany has experience supporting students with sensory processing needs, ADHD, learning disabilities, and fine motor delays. Brittany is trained in Orton Gillingham, Wilson Fundations Program, Words Their Way, Singapore Math, Handwriting Without Tears, Teachers College Writing and Word Study, Leveled Literacy Instruction (Fountas and Pinnell), and the IB curriculum (International Baccalaureate).

Brittany utilizes her strong communication skills with students’ families, teachers, and counselors. She has developed and implemented lessons in all subject areas, with a strong focus on differentiation. Brittany understands the importance of providing children with educational and developmental opportunities, and constantly adapts her teaching practices to best fit the

individual child. She has used many approaches in order to achieve her learning goals including manipulatives, multiple entry points, expressive projects, and in-depth discussions that foster explorative learning. 

TYPE OF SERVICES: Individualized literacy and math instruction, literacy and math evaluations, homework support, SEIT
EXPERTISE: Literacy instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding strategies; reading fluency and comprehension instruction, writing and math instruction, homework help, assessments, social skills, developing self-management skills
AGES: Prek-Grade 5

Patti is a veteran elementary school teacher and tutor with 30 years experience as a collaborative and inclusion lead teacher in grades 3-5. She has a BA from Penn State and an MS from Long Island University in Elementary Education.

Patti utilizes digital and tactile strategies to remediate and challenge students from various backgrounds, with and without IEPs, in order to help students reach their full potential. She continues to receive professional development in the areas of math, reading, SEL and ENL. She has utilized Engage NY, GoMath, and currently IntoMathin her 5th grade classroom. She has been trained through Columbia Reading and Writing Project and Fountas & Pinnell.

Her comfortable rapport with her students allows them to feel safe asking for help and clarification while instilling clear goals. Her tutoring strategies focus on gearing lessons towards the students interests and abilities.She incorporates games and activities to make learning more fun. She feels it is best for the student to be an active learner and uses a mistake as a springboard for future success.

In addition to math and literacy support, Patti provides test prep, comprehension and vocabulary strategies, writing composition and parental support. She has worked with students with ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s, and math anxiety.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, walking, and listening to music.

TYPE OF SERVICES: individual in person; small group; remote if needed
EXPERTISE: Math instruction; Literacy instruction; Writing Composition; Test Prep
AGES: Math – Grades 2-6 Literacy and Writing Grades 2-8

Dr. Patricia is committed to offering multisensory instruction in reading, spelling, writing, and mathematics. Boasting over 25 years of teaching experience and armed with advanced degrees, including an M.S. and a Ph.D., she is adept at designing personalized literacy and math instruction that meets the unique needs of each student, particularly those facing language-based learning challenges. Specializing in assisting children and adults to develop crucial literacy and numeracy skills, she focuses on learners who have had limited exposure to educational resources or are overcoming language-based learning obstacles, such as dyslexia.

Her proficiency in the Orton-Gillingham approach, known for its multisensory learning strategies, plays a significant role in aiding students with dyslexia and other reading and math difficulties. This structured, yet adaptable method is central to her mission to make reading and fundamental math concepts more engaging and accessible. Patricia’s literacy sessions are dynamic and interactive, tailored to match students’ interests and needs. She employs a hands-on approach, utilizing phonics-based instruction, expressive read-aloud sessions, and playful learning activities to encourage active student engagement.

LOCATION: In-person or online
TYPES OF SERVICES: Multisensory reading, spelling and writing instruction.
EXPERTISE: Teaching children and adults to read and write who may have limited experience with books, who struggle with language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia
AGES: Children and Adults

Melissa graduated from Saint John’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), and a Masters of Science degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages K-12).  She then furthered her studies and attended Touro College to receive her Special Education and Early Childhood certification in grades (Birth-2). She is NYS certified in Early Childhood, Childhood, Special Education and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).  She has worked with a variety of students with diverse educational backgrounds including those with specific reading, writing, and math disabilities.  She has over 10 years experience teaching and works for the Department of Education as a kindergarten and first grade ENL teacher where she works with students on improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.  Melissa believes in a multi-sensory learning environment in order to engage all students.  She creates a nurturing learning environment and tailors her instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.  Melissa creates hands on activities and uses manipulatives to tailor to each students needs based on their grade level. Her expertise includes test preparation for the ELA and Math state tests, homework help, school curriculum, and preparing English language learners for taking the NYSESLAT exam.

Melissa is trained in the Wilson Reading Program and its early childhood component, Fundations. She uses this approach with her students in order to build phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency skills in struggling readers.

