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Literacy Specialists - Literacy Strategies Consulting
Providing Research-Based, Effective Literacy Professional Development to Educators From a Diverse Team of Specialists Led by Jennifer Serravallo
Jennifer Serravallo’s Authorized Team Members: Empowering Educators Through Research-Based Instruction
Literacy Strategies Consulting is led by Jennifer Serravallo, the author of more than fifteen bestselling books and resources about research-based effective literacy instruction.
The team of experts has been hand-picked to represent Jen’s work around the globe because each possesses a deep knowledge of current research, Jen’s methodologies, and best practices for teaching adults in professional development settings.
Jennifer Serravallo intentionally crafts her team to include members with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the needs of any school or district. All team members are well-versed in research-based best practices for classroom literacy instruction for grades K-8 (with three members also specializing in grades 9-12). Additionally, all team members are proficient in research-based best practices for adult learning; two members hold PhDs in this area, and one is currently pursuing a doctoral program with an expected completion in 2026.
We are proud to have three Spanish-English bilingual consultants on the team who are well-versed in second language acquisition and bilingual education models, including Dual Language education. Several experts hold special certifications in Special Education, and many have worked in collaborative team-taught (CTT) settings. Many team members have experience as administrators at the school and/or district level in roles such as principal, assistant principal, and literacy coordinator. As a team, we advocate for educators and children, believing it is important not only to work together but also to learn together and from one another. Team members attend regular professional learning meetings with Jennifer Serravallo, and she visits consultants on-site to provide feedback and provide ongoing coaching.
Jennifer Serravallo – President of Literacy Strategies Consulting
With decades of experience working in schools across the US and Canada, I am honored to lead the Literacy Strategies Consulting team. I am the author of over fifteen books and resources focused on teaching reading and writing, covering topics such as differentiation, strategy instruction, explicit instruction, teaching methods, and comprehension. All of my books are rooted in research and evidence, and many have hit multiple bestseller lists, including The New York Times.
Several of my works have been translated into Spanish, French, Chinese, and Italian. I have received numerous educator and publishing awards and am frequently invited to speak at state and national conferences. I am also the producer and host of the podcast To the Classroom: Conversations with Researchers and Educators, where I explore current research through interviews with researchers and suggest connections to classroom practice in post-interview conversations with my team members. I hold a BA from Vassar College and an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University, where I have also taught graduate and undergraduate classes.
Lea Leibowitz - Your Client Project Coordinator
As a valued member of Jennifer Serravallo's consulting team, I serve as the Client Program Coordinator, dedicated to tailoring professional development plans to meet your unique learning requirements and adapt to the dynamics of your district or school. By leveraging your data, I create customized learning opportunities that enhance educators' knowledge and methodologies, ultimately leading to improved student performance.
Angela Forero - Approved Spanish/English Bilingual Literacy Specialist
With over two decades of experience in education, I am a literacy coach, doctoral candidate, and teacher of teachers with a passion for social justice. I am committed to providing all students with engaging and rigorous educational experiences. Utilizing Jennifer Serravallo's research-based strategies, I assist educators in enhancing their teaching methods to empower every student to reach their full potential as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
Clarisa Leal - Approved Spanish and English Bilingual Literacy Specialist
I am one of the bilingual consultants on Jennifer Serravallo's Literacy Strategies Consulting team. I believe in and support teaching that is intentional and thoughtfully designed to address each student's strengths and needs. I advocate for learning that provides the "just right" amount of support, empowering students to be active agents of their own learning.
Cristy Rauseo - Approved Spanish and English Bilingual Literacy Specialist
Dedicated to cultivating a classroom filled with joy and safety, I prioritize creating a space where students feel empowered to explore their interests and take educational risks. Central to my teaching philosophy is instilling in learners a deep appreciation for the transformative power of reading and writing, enabling them to gain knowledge about diverse perspectives and bond with one another.
