Reading in the Rockies 2024 – Our Speakers – Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association

ABOUT	PRICING & REGISTRATION	CONFERENCE SPONSORS	LODGING & DINING INFO
SPEAKERS	SCHOLARSHIPS	FRIDAY PROGRAM	SATURDAY PROGRAM

We are very pleased to announce the amazing speaker lineup for our 2024 conference!

Scroll below to read more about all of our speakers.

Leslie Laud, Ph.D. – Friday’s Opening Plenary Speaker

Dr. Leslie Laud supports teachers, schools, districts and states nationally with strengthening writing instruction. She has taught in both general and special education, and worked as a principal. She holds a doctorate from Columbia University, where she was mentored by Dr. Judith Birsh in explicit reading instruction, Dr. Lyn Corno in self-regulated learning and Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond in school change. She has served as co-PI and lead PI on federally-funded large research studies of writing instruction, publishes empirical studies in peer-reviewed journals and presents frequently at national conferences.

Jake Sussman, Founder of Superpower Mentors, developed one of the world’s most effective online mentoring programs designed to empower youth and young adults with learning differences to confidently succeed in any environment. Jake has perfected his craft on how to best reach the “unreachable” through thousands of hours of personally mentoring neurodiverse youth around the world. His own experiences with learning differences have been his greatest advantage, as Jake utilizes his stories to bridge the gap between those who think differently and those who do not understand. When Jake is not speaking or mentoring kids, he is training for his next triathlon, working on his museum-quality model train set or playing the piano.

Sue Scibetta Hegland – Saturday’s Opening Plenary Speaker

Sue Scibetta Hegland is an author, educator, and frequent speaker on topics related to reading and spelling. She began her career doing research and instructional design, but her focus shifted in 2003, when she learned that one of her children is dyslexic. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to literacy instruction, she has been studying and teaching about often overlooked aspects of the English orthographic system since 2014. Sue has served on the Board of Directors for the Upper Midwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and on the Board of Education for the Brandon Valley School District. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief for the IDA’s Fact Sheet publications and is on the Advisory Council for the Upper Midwest Branch of the IDA. Sue is the founder of the website LearningAboutSpelling.com and author of the book Beneath the Surface of Words: What English Spelling Reveals and Why It Matters.

Daryl Michel, Ph.D. – Featured Conference Speaker

Daryl Michel, Ph.D., consults with organizations nationally and internationally in areas such as instructional coaching, teacher education, disciplinary literacy, learning and lesson study, and curriculum design. He is the founder of Be A Change, LLC, and coauthor of Student-Focused Coaching: The Instructional Coach’s Guide to Supporting Student Success Through Teacher Collaboration (Brookes Publishing, 2022). In addition to his educational consulting, he serves as a project manager for The University of Texas at Austin’s Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk consulting with districts to develop systemwide Multi-tiered System of Supports. Daryl began his career in the education profession nearly three decades ago and, today, continues to follow his passion of learning with and from others and advocating for voices and perspectives to be heard.

