THE DYSLEXIA RESOURCE STAFF

Interim Executive Director of The Dyslexia Resource and Interim Head of School at The Schenck School

Bill Wharton

Fellow of Record

Josie Calamari

Fellow of The Orton-Gillingham Academy

Josie is born and raised in Atlanta. She earned a B.A. in History from The University of Georgia and, later, a M.Ed. in Reading Education with a focus on new and digital literacies through distance learning in conjunction with The University of Georgia.

Before joining The Dyslexia Resource staff, Josie spent her first two years at The Schenck School teaching sixth grade and taking OG training classes with Rosalie Davis. She was hooked and knew one day she wanted to work and train teachers. After 6 more years in the classroom, Josie jumped at the opportunity to work for The Dyslexia Resource and provide support for teachers working with dyslexic students in both private and public schools. She is a Fellow with The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. As the Director of Teacher Training, Josie trains teachers, in both private and public schools, and independent tutors as well as mentors practitioners working towards certification with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.

Josie has served on the IDA-GA Board of Directors and has helped plan their annual conference and a Southeastern conference. Since then, she has worked with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators on their annual conference as well.

Director of Research and Development

Kim Day

Ph.D. in Special Education

Kim has been an educator for over 35 years and is currently the Director of Research & Development at The Schenck School. In her role she supports the professional learning and development of the staff and faculty at the School and also helps foster school partnerships in the Atlanta community through The Dyslexia Resource. Kim came to this position from Purpose Built Schools (PBS) where she served as the Director of Literacy & Early Learning. While at PBS, Kim provided consultative support to schools in the PBS network in establishing research-based literacy and early learning programs.

Kim has a Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in language-based learning disabilities, assessment and educational leadership from the University of Georgia. Her professional interests include teacher training in literacy and language development for young children as well as teacher development through mentoring and coaching practices.

Director of Community Engagement

Ellen Hill

Fellow of The Orton-Gillingham Academy

Ellen Hill is an advocate for students with dyslexia. Since 1987, she has worked at The Schenck School developing and implementing strategies that help struggling students succeed. While at The Schenck School, Ellen has served as a tutor, teacher, Lower School Principal, Admissions Director, Outplacement Director, and currently as Director of Community Engagement. Ellen has an B.A. in learning disabilities from Mercer University and a master’s degree in learning disabilities from Georgia State University. Ellen has presented numerous educational sessions locally and nationally for educators, parents, and other professionals at conferences presented by the International Dyslexia Association, the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, the SSATB, and Georgia Independent School Assocation. Additionally, she has given presentations at community events, independent and public schools, and several universities in Georgia. Ellen likes to say that she has continued her education by living with her dyslexic husband and children. She is very proud to be the lucky parent of two dyslexic sons.

Teacher Training Instructor and Director of Outplacement

Janet Street

With two decades of experience in education, plus two Master’s degrees in Independent School Leadership and School Counseling, Janet Street has outstanding expertise and a desire to teach the next generation of educators. Janet taught reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, math, and social studies at The Schenck School from 2001 to 2017 and applied the Orton-Gillingham Approach every day in the classroom and in tutoring sessions. While teaching at The Schenck School, Janet simultaneously spoke, facilitated, and led Orton-Gillingham teacher training courses starting in 2015. Janet is currently a Fellow-in-Training with the Orton-Gillingham Academy and is pursuing her certification as a Fellow in the coming years. In addition to her work as a teacher, Janet has also served as the Director of Student Services and the Director of Outplacement at The Schenck School.

Operations Manager

Brooke Kamke

Brooke Kamke, a proud Schenck School parent, is the Dyslexia Resource Operations Manager. She leads The Dyslexia Resource’s day-to-day operations of teacher training, research, and partnerships with area schools and other organizations and directs dyslexia support services and awareness programming.

Most recently, Brooke was the Director of Quality and Patient Safety at Emory University Hospital. She has a masters of public health from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health where she continues to serve as a Practicum Advisor to Health Policy and Management students. She also has a B.A. in biology – thematic sequence in logic from Miami University.

