Reading Support Teacher
Goddard Middle School
I grew up in South Central Kansas, graduating from Conway Springs High School in 2020. After that, I attended Pittsburg State University (GO-RILLAS!) for my bachelor's degree. I graduated with Academic Honors in Spring of 2023 with a B.S.E in Elementary Education Unified with a minor in Dance. I also hold a Masters in Special Education Teaching from Pittsburg State, and a Masters in Educational Psychology from Capella University. In December 2025, I will complete my Masters in Literacy and Dyslexia from the University of Central Arkansas, and I am working towards my Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Florida.
I am certified as a Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher (C-SLCT) through the International Dyslexia Association and the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. Additionally I am in Take Flight training to become an Academic Language Therapist through the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).
In summation, I love literacy instruction and supporting all students as they become successful readers!
In my free time, I like to read. I prefer nonfiction, especially the genres of fantasy, such as The Mortal Instruments Series By: Cassandra Clare. I also enjoy being outside, and I like to garden and grow anything from vegetables to flowers. I have two young dogs (who keep me busy), Jon and Bruno.
Jon is an F1B Goldendoodle (75% poodle, 25% golden retriever). Bruno is a toy poodle, both are about two years old!
Jon ->
<- Bruno
I am a nerd when it comes to learning, especially when it relates to reading instruction. I stay active within the Science of Reading community, attend conferences, and develop and present on various topics related to reading. Some of my interests within the field of education include:
Supporting students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia through systematic interventions that target academic and social concerns, that can be supported in inclusive environments
Establishing secondary frameworks that support tiered reading instruction for middle school students with needs varying from basic reading skills to literacy enrichment.
Developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that align with the corpus of research knowledge, known as the science of reading
Implementing IEP services that are aligned to structured literacy practices, and designed to meet students’ individual needs based on data-driven instruction and the utilization of appropriate scaffolds and supports in the inclusion settings
Integration of literacy practices in content-specific courses at the secondary level, especially vocabulary and background knowledge to build strong reading habits, and deepen the understanding of course materials for all students