Meet Ms. Brandi

 Ms. Kelly has 32 years of experience in education. She first received a BS in Elementary Education from Baldwin Wallace University and a M. Ed, in Reading and Language Arts from Duquesne University. As a reading specialist, she is currently consulting for an autism learning center to design a specialized literacy curriculum that aligns with best practices in teaching reading and spelling. Ms. Kelly is trained in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and is a Professional LETRS Facilitator. LETRS has earned International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Accreditation and provides teachers with the skills they need to master the fundamentals of reading instruction. Ms. Kelly loves walking, painting but most of all helping students find their super power and love of learning.

Ms. Erica earned her Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Master of Education specializing in literacy and dyslexia from the University of Central Arkansas. She also holds an endorsement as a reading specialist in Illinois. Now in her fifth year of teaching fifth grade, Ms. Erica has dedicated three of those years to focused, leveled math instruction. She excels at differentiating her approach to meet students where they are, working closely with those who are below grade level or need extra support. This commitment extends beyond the classroom. Ms. Erica provides one-on-one math and reading tutoring, helping to build student confidence and prepare them for the expectations of elementary school. Her educational philosophy is centered on a dedication to early intervention and a commitment to fostering growth in every learner.

Ms. Bethany is a passionate educator with five years of teaching experience and a strong commitment to student growth and emotional well-being. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and later completed her professional teaching licensure through the University of West Florida. She currently teaches 6th grade, where she focuses on creating a positive, engaging classroom environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love for learning.

In addition to her classroom role, Ms. Bethany serves students through her school’s after-school tutoring program and provides individualized math and reading support to learners in her community. Social-emotional learning is at the heart of her philosophy - she prioritizes connection and believes that when students feel supported and understood, they are empowered to grow academically and personally.

Ms. Megan is a dedicated special education teacher with nine years of experience supporting students with ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, and emotional disabilities. She is licensed in both elementary and special education in California and North Carolina.

Ms. Megan believes every child can grow and succeed when they feel supported, understood, and valued. She loves helping students build both academic and social-emotional skills and supporting behavior and learning is truly her jam!

Ms. Megan takes time to get to know each student and their family, creating strong, trusting relationships. By deeply understanding the content she teaches, she is able to adapt lessons to meet each student’s unique needs and help them feel successful. 

Ms. Amy is a dedicated educator and first grade teacher at The Ellis School with a strong foundation in special education. She is also a mom to three children and a Golden Doodle named Summer, and lives in the North Hills with her husband, David.

Ms. Amy began her career as a special education teacher, where she developed a deep understanding of diverse learning needs. She later stepped away from the classroom to raise her children and serve as a caregiver and advocate for her daughter with neurodiverse needs- an experience that deeply shaped both her perspective and her practice.

Through supporting her daughter, Ms. Amy witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective, research-based reading intervention. This inspired her to deepen her expertise and pursue work as a reading specialist. She is passionate about helping each child not only learn to read, but also build confidence, independence, and discover their own unique strengths - their “superpowers.”