Registrar

Rosanna Dennis

Rosanna is the Registrar for The Dyslexia Resource and The Schenck School. She manages registration for Dyslexia Resource training courses and outreach services. She has studied business administration at Perimeter College and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Director of Communications

Sandy McCauley

Accounting Manager

Gerard LeHatte

Administrative Assistant

Ericka Smith

Ericka Smith is an early childhood education advocate and California native who has lived in Georgia for more than 20 years. With decades of administrative, event management, finance, and advocacy experience, Ericka is proud to share her skills as a part of the administration team at The Dyslexia Resource. In addition to her work experience, Ericka holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University and is an advocate at the National Council for Learning Disorders. She is also a member of the International Dyslexia Association and is actively involved with Decoding Dyslexia Georgia and the National Center for Civil & Human Rights International Human Trafficking Institute (IHTI). Ericka is the mother of two boys and is proud to work with other parents to emphasize the importance of early intervention in childhood education and empower the next generation of students.

Project Coordinator

Erika Afeman

Erika holds a B.A. in Psychology from Washington College in Chestertown, MD, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from New York University. She also holds a Professional Certificate in Educational Therapy from the University of California at San Diego. She has been a classroom teacher and a Learning Specialist for schools specializing in learning disabilities as well as behavioral challenges. Most recently she was a Literacy Specialist at The Howard School in Atlanta, GA. She has been trained in various Orton-Gillingham programs and is a past board member of the Georgia Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. 

Content Developer

Keller Battey

Project Coordinator / Fellow in Training

Jen Burch

Jen began her career as a molecular biologist at Emory University. It wasn’t until 2011, when her then second grade daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, that she began her training in the Orton-Gillingham approach to better understand her child’s needs. Since then, Jen has become an Associate Member of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) and is working to become a Certified Practitioner of OG. Jen is a remediation specialist for The Dyslexia Resource at The Schenck School, specifically working to remediate students in an underserved public school in Atlanta.

Remediation Specialist

Nancy Christensen

As a parent of a dyslexic son and former Schenck student, Nancy has first-hand knowledge on the lifetime benefits and impact Orton-Gillingham can have on young lives. Based on that experience, Nancy is trained on the Associate Level and is now a remediation specialist at Slater Elementary School where, as part of The Dyslexia Resource partnership with Purpose Built Schools, she has the opportunity to work with underserved students to develop the fundamental reading skills needed for their future academic advancement. Nancy has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mercer University. Prior to her current position, Nancy served as a long-term substitute teacher at Schenck, Atlanta Speech School, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and as a teacher’s assistant at St. Benedicts’ Episcopal School.

Remediation Specialist

Karen Wade

Karen Wade worked at The Schenck School for 11 years; first as a teacher, and then as a long-term substitute teacher. In 2017, she transitioned to The Dyslexia Resource to work as a Reading Specialist at Thomasville Heights Elementary School. Karen received her associate level certification with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) through the Schenck School teacher-training program. She has a master’s degree in special education from Florida State University. According to Karen, her work as a reading specialist through The Dyslexia Resource’s partnership with Purpose Built Schools has been the most rewarding of her career. It has given her the opportunity to partner with organizations focused on educating the underserved student population, a passion for her. Karen began this work in January 2017 as a remediation specialist at Thomasville Heights Elementary School. Through the partnership of The Dyslexia Resource and the Hill Center in Durham, North Carolina, Karen is able to serve second and third grade students, providing Orton-Gillingham methodologies using an iPad app as an additional tool to engage the students on their road to reading success.

Remediation Specialist

Kristen Moore

Kristen Moore is the mother of a child with dyslexia and is dyslexic herself, so she has personal experience with what works when it comes to dyslexia teaching strategies. As a social worker by trade and with specialized Orton-Gillingham training, she is thrilled to interact with deserving students in new environments. Last year, Kristen was able to work with struggling readers at Springdale Elementary School, and she is so excited to continue to support The Dyslexia Resource’s mission.