Breakout Session Speakers

listed alphabetically

Jennifer Anton, M.Ed.	Assistant Principal, Sand Creek Elementary Mild Moderate Needs Interventionist, Sand Creek Elementary, 2017-2023 Exceptional Student Educator, Volusia County, Florida, 2011-2017 Bachelors in Social Work Masters in Exceptional Student Education Interventionist Certificate Educational Leadership Certificate
Drea Beale, M.Ed., Educational Consultant	Drea Beale, M. Ed., is an equity-centered educator with over 25 years of experience in public schools. She is committed to the success of all students through an excellent, evidence-based education. Her experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, principal and superintendent inform her work that supports struggling readers across grades K-12. She facilitates high quality professional development, including instructional coaching, within aligned systems that actualize a shared vision to propel leaders and teachers so that all students thrive.
Ariel Bobson	Ariel Bobson did Teach for America in New York City, then served as a Special Educator, Literacy Specialist, and Literacy Coach in underserved schools across Brooklyn and The Bronx. During this time, she developed and delivered Professional Development sessions to support educators in their understanding of the Science of Reading, along with strategies to infuse Structured Literacy in their daily instruction. Now, Ariel supports educators to meet the needs of ALL students through her role as a Literacy Partner at Lexia Learning.
Kristine Burgess, M.Ed & M.S.Ed (She/Her/Hers)	Kristine began working at Landmark High School in 2010 as a language arts tutorial teacher after earning her bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College. She has since earned her master’s degree in special education from Simmons College and a master’s degree in education from Endicott College with a focus on Reading & Literacy. She now holds a Reading Specialist License. Since 2014, Kristine has taught courses through Landmark Outreach related to the Science of Reading, Reading Instruction, Executive Function, Assistive and Educational Technology, and supporting students with Language-Based Learning Disabilities. She also researched and compiled topics for the monthly Free Landmark Teaching Strategies related to the use and role of technology in the classroom, working memory, processing speed, the Collaborative Strategic Reading approach, and supporting students with Language-Based Learning Disabilities. She currently heads the reading department and teaches two small group classes.
Carrie Cole, M.Ed.	Carrie Cole is president of Side-by-Side Educational Consulting, where she leads a team of professionals who are dedicated to working side-by-side with educators to increase literacy outcomes for all students. She holds a Master’s degree in literacy and is a contributing author for CORE’s Teaching Reading Sourcebook, a best-selling, evidence-based guide to effective literacy instruction PreK-12. She is a member of ASCD, IDA, and the Reading League.
Antonio A. Fierro, Ed.D.	Dr. Fierro is a former bilingual educator and specialist. For over twenty years, he was a member of the national LETRS cohort led by Dr. Louisa Moats. He currently sits on the national board of The Reading League and the advisory board of LETRS 3rd edition. His areas of interest include early literacy instruction, improving the learning experience of pre-service teaching candidates, and research and practice that impacts English learners. He is also dedicated to advancing the knowledge base and understanding of dyslexia and other reading disabilities.
Katie Hughes, Regional Partner	Katie Hughes is a Regional Partner at Really Great Reading. She began her career in education in 2004, as a first-grade teacher in a Title 1 school in Colorado. Katie later became an instructional coach and reading interventionist, providing professional development and coaching support to educators. As an Implementation Specialist, Katie helps teachers develop literacy knowledge, data analysis skills, and effective implementation strategies that significantly impact student literacy outcomes.
Brie Johnson, CDE Senior Literacy Consultant Supporting Multilingual Learners	Brie Johnson started her teaching career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua. She holds an MA in Curriculum, Instruction & Teaching with a concentration in Urban Education from the University of Denver. She worked in Aurora supporting Multilingual Learners and as a bilingual teacher in Denver supporting literacy development across languages. Most recently, she received training from the University of Colorado, Boulder to create and teach language-focused writing lessons designed to enrich instruction for emergent bilingual students. Brie is a Senior Literacy Consultant supporting Multilingual Learners at the Colorado Department of Education.
Madeline Jones, Director of Education US	Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Madeline is an experienced Special Education teacher, district and assessment coordinator, and principal. She now uses her skillsets at Scanning Pens as a Director of Education US. With a passion for helping others, Madeline looks forward to creating valuable resources and tools to aid our educators as they serve our amazing students!
