Meet The Dyslexia Therapists
April is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). She completed her dyslexia training at The University of Alabama through the Dyslexia Resource Center Louisiana which is IMSLEC accredited. She has been an educator for over 20 years in the public school setting and works privately with students to provide explicit, systematic, sequential Multisensory Structured Dyslexia Therapy instruction.
Education:
Education Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership (PK-12)
Master's Degree in Elementary Education (PK-6)
Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) at The University of Alabama (The Dyslexia Resource Center of LA)
Certifications:
-Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT)
-Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) Member
-Orton-Gillingham Educator
-IMSLEC Certified Training Program for Dyslexia
-LETRS Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
-Neuhaus Basic Language Skills for Dyslexia
Kristin is a CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist) in training. This year begins her ninth year of teaching which has been a varied experience of public school and online teaching settings. Her previous role was a reading interventionist where she customized small group lessons to the individual needs of the students.
Degrees and Certifications
Bachelor’s degree is in Elementary Education K-6
Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Auburn University.
Certified in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
Trained in SPIRE intensive and multisensory reading intervention program.
CALT in training (Year 2)
IMSLEC Approved Training
Kristin facilitates acceptance and patience within all of her teaching encounters. She is not unfamiliar with academic struggles, having been diagnosed with a neurological condition (Chiari malformation) during her Master’s degree program. These struggles led to her discovery of her own neurodivergence, and, with a surgical procedure, to the opportunity to find healing.
All therapists are independent contractors for Leaping Literacy Dyslexia Therapy LLC.
Montasha Britton is a CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist) in training with 19 years of experience in education. She has taught students in grades K–5 in public school settings and has provided tutoring for students across multiple grade levels in private and homeschool environments. Montasha has also served as a reading coach, where she mentored teachers in best practices for effective reading instruction and supported the design of lessons that meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Degrees and Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K–6)
Master’s degree in Elementary Education (K–6)
Educational Specialist degree in Elementary Education
Instructional Leadership Certification
Reading Readiness trained through Neuhaus
LETRS Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling
IMSLEC Approved Training
CALT in training
Montasha is deeply passionate about teaching students the lifelong concept of reading and not simply as a school skill, but as a gateway to understanding, confidence, and opportunity. She believes that strong literacy foundations empower students to become independent thinkers and successful learners across all content areas. She is especially committed to helping students develop the skills, strategies, and self-belief needed to experience success. Through structured, explicit instruction and a student-centered approach, she strives to foster a love of reading while equipping students with tools they can carry with them far beyond the classroom.
All therapists are independent contractors for Leaping Literacy Dyslexia Therapy LLC.
Andrea has been an elementary educator for over 20 years in public and private schools. She has taught grades pre-K through 4th. She enjoys working one one-on-one with children to determine their academic needs while creating a supportive learning environment to promote progress and growth. She offers private reading tutoring and also volunteers several times a week at ACC Academy.
Degrees and Certifications
Master’s degree in Literacy and Curriculum/ Instruction
Bachelor’s degree at Auburn University in Elementary Education
Orton Gillingham Classroom Certified Instructor
IMSLEC Approved training
Neuhaus Education Reading Readiness Program
All therapists are independent contractors for Leaping Literacy Dyslexia Therapy LLC.
Sarah is thrilled to join Leaping Literacy! She has her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University and over 20 years of experience in teaching, ranging from classroom teacher to school librarian to tutoring students with special needs. Most recently, she began providing academic therapy to struggling readers; it has been her favorite job ever! She has trained in the Barton and BLS programs and worked with kids of all ages.
Degrees and Certification
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education
Trained in Barton Reading Program
Trained in Neuhaus Basic Language Skills (BLS)
At the heart of Sarah’s educational philosophy is the simple truth that every child is capable of learning. Every child needs a champion and a teacher who understands their specific learning style and how to motivate them to feel successful. To Sarah, relationships are everything! She can’t wait to get to know some amazing kiddos and their families as they embark on this journey together.
All therapists are independent contractors for Leaping Literacy Dyslexia Therapy LLC.
Leaping Literacy Dyslexia Therapy LLC: Making an Impact
Fall 2024 International Dyslexia Association RISE TO THE CHALLENGE Dyslexia Conference in Huntsville, AL
ALTA National Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Thankful for educators to travel and learn with on this mission!
National ALTA (Academic Language Therapy Association) Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learning with the best dyslexia therapists and educators to better serve students!
Learning with some of the best at the University of Alabama. Did you know the University of Alabama is one of the only schools in the state accredited to train and certify for CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist)? Certified Academic Language Therapists are the most qualified to teach students with dyslexia.
Senator Katie Britt meets with students at the University of Alabama to learn how Certified Academic Language Therapists impact education in the state of Alabama.
See What's Different
Did you know? ... Certified Academic Language Therapist provide explicit, systematic, sequential Multisensory Structured Language instruction which builds a high degree of accuracy, knowledge, and independence for students with written-language disorders, including dyslexia. The therapist utilizes Multisensory Structured Language to integrate visual, auditory, and motor processing with explicit understanding of the structure of the English language, enabling students to develop a solid foundation for reading and writing. Our therapists are trained in Orton Gillingham, LETRS (Science of Reading), and April is currently completing training to become a Certified Language Academic Therapist (CALT) through the University of Alabama. We provide dyslexia therapy to students in small group or 1:1 sessions. For more information on the CALT program visit www.uacalt.ua.edu
Professional Memberships
