Let’s READ, Georgia! is a statewide literacy initiative that brings together all 16 Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) to support the implementation of Georgia’s 2023 Early Literacy Act (HB 538). These efforts aim to improve literacy outcomes through coordinated professional learning, structured literacy approaches, and capacity building for educators and leaders.
Launched in July 2024 with an initial cohort of 56 regional literacy coaches, the program provides training and support to RESA-affiliated school districts.
Aligned with the Early Literacy Act’s requirements, the initiative focuses on structured literacy, reading proficiency by Grade 3, and scalable coaching systems across schools.
Meet Your NGRESA Let's READ, GA Team
Amy Kiser, Ed.S.
Amy S. Kiser brings 30 years of experience and an unwavering passion for literacy to her role as a Let's Read, Georgia Literacy Coach with North Georgia RESA. She is deeply committed to helping all students become confident, successful readers and works closely with educators and schools to support lasting, meaningful change through evidence-based practices.
Amy holds a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and is endorsed in gifted education, dyslexia, and instructional coaching. Her passion for literacy is reflected in her extensive training and certifications—she is a certified Wilson Fundations facilitator, a local LETRS facilitator, and Orton-Gillingham Level 1 certified.
Before joining North Georgia RESA, Amy served as a literacy and instructional coach in Gilmer County Schools for four years. Prior to that, she spent 24 years in the classroom teaching kindergarten through fourth grade, including work in early intervention programs.
Contact: amy.kiser@ngresa.org
Kelli Bishop Thomas
Kelli Bishop Thomas is an experienced and dedicated educator with a career spanning over two decades, marked by a deep commitment to student well-being and effective instructional practices.
Kelli's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Georgia, a Master of Arts and Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 Leadership certifications from the University of North Georgia. She is also a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, demonstrating her commitment to supporting students.
Before joining North GA RESA, Kelli served as the District Behavior Support Coordinator at Murray County School District. This role significantly expanded her expertise in supporting students with disabilities and implementing effective support strategies to improve overall student well-being. Prior to this, she was an Instructional Coach for Murray County Schools from July 2017 to June 2022. In this capacity, she provided professional development and instructional leadership, guiding teachers in understanding standards, curriculum, assessments, and best practices.
Kelli began her career as a teacher in Murray County Schools in August 2005, teaching Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and EIP (Early Intervention Program) for grades K-6 until July 2017. During this time, she actively participated in professional learning initiatives, conducted data analysis, and served on various influential committees, including the State Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council.
Kelli is genuinely excited about the Let's Read Georgia initiative and eager to contribute her expertise to help teachers and students achieve their literacy goals.
Contact: kelli.thomas@ngresa.org
Bethany LeMoyne
Bethany LeMoyne combines nearly 30 years of teaching and leadership experience with an enduring passion for literacy and student success. She is passionate about strengthening literacy instruction to ensure every child becomes a confident, successful reader. Before joining North GA RESA as a Let’s Read Georgia coach, Bethany worked with schools and districts across Georgia and nationally to build educator effectiveness systems, design professional learning experiences, and lead large-scale instructional improvement initiatives.
She began her career as a teacher, college instructor, literacy specialist, and district leader, later serving at the Georgia Department of Education supporting the statewide rollout of teacher and leader effectiveness systems. Bethany also worked as Chief Learning Officer at Insight Education Group, partnering with state departments and districts nationwide to advance literacy, coaching, and leadership development efforts. Most recently, she founded Collectively Coaches, a professional network designed to provide practical and energizing support for instructional coaches.
Bethany holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Education and a master’s degree in Reading Education from SUNY Geneseo, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She is excited to partner with teachers, leaders, and communities in North Georgia to help all students thrive.
Contact: bethany.lemoyne@ngresa.org
Chris White
Chris White brings over 30 years of experience in education to her role as a Let's Read Georgia literacy coach serving North Georgia RESA. With a deep-rooted passion for literacy and relationship-building, Chris spent 20 years in the classroom teaching third through fifth grade students, where she cultivated a love for reading and learning in hundreds of young students.
For over a decade, Chris has served as a literacy coach supporting teachers and students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Her work has focused on strengthening instructional practices, fostering collaboration, and empowering educators to build confident, capable readers.
Chris believes that meaningful connections are at the heart of impactful education. Among her proudest accomplishments are the lasting relationships she has built with the students she taught and the educators she has mentored throughout her career.
Now as part of the Let's Read, Georgia initiative, Chris is excited to continue that work—building new connections, supporting teachers, and helping communities grow stronger through literacy.
Contact: christine.white@ngresa.org
Hillary Mullinax, Ed.S.
Hello North Georgia RESA! I'm Hillary Mullinax, and this is my 19th year in education. I have taught in multiple grade level and subjects in K-5 & have supported students in all service models throughout my years in the classroom. After leaving the classroom, I was an Instructional Technology & Academic Coach, RTI Coordinator, & Title I Coordinator before moving into administration. Most recently, I have served as the Elementary Grade Band Principal for Georgia Cyber Academy.
I am also a wife and mother. My husband, Brandon, and I have been together for 16 years, and my son, Walker, is 8 years old. In our free time, you can find us swimming in a pool somewhere, playing in a river, fishing, or trail riding in our Jeep, & our favorite vacation spot is Disney World! We go as often as we can and the magic never gets old!
Contact: hillary.mullinax@ngresa.org
GA Early Literacy Act Resources
GA DOE Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices Guidance Document-Aligning-State-Literacy-Policies-and-Practices.pdf (gadoe.org)
GA DOE Georgia Literacy Academy Course Manual-Georgia-Literacy-Academy-Course-Manual.pdf (gadoe.org)
GA DOE Approved Dyslexia Screeners- SBOE Qualified Dyslexia Screening Tools.pdf (gadoe.org)
GA DOE Approved Universal Reading Screeners- Universal-Reading-Screeners.pdf (gadoe.org)
GA DOE Approved High-Quality Instructional Materials- High-Quality Instructional Materials List
GA DOE Dyslexia Informational Handbook- GA DOE Dyslexia Informational Handbook