I’m a trained reading specialist who taught in the Learning Skills Department at the Brearley School for 17 years. I have extensive experience helping children with reading acquisition, reading comprehension and writing skills, especially those with language based learning difficulties. I also love helping kids whose skills just need sharpening or who want a challenge. I use a variety of teaching programs to build on children’s existing skills, such as the Hochman Method, a step-by-step, research- based writing program developed at the Windward School. I’ve also taught phonics with the Wilson Fundations method, in conjunction with phonetically controlled readers and quality children’s literature. I’m a firm believer that direct, explicit instruction benefits all readers and writers, and the confidence that follows success enhances a love for reading and writing.