Get the Support Your Child Needs

Born and raised in north county San Diego, I'm familiar with the schools, educational culture and expectations in our communities. After graduating from UCSB, I started my career working 1 to 1 with students in an intensive reading program. I went on to receive my teaching credential and master's in Education from UCSD. I found myself drawn back to 1 to 1 education and eventually became the Head of School for Fusion Academy, an awesome alternative middle school and high school in Solana Beach. I took a little time off to have a couple babies, but never stopped pursuing my passion for education and trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading. In my current work as an educational therapist, I support students not only in reading but also with executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and task initiation. I have a particular interest in supporting students with Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), helping them build strategies to navigate both academic and social challenges. I serve on the board for the International Dyslexia Association San Diego Branch as well as the board for San Diego Mentors. My goal is to get all kids reading and thriving (which looks different for everyone!)

Every child learns differently—and sometimes, they just need the right kind of support to help them thrive. I’m an Educational Therapist with a foundation in elementary education and more than 20 years of experience working with students from kindergarten through sixth grade. My passion lies in helping students overcome learning challenges, especially in reading and executive functioning, so they can build confidence and experience success. Although I grew up in New Jersey, my teaching career truly took root in California. After earning my undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, I moved west to pursue my teaching credential at the University of San Diego. I later completed a Master’s degree at San Diego State University and achieved National Board Certification, milestones that reflect my dedication to professional growth and evidence-based instruction. Over the years, I’ve supported students at all stages of their literacy journey—from those just beginning to connect sounds to letters to older students who struggle with decoding and comprehension. My training in the Science of Reading and the Orton-Gillingham approach has deepened my understanding of how students with dyslexia process information, and it has shaped my approach to intervention: explicit, individualized, and encouraging. In addition to reading, I specialize in supporting students with nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD), particularly in developing executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and flexible thinking. I understand how these challenges can impact learning, and I work with students to build practical strategies that promote independence. At the heart of my work is a belief in strong relationships, personalized support, and celebrating progress at every step. I’m committed to helping each student discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and develop the tools they need for lifelong learning. I look forward to partnering with you and your child on this journey.

I’ve always been passionate about education, especially reading and writing, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to work as a teacher. I grew up and attended schools in San Diego before moving to Pennsylvania for college. After earning my B.A. in English from Villanova University in 2018, I received my Master’s in Teaching from the University of Portland in 2020. I taught 5th grade for 4 years in Seattle, and then moved back home to San Diego to be closer to family and the sun, where I taught 2nd grade for 2 years. As a classroom teacher certified in both Washington and California and trained in the science of reading, I've seen first hand how crucial early intervention is and how much success students can find when they have the right support. It is my goal to be that support to my students and to provide them not only with the education and information they need, but also with the self-esteem, motivation, and organizational skills that will help carry them throughout many of life's challenges. I’m so excited to transition into educational therapy where I can work more closely with students, personalizing my approach to meet their unique needs and strengths. Every student deserves to feel like school is an opportunity for growth, not an insurmountable challenge, and I'm excited to be a part of that journey for your child!