Julie Joynt, Sr. Curriculum Specialist	Julie Joynt holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Central Florida and a Master’s Degree in Language Arts Education from UCF as well. She was in education for 22 years, teaching almost all subjects in kindergarten through high school. She spent 8 of those years as a Safe and Drug Free Resource Teacher focusing her efforts in drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention as well as bullying prevention and internet safety. During that time she wrote the chapter “Pencils, Books, and Guns: Violence Goes to School,” Using Literature to Help Troubled Teenagers Cope with End-of-Life Issues, Janet Allen, ed., published by Greenwood Press. Julie spent 12 summers as a facilitator for Dr. Janet Allen’s it’s Never too Late Literacy Institutes as well as Dr. Allen’s Literacy Leadership Collaborative and the Reading for Life Institutes. At present, Julie is a Specialist-Professional Services for EPS Learning, working with districts and schools across the country on supporting their implementations of the many educational programs.
Rachel Klein	Rachel Klein is a Success Lead with Great Minds where she supports districts with the implementation of Eureka Math, Wit & Wisdom, and PhD Science. Prior to her time at Great Minds, Rachel taught elementary education in Denver.
Becky Lewis, M.A., NBCT	Becky Lewis, Professional Learning Solutions Specialist at Lexia, collaborates with state-level leaders to empower educators in addressing literacy needs. Formerly with the West Virginia Department of Education, she provided professional development and assessed early literacy initiatives. With experience as a teacher and Literacy Specialist across K-12, Becky holds National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Leadership Studies.
Danielle Lucas-Adam, M.Ed.	Danielle has extensive experience in education as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, Assistant Principal of Instruction, and Manager of Academics in public, charter, and private schools, and a literacy nonprofit. She led a Colorado charter network’s transition to structured literacy, implementing evidence-based curricula and refining MTSS processes. Skilled in various professional development formats, Danielle is pursuing further expertise in English Learners Language and Literacy and a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia. She is passionate about the science of reading and committed to fostering joyful, rigorous instruction through collaboration, coaching, and development.
Lauren McGrath, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Denver	Lauren McGrath, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Denver. Dr. McGrath studies dyslexia and related co-occurring mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Danielle Mohr, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist	Danielle Mohr, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at Wolff Child Psychology, a practice with a central focus on conducting evidence-based psychoeducational evaluations and supporting children with educational needs, including reading difficulties, through school-based advocacy and planning.
Lauren Moore	Lauren Moore is a Success Lead with Great Minds where she supports districts with the implementation of Eureka Math, Wit & Wisdom, and PhD Science. Before coming to Great Minds, Lauren worked as a teacher and administrator in Denver. During her time in schools, Lauren lead the implementation of new curricula supporting teachers in learning and executing lessons to maximize student learning.
Cassandra Novack, M.Ed.	Cassandra is a seasoned education professional with a passion for literacy. Armed with a Bachelor and Master of Education from Washburn University, she has honed her skills across a range of roles, from classroom teacher to instructional coach and secondary reading specialist. Today, Cassandra shares her expertise as a sought-after literacy consultant, helping districts and schools elevate their instruction and support student success through evidence-based, multi-tiered approaches.
Rachel Paradis, MSEd, ET/P	Rachel holds a B.A. in education and special education from University of Kansas and a MSEd in special education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. Licensed in Colorado for elementary and special education K-12, she has focused on intervention in secondary grades for over two decades in Paris, New York City, Denver, and is currently the Director of Educational Programs and an educational therapist at the Hillside School in Boulder. Rachel is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and holds a professional-level license through Association of Educational Therapists. She is also an Instructor in Training and a certified practitioner and coach in Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Orton Gillingham Approach to Math.
Tanya Peshovich, M.Ed.	Tanya Peshovich, M. Ed., is passionate about working with educators to implement evidence-based literacy practices and tiered systems of support based on the Science of Reading. As a former teacher and literacy coach, she is able to help educators bridge the research-to-practice gap. Mrs. Peshovich is Orton-Gillingham trained and tutors children diagnosed with dyslexia while also supporting school districts in the Western United States.
Brittany Philipson, M.A.	Brittany Philipsen, with 20 years of experience as an educator, instructional coach, literacy specialist, school leader, and educational consultant, is dedicated to expanding access to scientifically-based reading instruction by bridging the gap between research and practice for educators nationwide. Her expertise, bolstered by a Master’s degree from the innovative Reading Science program at Mount St. Joseph University, LETRS and Orton Gillingham training, and Structured Literacy Certification, empowers her to advocate for the science of reading. Brittany collaborates with schools, districts, and teachers nationwide to ensure equitable literacy access and high-quality, explicit instruction for every child.
