Sarah Fudge loves inspiring her students and families she works with, “building rapport is my superpower, especially for students who struggle in reading”. 

Sarah was a public special education teacher for 15 years when she decided to open her own practice to inspire as many students and families as she possibly could!

Sarah started her education journey at Keene State College where she obtained a dual certification in special education (k-12) and an elementary education (k-6). Sarah has a strong background working with students with autism as well as trained as a BCABA through Fitchburg University.

Ultimately, Sarah found her love of teaching reading when she completed her Masters in Reading through Saint Joseph University. Shortly after, Sarah attended Central Connecticut State University where she completed her administrative certification (092).  

Sarah's idea for Saybrook Reading started when she embarked on her journey through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham. There are only 147 Fellows world-wide and she currently is on the path of pursuing her Fellowship.

“My students feel like the super-hero in their own story once they realized they overcame something that was really difficult for them."

Practitioner, Certified Reading Consultant

Chelsie has always had a passion for helping students learn to read, ever since she received reading tutoring as a child. She finds it rewarding to help children “crack the code” and become readers, just as a teacher did for her. 

Chelsie began her studies in the field of teaching at the University of Connecticut where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction. She then continued her studies at Central Connecticut State University where she receive her Sixth Year Degree in Reading and Language Arts. She holds certifications in both Remedial Reading and Elementary Education. 

Chelsie taught first grade for 7 years, and has been a Reading Specialist ever since. Chelsie loves working one on one with students and watching their confidence in reading grow. 

Brittany is passionate about using the Science of Reading to help children learn to become confident and skilled readers.
 

Brittany began her studies in the field of teaching at American University in Washington, DC where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She then continued her studies at George Washington University where she received her degree in Special Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners. 

Brittany was a classroom teacher for 6 years, teaching Kindergarten and First grade in Maryland, and later becoming a Literacy Specialist in CT. Brittany plans to continue her learning through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham after seeing the immense impact it has had on her students.

Colleen strongly believes becoming a skilled reader and writer empowers individuals, builds positive self-esteem, and creates opportunities. As an advocate of the Science of Reading, Colleen is committed to remain current in the latest research.

Colleen has taught for 17 years in a public school: 9 years in first grade, 5 years in second grade, and 3 years as a reading specialist servicing students in grades 1-4.  Colleen has experience creating intervention plans for teachers and para educators to implement in the classroom. She also has created and led professional development, educating teachers and administration on evidence based practices. Colleen received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from the Elementary Education Program at the University of Connecticut. She then received her 102 reading specialist certification from Southern Connecticut State University. She is currently in her second year of becoming certified  at the Associates Level in the Orton-Gillingham approach

Colleen prides herself on being able to uncover and capitalize on a child’s uniqueness in order to help them feel comfortable and confident in learning new skills and concepts.

Dana has recently retired after a 34 year career as a public school special education teacher.  She has worked in both urban and suburban school districts in a variety of programs for students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.  She graduated from the University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Science in special education, and from Central Connecticut State University with a Master of Science degree in special education with a concentration in learning disabilities.  

It was almost twenty years ago that Dana was given the opportunity to focus solely on Literacy Intervention, and target those students diagnosed with dyslexia or language-based learning disabilities.  Over the years, she was trained in many different reading programs, but it was when she began her Orton-Gillingham training over two years ago that she realized this was the best approach for teaching students with dyslexia and helping them succeed and reach their full potential.  

Dana’s teaching philosophy has always been that all students should feel confident, competent and valued as learners.  Supporting and teaching students strategies to become proficient readers is Dana’s passion, and she is always willing to reach into her teaching toolbox to creatively help her students feel good about themselves as readers.  In addition to teaching, she has also been a tireless advocate for parents as they navigate their way through the education system to support their child.

Dana is excited about her next career chapter as she joins Saybrook Reading as a practitioner and advocate! 

Elise has always been drawn to teaching and loves inspiring students to achieve their goals, particularly in the areas of reading and writing. She believes that building connections and incorporating student interests are key.

Elise has been a public school special education teacher for the last ten years. She began her studies at Keene State College, receiving dual certification in special education (K-12) and elementary education (K-6). She later went on to get a masters degree in Reading and Language at the University of Saint Joseph. 

Elise’s passion for using the Orton-Gillingham approach began in her first few years of teaching as she consulted with a Fellow-In-Training and saw how effective this multisensory instruction can be for struggling readers and spellers. Watching her students grow and succeed sparked the desire to continue on her journey with the Orton-Gillingham Academy and she has now finished her coursework and practicum at the Associate level.