Remediation Specialist

Betsy Nemec

With 20 years of experience in preschool education, Betsy Nemec has a full understanding of childhood development and the implementation of educational best practices for child-centered learning. After studying English and education at the University of Texas, Betsy spent many years teaching and directing educational efforts at preschools in Georgia. In addition to her teaching experience, Betsy holds several Georgia teaching certificates and is also a certified Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator. Betsy can’t wait to start working with struggling elementary school students as a Remediation Specialist with The Dyslexia Resource.

Remediation Specialist

Caroline Pasternak

As an alumnus of The Schenck School herself, Caroline Pasternak knows the benefits of the Orton-Gillingham Approach first-hand. Caroline completed her Orton-Gillingham Associate Level training through The Dyslexia Resource in 2018 and has been privately tutoring students in kindergarten through 5th grade ever since. She is currently a Remediation Specialist with The Dyslexia Resource and loves working with students in underserved Atlanta-area schools. Caroline graduated from Colgate University with a degree in Geology and spent over eight years working in environmental consulting before starting with The Dyslexia Resource.

Remediation Specialist

Christina Pack

Christina Pack graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012 and then began her teaching career in North Carolina. After moving to Atlanta, Christina started teaching for KIPP Metro Atlanta as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher. Christina also taught 3rd grade, worked as a Learning Specialist, and served on the leadership team at the Atlanta Youth Academy. Additionally, Christina completed the Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator course in 2018. When she’s not working, Christina enjoys spending time with her family, doing CrossFit, and reading.

Remediation Specialist

Tiana Jones-Cannady

With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Minor in Social Work from Western Carolina University, Tiana Jones-Cannady has always had a passion for working with students. She followed in her father’s footsteps to become a teacher and began her career in special education in North Carolina, first as a paraprofessional and then as a teacher at the high school level. Tiana is thrilled to be working with students in the Atlanta area and can’t wait to see the impact that she will have on her students (and that her students will have on her).

Remediation Specialist

Anna Terry

Fellow of Record

Josie Calamari

Fellow of The Orton-Gillingham Academy

Josie is born and raised in Atlanta. She earned a B.A. in History from The University of Georgia and, later, a M.Ed. in Reading Education with a focus on new and digital literacies through distance learning in conjunction with The University of Georgia.

Before joining The Dyslexia Resource staff, Josie spent her first two years at The Schenck School teaching sixth grade and taking OG training classes with Rosalie Davis. She was hooked and knew one day she wanted to work and train teachers. After 6 more years in the classroom, Josie jumped at the opportunity to work for The Dyslexia Resource and provide support for teachers working with dyslexic students in both private and public schools. She is a Fellow with The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. As the Director of Teacher Training, Josie trains teachers, in both private and public schools, and independent tutors as well as mentors practitioners working towards certification with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.

Josie has served on the IDA-GA Board of Directors and has helped plan their annual conference and a Southeastern conference. Since then, she has worked with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators on their annual conference as well.

Director of Community Engagement

Ellen Hill

Fellow of The Orton-Gillingham Academy

Ellen Hill is an advocate for students with dyslexia. Since 1987, she has worked at The Schenck School developing and implementing strategies that help struggling students succeed. While at The Schenck School, Ellen has served as a tutor, teacher, Lower School Principal, Admissions Director, Outplacement Director, and currently as Director of Community Engagement. Ellen has an B.A. in learning disabilities from Mercer University and a master’s degree in learning disabilities from Georgia State University. Ellen has presented numerous educational sessions locally and nationally for educators, parents, and other professionals at conferences presented by the International Dyslexia Association, the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, the SSATB, and Georgia Independent School Assocation. Additionally, she has given presentations at community events, independent and public schools, and several universities in Georgia. Ellen likes to say that she has continued her education by living with her dyslexic husband and children. She is very proud to be the lucky parent of two dyslexic sons.

