I have my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Reading, both from Arizona State University. I also hold an Elementary Teaching certificate, Adult Education certificate, Structured English Immersion (SEI) endorsement, and a Reading Specialist endorsement. I am currently working on classes towards another endorsement and my doctorate degree. Currently, I work with students in kindergarten all the way through eighth grade and I also teach college reading courses. I tutor in the areas of reading and phonics, reading is my specialty :). I was a struggling reader and continued to struggle through high school until my English teacher realized I needed help. When it comes to teaching reading (and phonics), I like to utilize graphic organizers, reading strategies, and connecting material to life outside the classroom. I am a firm believer that reading is the basis to all other subjects, and without the knowledge or strategies, how can we continue and excel in other areas? When I am not teaching I like to go hiking with my dogs, paint, and read mystery novels.