Meet Our Learning Specialists
Each specialist has advanced training in structured literacy and multisensory instruction and works with students who need more than homework help — whether or not there is a formal diagnosis.
Lauren Bell, M.Ed.
Founder & Lead Learning Specialist
How I Can Help Lauren founded Hammond Bell Educational Services to support children who struggle with reading, writing, math, or learning — whether or not there is a diagnosis. She leads a collaborative team focused on evidence-based instruction that builds skills, confidence, and long-term success. Credentials & Training M.Ed. in Special Education – Penn State 10+ years in public, charter, and private schools Expertise in structured literacy, dyslexia, and language-based learning differences
10+ Years
Natalie Banzhof
Learning Specialist - Literacy & Math
How I Can Help Natalie supports students with reading, spelling, math, and writing. She uses multi-sensory and structured strategies that help students succeed in foundational skills and mastery. Natalie is passionate about connecting with her students in a way that builds confidence and joy in learning. Credentials & Training Orton-Gillingham Barton Reading and Spelling System Certified M. Ed in Elementary Education (K-12), 20+ years classroom, homeschool, and tutoring experience Trained in Lindamood-Bell ™ Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement Administrator
20+ Years
Morgan Breggren
Learning Specialist & Speech-Language Pathologist
How I Can Help Morgan supports students who struggle with reading, spelling, and language processing. Her calm, structured approach helps learners build foundational skills while feeling supported and capable. Credentials & Training ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist ALTA-certified Dyslexia Therapist Trained in Orton-Gillingham–based literacy programs Providing reading and spelling support since 2015
10+ Years
Rosemarie Colón
Math Learning Specialist
How I Can Help Rosemarie helps students who struggle with math develop understanding, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Her instruction makes math more accessible and less intimidating for learners with diverse needs. Credentials & Training Certified Math Educator (Grades 5–12) 10+ years of math instruction experience Advanced training in Multisensory Mathematics I & II Orton-Gillingham–informed instructional approach
10+ Years
Jess Corinne
Learning Specialist & Executive Functioning Coach
How I Can Help Jess works with children, teens, and adults to support reading, learning, attention, and executive functioning skills. Her approach honors neurodiversity and helps learners build practical strategies for long-term success. Credentials & Training 20+ years in multisensory, evidence-based instruction Training in Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood-Bell™ Executive functioning approaches including Social Thinking and CogMed
20+ Years
Liesl Fawthor, M.Ed.
Learning Specialist - Literacy
How I Can Help Liesl’s approach focuses on creating a supportive, encouraging environment where students feel confident and motivated to learn. Her passion for teaching comes from her own experience with learning disabilities and the help she received from others. Liesl loves using interactive, multisensory techniques to engage students and help them reach their full potential. Seeing her students make progress and develop a love for learning is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. Credentials Masters Degree in Special Education 20+ years in public, homeschool co-co, at home instruction Trained in Barton Spelling and Reading Instruction
20+ Years
Jennifer Gresham
Learning Specialist – Literacy & Math
How I Can Help Jennifer supports students with reading, spelling, and math challenges using structured, multisensory instruction. She blends literacy, math, and Montessori-based methods to help learners gain skills and confidence. Credentials & Training Orton-Gillingham certified Barton Reading & Spelling System certified AMI Primary Montessori certified Supporting students ages 5–19 since 2009
15+ Years
Jennifer Hardt
Reading & Literacy Specialist
How I Can Help Jen helps students strengthen reading and spelling skills while building confidence and independence. She creates a positive, encouraging learning environment where students feel safe to grow at their own pace. Credentials & Training Degree in Educational Studies (Elementary Education) Barton Reading & Spelling System certified
10+ Years
Michele Harter
Structured Literacy Specialist
How I Can Help Michele supports students of all ages who learn differently, using structured, multisensory instruction to build strong literacy foundations. Her work is informed by both professional training and personal experience as a parent. Credentials & Training Barton Reading & Spelling System – Master Level Certified Connections OG in 3D (small and whole group instruction)
30+ Years
Sariah Henke
Reading Intervention Specialist
How I Can Help Sariah creates safe, engaging learning environments for students who need extra support with reading and language skills. She is especially passionate about helping learners build confidence through one-on-one instruction. Credentials & Training 5+ years using the Barton Reading & Spelling System Training in Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and Foundations in Sounds Experience supporting ESL and early childhood learners
10+ Years
April Karl
Reading & Spelling Specialist
How I Can Help April supports students who need extra help with reading and spelling through patient, structured instruction. She focuses on consistency and encouragement to help learners feel confident and capable. Credentials & Training Certified classroom teacher 15+ years of teaching experience 4 years tutoring with the Barton Reading & Spelling System
15+ Years
Shireen Saamir
Learning Interventionist - Literacy & Math Mindset & Confidence Coach
How I Can Help Shireen supports children and teens from Kindergarten through Grade 8 in reading, spelling, writing, and math, using structured, multisensory Orton-Gillingham (OG) instruction alongside Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) to strengthen literacy by building spelling, word structure, and meaning. Alongside her academic work, she offers MindShift Coaching for preteens, teens, and adults, helping them move past test anxiety, perfectionism, negative self-talk, and the limiting beliefs that hold back learning, performance, and personal goals. By weaving evidence-based instruction together with mindset coaching, Shireen creates a supportive space where every learner feels understood, empowered, and motivated to grow, academically and personally. Credentials & Training Orton-Gillingham (OG) Practitioner – Literacy Orton-Gillingham Math Specialist (K–Grade 8) Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) Practitioner Certified NLP Master Practitioner Certified NLP Master Coach Master Practitioner of Time Line Therapy® 20+ years of experience in literacy intervention, educational coaching, and individualized instruction
20+ Years
Audra Stanton
Reading Specialist
How I Can Help Audra supports students with reading and spelling challenges using structured, evidence-based literacy instruction. After navigating her own children’s reading struggles, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, helping students build confidence, unlock skills, and rediscover the joy of reading. Credentials & Training Barton Reading & Spelling System certified Over a decade of teaching experience Supporting students and families since 2019
10+ Years