Meet Our Team

Jenna is a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Special Education. As a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher, she has successfully applied this approach in both schools and private tutoring. Jenna also holds a Yoga Teacher certification, which she integrates into her teaching by incorporating yoga and mindfulness techniques. She also teaches children and family yoga classes across Bergen County. Jenna’s favorite part of teaching is making strong connections with her students.

Alyssa is a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist with master’s degrees in both Elementary Education and Educational Technology. She is also a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher. Alyssa brings a unique touch by incorporating her Yoga Teacher certification, serving as a family yoga and community meditation instructor. Her extensive background and diverse skills make her a dynamic and engaging educator. Alyssa brings joy to learning by embracing silliness and fun with her students.

Amber is a second-grade special education teacher in Bergen County. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham and special education. Amber has been teaching for 9 years as a general education teacher and a resource room teacher.

Stefanie is a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist who has her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has been teaching for 7 years in Bergen County. She is also a certified Orton-Gillingham Teacher and has been using this approach during private tutoring. Stefanie loves incorporating mindfulness techniques into her teaching to help children succeed. Stefanie is a treasured part of the Mindful Reading Center Team!

Brianne has a master’s degree in special education and is a certified Orton-Gillingham Teacher.  She has taught special education for 8 years in grades 3-8.  She currently teaches multisensory reading across grades 6-8.  Brianne enjoys reading, hiking, and playing volleyball.  Her passion is helping students discover a love for reading through the use of Orton-Gillingham and multisensory activities that engage their bodies and minds.

Dawn is a Fairleigh Dickinson University Orton Gillingham Certified teacher.  She is a graduate of The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a concentration in Sociology.  She is currently a graduate student at FDU in the Literacy/Reading, Multisensory Reading dual degree program.  Dawn has taught in the Bergen County public school system for sixteen years as a classroom teacher and literacy and math interventionist.  She is the proud mother of three children: Katelyn, Jack,and Ryan, 19, and is an avid reader and gardener.  Dawn incorporates mindfulness lessons into her daily teaching and tutoring, as well as in her own life.

Rebecca has a master’s degree in Special Education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher and has been using this approach in her classroom and during private tutoring. She has taught Resource Room for 5 years and is currently a Reading Interventionist. She enjoys using the Orton-Gillingham approach with her students as well as incorporating mindfulness techniques into her lessons at Mindful Reading Center.

Kelly received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education and has been a Special Education teacher, teaching in the Resource Room setting, for nine years in Bergen County. Kelly has received her master’s degree in Learning Disabilities and is a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant and a certified Orton-Gillingham Teacher. She enjoys using the Orton-Gillingham approach with her students, as well as incorporating her passion for mindfulness into each of her lessons at Mindful Reading Center!

Emily has a Master’s Degree of Literacy with a concentration as a Reading Specialist.  She has worked as a special education teacher for the last 7 years.  Emily is also a certified Orton Gillingham teacher who has used this approach in private tutoring.  Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and family (especially her niece and nephews!). She also enjoys getting to know all of the wonderful students at Mindful Reading Center!

Kathi is a Reading Specialist at an elementary school and received her M.A. from New Jersey City University. Her career began as a classroom teacher in the primary grades. She is a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher and has been using this approach with her students for the past 13 years. Kathi’s 4 sons are her pride and joy. She loves spending time with them. Kathi enjoys riding the peloton, taking long walks, and relaxing with a good book. Working at the Mindful Reading Center is perfect for fulfilling Kathi’s passion for helping children experience the joy of reading.

Rebecca is entering her 15th year teaching. She has taught grades 2-5 during her career. Rebecca has taught in inclusion classrooms throughout her career. She is certified in Elementary Education grades K-6, as a mathematics teacher in grades K-12, and as a special education teacher in grades K-12. Rebecca received her bachelor’s degrees from The College of New Jersey in Elementary Education and Mathematics and her master’s of education in special education at William Paterson University. Rebecca continually looks for new ways to support her students and help them grow.

Meet Ginny, our lively Jack Russell Poodle mix, rescued from Memphis, Tennessee! At just one year old, Ginny became a certified Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog. You can often find her volunteering at Paws for Reading events in local libraries across Bergen County. Ginny adores reading with children, sunbathing outside and absolutely loves a good neck scratch.

Meet Luna, our spirited Border Collie mix, rescued from South Carolina! At just six months old, Luna earned her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification from the American Kennel Club. On her first birthday, she became a certified Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog. Luna is a dedicated volunteer at Valley Hospital and Paws for Reading events in local libraries across Bergen County. She loves reading with children, keeping an eye on trees for squirrels, and absolutely adores belly rubs. Luna brings boundless energy and joy to everyone she meets!

Philomena – AKA Philly, is a charming Cavapoo with a small stature and a big heart. Philly adores playing with dogs, cats, and most of all, children. She's always ready for an outdoor adventure, whether it's a walk around the neighborhood or a hike in the mountains. Philly's eyes light up at the sound of squeaky toys, and she loves nothing more than cuddling and playing games with kids. Her playful nature and affectionate personality make her the perfect therapy dog for anyone needing a little joy and warmth in their lives.

Queso is our beloved Chihuahua-Chocolate Lab mix with a soulful spirit. Rescued from a Mississippi parking lot at six months old, he spent years in foster care. Despite being overlooked, Queso found his forever home at four years old and blossomed into a therapy dog. Now a cherished member of the MRC family, he delights in twirling for treats, cuddling, claiming hearts by sitting on feet, and swimming in the nearby river. Queso's journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of love.