Grounded in the principles of empathy and socio-emotional learning, I actively seek opportunities to integrate student passions into my instructional approach, celebrating their individual strengths and talents. Through thorough lesson planning, I ensure that my classes are not only stimulating and challenging but also age-appropriate, culturally resonant, and inclusive to all learners.
Emily Strang Campbell - Approved Literacy Specialist
With over 15 years of experience working in 3rd-12th grade classrooms nationwide, my focus is on helping teachers bridge the gap between research, theory, and practical skills-based strategies to uplift their students. I am dedicated to fostering a vibrant and challenging literacy environment that prioritizes student voices and individual needs in all aspects of learning. I strongly advocate for literacy education as a gateway to social change and personal growth, leading to academic excellence and empowerment.
Gina Dignon - Approved Literacy Specialist
Throughout my career as an educator, I have consistently been at the forefront of educational leadership. Whether creating innovative positions or collaborating with colleagues to develop curriculum and professional learning opportunities, my focus has always been on staying abreast of the latest research in literacy. As a literacy leader, I have had the privilege of designing ELA and Humanities curricula for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, implementing literacy coaching programs in schools, establishing support systems for students at all levels, and assisting districts in gathering and interpreting qualitative data on student literacy growth.
Jaclyn Sharoni - Approved Literacy Specialist
In my role as a consultant, I provide hands-on, pragmatic assistance to educators, drawing on my extensive classroom experience. I believe in tailoring my support to meet teachers at their individual points of growth, reflecting the approach they take to meet their students at their specific skill levels, and leveraging each educator's unique strengths. Understanding the dynamic nature of our profession, I remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving requirements of the learning community.
Jerry Maraia - Approved Literacy Specialist
Over the past two decades, my career in education has taken me through various roles, from classroom teacher to school principal, in diverse educational settings in New York City, across the United States, and internationally. I began as a teacher in Upper Elementary and Middle School, later transitioning into the role of a staff developer, where I worked to support educators in implementing effective literacy practices. Throughout my experiences, I have remained committed to being a lifelong learner, constantly seeking new insights and perspectives to inform my work as an educational leader and literacy specialist.
Lainie Powell - Approved Literacy Specialist
I am committed to bridging research and theory with practical application as I assist educators in enhancing their teaching practices in reading and writing, implementing differentiated instruction, and promoting literacy across various subject areas. With experience working alongside teachers internationally and within school districts nationwide, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. I regard myself as a lifelong student in the field of education, continually learning from teachers and research.
Leah Steiner - Approved Literacy Specialist
As a passionate educator, literacy expert, and perpetual student, my journey in education began after completing my studies at Mount Holyoke College. Starting as an elementary school teacher in New York City's independent school district, I furthered my knowledge by obtaining a Master of Education degree from Hunter College at the City University of New York. I also had the opportunity to work with two progressive schools, where I played a key role in developing innovative literacy curricula.
Macie Kerbs - Approved Literacy Specialist
As a dedicated and avid educator with extensive experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and literacy coach, I support literacy educators as a member of Jennifer Serravallo's team of consultants. I advocate for research-based practices, believing they should inform our educational methods and drive our future research questions. I work to translate theory into practice, ensuring that the latest research benefits teachers and their students. I champion teachers, striving to elevate educators' voices and highlight the incredible work happening in classrooms across the United States.
Molly Feeney Wood - Approved Literacy Specialist
My conviction in the transformative capabilities of literacy stems from my upbringing. Raised by a single mother who instilled in me a love for reading through nightly bedtime stories and annual enrollments in our local library's summer reading initiative, I value the written word immensely. As a mother to three young children, I actively pass down this belief, emphasizing to them the influential nature of their voices and the potential for their words to make a difference in the world.
Contact Lea Leibowitz, Your Client Project Coordinator
Lea specializes in listening to the unique needs of your district, learning about your student data, and working with you to devise a customized professional development plan. As part of the conversation, Lea will introduce you to some of our consultants and match you with the one best suited to your school or district’s requirements.
Take the next step and
contact Lea Leibowitz today.
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Literacy Strategies for Texas, New York and New Jersey