Elizabeth is an accomplished educator with a strong foundation in both Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6). She holds a bachelor’s degree from Marist College and a master’s degree from Touro University, with memberships in both the International Honor Society in Education and Psychology. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has played pivotal roles, starting as a Special Education teacher in various New York City schools. She has excelled in mentoring new teachers, taking on leadership roles such as grade-level team leader, and conducting professional development training sessions for teachers and families. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal at the elementary level, Elizabeth is dedicated to cultivating students’ love for learning while fostering their self-confidence to achieve individualized goals.

As a literacy and math instructor, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience in mentoring and tutoring children with diverse backgrounds and needs. Her instructional expertise encompasses phonics, phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and elementary math. Elizabeth is well-versed in implementing multisensory programs such as Wilson Fundations, Success For All (SFA), and Guided Reading Leveled Literacy, all designed to promote reading, writing, and oral language development.

Elizabeth is particularly passionate about math, employing a tactile approach to cater to the unique needs of each child. She has successfully implemented programs like TERC Investigations, Go-Math, and EngageNY. Elizabeth’s approach involves designing individualized lessons to maximize student outcomes, utilizing a range of instructional tools, from math manipulatives to technological resources. Beyond her work with students, she places significant value on building partnerships with families. Elizabeth collaborates with families, providing them with effective strategies to support their child’s learning at home. Her holistic and individualized approach reflects her commitment to creating an environment where every learner can thrive academically and personally.

Types of Services: Multisensory Reading Instruction, Multisensory Math Instruction, Formal and Informal Reading Assessments, and Interventions, Behavioral Interventions
Expertise: Working with children with specific reading, writing, and math learning disabilities, working with children with ADD and ADHD, NYS Exam preparation, NYS common core tutoring.

Taneeka graduated from Touro College and received her master’s degree in School Leadership & Administration. Taneeka has been teaching for 23 years for the New York City Department of Education. She has taught grades Kindergarten through 8th grade as a classroom teacher. Taneeka has experience teaching phonics, English Language Arts, mathematics, writing, and handwriting. She serves as a lead teacher and classroom teacher. Taneeka has received extensive training in phonics and mathematics. As a lead teacher, she utilizes data-driven strategies, implements best practices, and reviews student data in order to improve teacher and student growth and development.

Taneeka is also responsible for fostering teachers to work collaboratively, creating monthly unit plans in phonics, reading, writing, and mathematics. Taneeka ensures that the curriculum is aligned to The Next Generation Standards. Over the course of her teaching career, Taneeka has held a myriad of positions. Taneeka is best served working with struggling students where she uses student engagement to increase student learning and outcomes. Taneeka is most fulfilled seeing students reach their goals.

Jessica is a multilingual speech-language pathologist with a postgraduate degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a master’s degree with highest honors in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Queens College. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), as well as her New York State License and Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) Certification.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Individual therapy, group
EXPERTISE: Phonological awareness/phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, articulation therapy, ADHD, Autism/social skills, SAT (reading, writing, and math)
AGES: kindergarten through twelfth grade

Alyssa graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor of English and graduated from Adelphi with a Duel Masters of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education for Early Childhood PK- 5th grade. Alyssa has over eight years experience in teaching, influencing and enriching students with different needs. She has a strong understanding of the needs of students with learning and physical disabilities. She teaches students to improve their writing and reading (decoding, fluency, reading comprehension and encoding). Alyssa incorporates a multisensory method to help engage and effectively teach her students. Her expertise includes homework, school curriculum, and test preparation for ELA state tests.

Alyssa is trained in Wilson Fundations, an effective reading and writing program. She uses the Wilson curriculum in order to help students build their decoding, fluency and phonemic awareness skills. Alyssa has training in Columbia University Teacher College s reading and writing model to help students enhance their writing and reading skills. Lastly, she is trained in Fountas & Pinnell reading assessment, which helps children targets their reading goals.

Renee is a veteran elementary education educator with over 30 years of experience in a New York City Department of Education school. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University and her Master of Arts degree from Adelphi University.

Renee taught grades 3 and 4 for more than 20 years. She has also focused her teaching on Math Intervention for students in grades 3 through 6 within small group settings. She establishes clear goals utilizing the mathematics program being used by the the student. She strives to help her students develop conceptual understanding as well as procedural skills. Renee fosters communication regarding their thinking and problem solving strategies to develop a deeper understanding of math. Renee encourages students to use multiple forms of representations, ie: visual representations, drawings, diagrams, graphs, and manipulatives as tools for solving problems. Renee strives for her students to love math.