Meet The Therapists
Owner
April is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) 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 and works with students each day in the public school setting and privately to provide explicit, systematic, sequential Multisensory Structured Dyslexia Therapy instruction.
Education:
Masters Degree in Elementary Education (PK-6)
Education Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership (PK-12)
Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) at The University of Alabama satellite of The Dyslexia Resource Center of LA
Continuing Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) education at The University of Alabama: expected completion summer 2025
Certifications:
Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALP)
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
She is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP). ALTA Certified Academic Language Practitioners are skilled in Multisensory Structured Language methodology, and teach reading, writing, and language skills. CALP utilize 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. The CALP enable students to apply explicit understanding of the structure of the English language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and orthography), to develop and strengthen both reading and written expression.
She is currently completing certification to become a Certified Language Academic Therapist (CALT) through at University of Alabama through the Dyslexia Resource Center Louisiana. Certified Academic Language Therapists must complete over 300 hours of dyslexia coursework, hold a Master's Degree, complete two years of additional training, 700 hours of supervised instruction, and pass a National Test.
Kristin Yeager 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.
Kristin’s Bachelor’s degree is in Elementary Education K-6; she has her Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Auburn University. She is certified in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) and trained with the SPIRE intensive and multisensory reading intervention program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Andrea earned her Master’s degree in Literacy and Curriculum/ Instruction from Lesley University in 2006. In 1999, she completed her Bachelor’s degree at Auburn University in Elementary Education.
Andrea is an Orton Gillingham Classroom Certified Instructor and completed the Neuhaus Education Reading Readiness Program.
All therapists are independent contractors for Leaping Literacy Dyslexia Therapy LLC.
About Leaping Literacy Dyslexia Therapy LLC
ALTA CERTIFIED
IMSLEC Approved Training
The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) certifies highly qualified professionals to teach students with dyslexia. ALTA members are trained in Orton-Gillingham principles, hold a master’s degree, receive 2 years of rigorous training post-master’s degree, observation lesson critiques, and pass a national exam.
Find certified dyslexia therapists at www.ALTAread.org
IMSLEC Approved Training
IMSLEC Approved Training
"IMSLEC approved" means:
- training course for teaching individuals with dyslexia and related learning disorders has been accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC)
- the course meets high standards for quality instruction based on multisensory structured language education (MSLE) methods, incor
"IMSLEC approved" means:
- training course for teaching individuals with dyslexia and related learning disorders has been accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC)
- the course meets high standards for quality instruction based on multisensory structured language education (MSLE) methods, incorporating the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Search for approved courses at imslec.org
National Association of School Psychologists
National Association of School Psychologists
The largest organization in the United States dedicated to advancing the field of school psychology and supporting the mental health, learning, and behavioral needs of students. NASP provides resources, advocacy, and professional development to help school psychologists deliver high-quality, evidence-based services. The mission of NASP i
The largest organization in the United States dedicated to advancing the field of school psychology and supporting the mental health, learning, and behavioral needs of students. NASP provides resources, advocacy, and professional development to help school psychologists deliver high-quality, evidence-based services. The mission of NASP is to empower school psychologists to promote the learning, mental health, and well-being of children and youth by providing support, professional standards, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels.
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