Michelle Rozenman, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Denver	Michelle Rozenman, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Denver. Dr. Rozenman studies stress and anxiety in youth including evidence-based interventions to improve anxiety.
Laura Santerre-Lemmon, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, DU Department of Psychology	Laura Santerre-Lemmon is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic in the Department of Psychology at the University of Denver (DU). She received her PhD in Clinical Child Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from DU. She specializes in the comprehensive assessment of learning disabilities, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences in youth. She provides training in assessment to graduate students in the DU Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic and enjoys working with community organizations and providers around improving the identification of dyslexia and commonly co-occurring conditions in youth.
Nora Wersich Schlesinger, Ph.D.	Dr. Nora Wersich Schlesinger was a classroom teacher for almost 20 years. She is a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and a CERI certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. She has a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University. Dr. Wersich Schlesinger is currently the Director of Language and Literacy Education at Wilson Language Training (WLT). Prior to working at WLT Dr. Schlesinger was an Assistant Professor of Literacy at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA.
Hunter Smith, CDE Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist	Hunter Smith, Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, CDE Hunter Smith was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He began his teaching career as a bilingual teacher in the primary grades in Denver Public Schools. Subsequently, he became a special educator for students with mild/moderate needs. He holds an MA degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity from the BUENO Center at CU Boulder. He believes that race, language, gender, culture and unique abilities are assets and that we must examine our beliefs about intersectionality to promote academic success for ALL students.
Amy Thomas, Head of School, Vertical Skills Academy	Amy Thomas has worked in education for 28 years in a variety of roles, starting her career teaching high school literacy to students with emotional disabilities. In addition to that role, she has worked as a learning specialist, 6th grade teacher, instructional coach, and most recently as a literacy consultant for the Colorado Department of Education. Amy has worked with thinkSRSD for 12 years and implemented the framework with several districts. Learning about best practices and research within literacy and collaborating about it with fellow teachers, is one of her favorite things to do. She believes that every child can become a reader and writer when high quality teachers use evidenced-based instruction. Promoting this concept is her top priority.
Traci Thorstenson, M.Ed., CALP	Traci Thorstenson, M.Ed., is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner with extensive experience in the field of education. Her career began as a first-grade teacher, where she worked across Title I, parochial, and public school settings. Most recently, Traci has served as a reading interventionist and instructional coach, where she has designed and delivered professional development workshops aimed at empowering educators to implement evidence-based best practices in literacy across all instructional tiers. Her leadership in literacy initiatives has led to significant improvements in student literacy outcomes.
Karen Tzanetopoulos, M.S., CCC-SLP	Karen Tzanetopoulos, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in dyslexia and is also a math learning expert who helps children with reading and math difficulties. She is co-author of the book How Children Learn Math: The Science of Math Learning in Research and Practice (Routledge, 2023). Karen is one of 24 United States math experts invited to participate in an ongoing National Science Foundation grant to improve math education. She provides professional development to teachers and schools.
Brian Wolff, Ph.D., Executive Director and Clinical Psychologist	Brian Wolff, Ph.D., Executive Director, is a clinical psychologist at Wolff Child Psychology, a practice with a central focus on conducting evidence-based psychoeducational evaluations and supporting children with educational needs, including reading difficulties, through school-based advocacy and planning.
Mary Yarus, M.Ed., CALT, C-SLDS	Mary Yarus earned an M.Ed. and is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and a Structured Language Dyslexia Specialist. Her career in education began in 2001 following her daughter’s diagnosis of dyslexia. Mary has worked with students from 5 to 80 and led an adult literacy program for several years. She currently serves as an Education Specialist with Region 4 Education Service Center in Houston, Texas, providing professional development to public and charter school teachers. Mary also serves on the board of Houston Branch of IDA and is a past president.