I didn't always love reading. In fact, for a long time, I avoided it. It took tutors, time, and patience before that light finally switched on for me, and when it did, it changed everything. That experience is at the heart of everything I do.
With over 20 years of literacy-focused experience, from NYC classrooms to conference stages, I've had the privilege of working alongside students, teachers, and administrators to evolve best practices and bring data-driven instruction to meet the unique needs of every learner. A proud NYU Master's in Education graduate and Fordham Readers-at-Risk fellow, I've served as a classroom teacher, clinical supervisor and adjunct lecturer at Hunter College, literacy consultant, and literacy coach. My work has always lived at the intersection of research and practice. I am always learning, so that my teaching never stops evolving.
But what shaped ELAwise more than any credential was something simpler: sitting across from families who were frightened, frustrated, and searching for answers. Parents who deeply wanted to help their children and didn't know where to start. As a mom of three unique learners myself, I understand that feeling deeply.
I created ELAwise by pulling together important information and resources for parents, because knowledgeable, empowered parents are one of the most powerful forces in a child's literacy life. The more you understand, the better you can support, advocate for, and guide your child along their own unique path.
The idea behind ELAwise
The road from concern to support can feel long and uncertain. But a knowledgeable parent doesn't have to wait — and doesn't have to feel lost.
This resource is here to help you understand and build a strong foundation at home — from the earliest building blocks like talking with your child, reading together, and asking and answering questions, to knowing what milestones to watch for, having tools to turn to when your gut tells you something is off, and feeling confident enough to advocate for your child when it matters most.
That's what ELAwise is for.
No sign-ups. No email list. Just free information.
A starting point, not a diagnosis
ELAwise is an informational resource, not a substitute for professional evaluation. The tools and information here are meant to help you ask better questions and understand what you're seeing — not to reach conclusions. If you have concerns about your child's reading or writing development, please consult a qualified professional such as a licensed educational psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or pediatrician.
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