Educational Specialist - National Board Certified

Christie J.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I bring 18 years of experience as a teacher in an Autism (AU) classroom, specializing in supporting students across the autism spectrum. I am trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and skilled in implementing evidence‑based instructional strategies that promote both academic progress and positive behavioral growth. My work centers on creating structured, supportive, and individualized learning environments that empower students to build independence, communication skills, and confidence.

Dyslexia

I have 10 years of experience tutoring students with Dyslexia, providing structured, research‑based reading intervention that supports decoding, fluency, comprehension, and confidence. I am a National Board–Certified Exceptional Children’s Specialist with national certifications in Orton‑Gillingham, Wilson Reading, and Foundations Reading. My instructional approach integrates multisensory, systematic, and diagnostic teaching methods that meet the needs of struggling readers and students with language‑based learning differences. Combined with my extensive background in autism education and ABA‑aligned instructional strategies, I bring a comprehensive skill set for supporting diverse learners across academic, behavioral, and communication domains.

Phonics

As an Exceptional Children’s Specialist, National Board Certified educator, and Orton‑Gillingham trained reading instructor, I bring nearly two decades of experience helping students build strong foundational literacy skills. My background spans early childhood, elementary education, special education, and instructional leadership, giving me deep expertise in supporting diverse learners—including students with dyslexia, language‑based learning disabilities, and significant reading gaps. I specialize in phonics, phonemic awareness, decoding, and structured literacy, using evidence‑based practices aligned with the Science of Reading. My Orton‑Gillingham training allows me to deliver explicit, multisensory instruction that helps students master letter‑sound relationships, blending, segmenting, and fluent word reading. I have coached teachers, created professional development courses, and led schoolwide intervention systems that improved MAP growth by 22% and increased proficiency for students with exceptionalities. My tutoring approach is patient, systematic, and highly individualized. I assess each student’s foundational reading skills, identify gaps, and design targeted lessons that build confidence and measurable progress. Whether your child is struggling with early literacy, needs structured intervention, or requires specialized support, I provide clear instruction, engaging activities, and consistent routines that help students become strong, independent readers. If you’re seeking a phonics tutor who understands how children learn to read—and how to support learners who need more intensive, specialized instruction—I am committed to helping your child grow, thrive, and reach their full reading potential.

Praxis

As an experienced educator, instructional leader, and National Board Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist, I bring nearly two decades of expertise to helping teachers successfully prepare for their Praxis exams. I hold multiple North Carolina teaching licenses across elementary education, special education, science, and physical/health education—giving me a deep understanding of the content and competencies assessed on Praxis exams across grade levels and subject areas. I specialize in helping Praxis candidates strengthen their content knowledge, build confidence, and develop effective test taking strategies. Whether you are preparing for Elementary Education, Special Education, Science, PLT, or Educational Leadership exams, I provide personalized study plans, targeted skill development, and practice aligned to the exam’s structure and expectations. My coaching style is supportive, clear, and results oriented. I break down challenging concepts, provide practical examples, and help you approach the exam with the mindset and mastery needed to pass. If you’re ready to take the next step in your teaching career, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Reading

I am certified in both Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading, and I have extensive experience working with students who are reading below grade level, including those who need explicit, multisensory instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, and foundational decoding skills. My work typically includes structured, sequential lessons; ongoing progress monitoring; and targeted practice to build confidence and accuracy. Yes, I do offer an initial consultation. During that meeting, we can discuss your son’s strengths, areas of need, learning profile, and goals. I will also walk you through the instructional approach, session structure, and the specific performance metrics I use to track growth over time.