I am a Virginia native, author, educator specializing in Special Education and a Certified Life Coach specializing in Neurolinguistic Programming. I am a lifelong learner who loves sharing my experiences through writing and traveling. With a passion for Education and behavior studies, I earned a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Elementary Education and a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis.

 I’ve enjoyed over 10 years of experience in the field of education which includes teaching in many settings including public schools, in home behavior and academic services and private tutoring.

With my experience as both a special education teacher and as an academic interventionist, I have been able to deepen my knowledge of the ins and outs  of schools, best practices in education, curricula, and a sensitivity to helping families navigate the stress of identifying the best educational fit for their child. I am passionate about using a multi-tiered approach to educate families and school personnel on effective, research-based reading strategies.

The Whole LONG Story

I’ve always known I wanted to become a teacher. I struggled with reading in elementary school and would’ve been identified as “Well below grade level” in the 4th grade. So, I know the power of passionate educators/ tutors and a dedicated mom as an advocate. In addition to being behind, I didn’t enjoy doing my homework either so, to help with this I begin teaching my teddy bears just to make it “fun”. Teaching is my purpose and an extension of who I am!

After college graduation I didn’t land the teaching job because I couldn’t find the “perfect” position. But ,who wants perfect anyway! ?

This “waiting period” introduced me to ABA ( Applied Behavior Analysis) and ABA introduced me to students who were identified with Autism. As challenging and exhausting this field was, it was so so rewarding when the non verbal student expressed their appreciating with hugs instead of pinches. Or the 8 year old finally learned independent toileting skills. ABA therapy prepared me for the social skills training I deeply needed before pivoting to the public schools.

My first public teaching position was in a K-2 Communication and Education Support Classroom, the majority of these students were diagnosed with Autism. MANNNN was I not ready (understatement) But, with the support of my amazing colleagues and coaches we survived (and cried) !

I taught in this classroom for 4 years and was ready for a change. That’s where THE SAVVYSPEDucator was born!

Simultaneously building my consulting clients and leaving the CES classroom , I transitioned into my role as a math and ELA interventionist for students who were identified with learning challenges. Later ,making a transition to a interventionist for students who experience learning challenges but, are not identified as needing specializing services.

My philosophy of teaching is we all can learn, it’s up to us to figure out the HOW!