Teacher Training Instructor and Director of Outplacement

Janet Street

With two decades of experience in education, plus two Master’s degrees in Independent School Leadership and School Counseling, Janet Street has outstanding expertise and a desire to teach the next generation of educators. Janet taught reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, math, and social studies at The Schenck School from 2001 to 2017 and applied the Orton-Gillingham Approach every day in the classroom and in tutoring sessions. While teaching at The Schenck School, Janet simultaneously spoke, facilitated, and led Orton-Gillingham teacher training courses starting in 2015. Janet is currently a Fellow-in-Training with the Orton-Gillingham Academy and is pursuing her certification as a Fellow in the coming years. In addition to her work as a teacher, Janet has also served as the Director of Student Services and the Director of Outplacement at The Schenck School.

Instructor / Fellow in Training

Beth Mares

Beth Mares is a Fellow-in-Training with the Orton Gillingham Academy. She has a BS in Wildlife Zoology from the University of Georgia and a M.Ed in Reading from Mercer University. Earlier in her career she worked as an elementary school teacher in first, third, and fifth grades. She has been an Orton-Gillingham tutor for 12 years and was one of the co-founders of TAP Learning Services in Atlanta which works with students with learning challenges from kindergarten through high school. Beth is currently living in South Carolina and is the owner/manager of Beth Mares Educational Services which provides OG tutoring and teacher training services. She has been working with the Dyslexia Resource Trust for the last three years.

Instructor / Fellow in Training

Kelly Kirkland

Kelly was born in Birmingham, Al, but calls Atlanta home. She earned a B.A. in English from The University of Georgia and plans to complete her M.A. in Human Services Counseling-Marriage and Family in March 2023 from Liberty University.

In addition to joining The Dyslexia Resource staff, Kelly owns and operates TAP Learning Services, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia addressing the needs of the dyslexic community. Prior to establishing TAP, Kelly worked as a stay-at-home mom, tutored dyslexic students and worked as a Kindergarten teacher. She has been training with Josie Calamari for several years and quickly became interested in training teachers and tutors. Kelly joined the Dyslexia Resource in 2019 to pursue the level of Fellow with the Orton-Gillingham Academy. She is currently a Fellow-in-Training with The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators and hopes to secure the title of Fellow by December 2023. As the owner of TAP Learning Services, and in conjunction with the Dyslexia Resource, Kelly tutors students, shepherds parents, mentors tutors, and trains teachers, in both private and public schools.

Kelly has presented at the Orton-Gillingham Conference on the social and emotional component of learning disabilities, which is a topic near and dear to her heart. Additionally, she is an active member of the Center for Effective Reading Instruction and the Orton-Gillingham Academy of Practitioners and Educators. Kelly notes that she has had the privilege of raising three sons with one wildly dyslexic husband. 

Clinical Supervisor

Kara Campbell

After witnessing the impact of Orton-Gillingham strategies with her own children, Kara Campbell got involved in teacher training so she could help other students with dyslexia. Kara launched a private practice in her Decatur community and became a certified member of the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Over time, Kara became the founding president of the first special education PTA in Georgia, worked on remediation strategies with her dyslexic daughter, and acted as a supervisor with The University of Georgia’s Dyslexia Certificate Practicum. These experiences helped her realize her true passion of helping remediate students in low-performing schools, which she is thrilled to do with The Dyslexia Resource.

Project Coordinator / Fellow in Training

Jen Burch

Jen began her career as a molecular biologist at Emory University. It wasn’t until 2011, when her then second grade daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, that she began her training in the Orton-Gillingham approach to better understand her child’s needs. Since then, Jen has become an Associate Member of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) and is working to become a Certified Practitioner of OG. Jen is a remediation specialist for The Dyslexia Resource at The Schenck School, specifically working to remediate students in an underserved public school in Atlanta.

Content Developer

Keller Battey