Meet Jenelle Bryant, MAT

Co-founder & Managing Director 

Jenelle is an exemplary educator who has worked in the nation’s capital. Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, she holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and a Master’s of Teaching in Early Childhood Education from Howard University.  Jenelle has dedicated over a decade of her career to transforming the educational landscape for young learners and their families. 

As a literacy coach and reading interventionist, Jenelle has honed her expertise in one-on-one and small group phonics instruction, empowering students to unlock their reading potential. Her commitment to fostering a love of literacy extends beyond the classroom; she serves as a mentor teacher for current and aspiring educators, guiding them in crafting effective pedagogical practices that are infused with equity and family engagement.

Recognized as a highly effective educator, she has spoken at conferences and universities, sharing her insights on the Science of Reading and evidence-aligned instructional methods.

 As an educational consultant with CORE Learning, she supports asynchronous online courses for language-diverse classrooms. Jenelle trains individuals nationwide on the science of reading with The Reading League and is certified in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) for Administrators. 

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, Jenelle was honored as a DC Milken Educator in 2021, an accolade often referred to as the “Oscars of Teaching.” This prestigious award celebrates her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on students’ lives and her relentless pursuit of opportunities for parents and educators alike.

Favorite quote: “The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another.” -Marva Collins

Hobbies: Aerial yoga, spending time with family and my puppy, traveling 

Check out Jenelle's video introduction

Co-founder & Director of Instruction

Claire has over a decade of experience as an early literacy educator. She holds a doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership with a focus in early literacy interventions from American University. Her research focus is in culturally responsive, student-centered literacy interventions aligned to the science of reading. 

Originally from Southwest Virginia, Claire has lived and worked both in Washington, D.C. and abroad in South Korea as an English-Language Arts teacher. She has a Bachelor's of Arts in History from the University of Virginia and a Master's of Education in Human Development from the University of Maryland where she wrote her thesis on the role of self-efficacy beliefs in early literacy interventions.

Claire currently works as an early literacy coach and as an instructional designer for professional development around the science of reading. 

Claire is certified in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), which is endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). She holds a certification in the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) as a structured literacy instructor. 

Claire is an adjunct faculty member at American University's School of Education and serves as a founding member on the board of The Reading League of Washington, DC. 

Claire lives to see her students light up with confidence when they finally get the literacy instruction that meets their individual needs. 

Favorite quote: “The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that she can shape the students. 

What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.” 

-Paolo Friere

Hobbies: Learning new languages, reading, growing a garden!

Check out Claire's video introduction

Math Learning Coordinator 

Helene is a passionate and dedicated educator who firmly believes that everyone can be a "math person." She strives to foster a love for math and problem-solving in all of her students, cultivating both joy and creativity along the way. With a talent for connecting research to instructional practices, Helene focuses on enhancing students' number sense, problem-solving abilities, and fluency with math facts and procedures. Above all, she is committed to helping students build their math skills and confidence while making learning fun!

Helene earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University and began her career teaching 2nd and 3rd grade in Northern Virginia. Over the past decade, she has worked as an instructional coach specializing in math teaching and learning in both DC and Northern Virginia. During this time, Helene has had the privilege of working with students and teachers from Kindergarten through 7th grade. Her experiences developing curriculum, teaching lessons, analyzing student work, and providing targeted support for skill development have given Helene a deep understanding of how math skills develop from Kindergarten through Algebra.  She is eager to share this expertise with her students!

Favorite quote: "Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."- Desmond Tutu

Hobbies: Crocheting, baking, gardening, reading, journaling, playing with my children,  watching them play sports, scrapbooking

Lead Literacy & Math Instructor

Lynne is a compassionate, dedicated educator eager to share her 20+ years of experience with students. Holding a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education from Millersville University, a master’s degree in reading from McDaniel College, and a K-12 administration certificate from Shippensburg University, she has focused her most recent professional learning on the science of reading. Additionally, Lynne as completed her PA Math Coach Endorsement to better herself in the area of math instruction. She will bring hands-on knowledge from her current role as reading specialist for K-3 students to her work with learners.

During her educational career, Lynne has worked as a 1st- and 5th-grade classroom teacher, a reading specialist, an assistant principal, and a director of federal programming. She also served as an educational leader at an educational technology company focused on using assessment data to improve student outcomes. Lynne loves using these experiences, along with current studies in structured literacy, to help her students gain confidence in reading and writing.

Favorite quote: “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” - Malala Yousafzai

Hobbies: Spending time at the beach, camping, hiking, and spending time with my family

Check out Ms. Lynne's video introduction

Adolescent Literacy Instructor

Necole is a caring and experienced educator with over 20 years of experience in education across multiple states and international settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; a Master of Science in Psychology from Walden University; and a Master of Science in Reading from the University of New England. Necole also holds certifications in Orton-Gillingham and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS).

Necole holds advanced training in psychology and reading, giving her a deep understanding of how children learn to read and why some students struggle. Her tutoring and instructional approach is grounded in the Science of Reading and focuses on the essential components of literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. She carefully tailors instruction to meet each child’s unique needs, using research-based strategies that are clear, supportive, and effective.

Necole has worked as a classroom teacher in grades 4–7 and has served as an instructional coach, reading interventionist, and Reading Skills Tutoring Center facilitator. She currently uses her experience and expertise to coach teachers at Richmond Public Schools, helping them strengthen literacy instruction and improve student reading success.

She believes that strong literacy skills open doors both academically and personally and partners closely with parents to support progress beyond tutoring sessions. Necole is committed to helping students develop not only stronger reading skills, but also confidence, motivation, and a genuine love of reading.

Favorite Quote: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass

Hobbies: Walking in nature, reading (of course), stargazing, photography, & Legos

Lead Literacy Instructor & Book Club Facilitator

Dr. Altheria Caldera is the CEO and principal consultant at Caldera & Associates Educational Consulting. She and her colleagues support schools, institutions, and organizations in their efforts to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. In her work with preservice teachers as an adjunct lecturer in the School of Education at American University, Dr. Caldera centers teaching and learning that aims to eradicate all forms of oppression and violence imposed upon marginalized students. She is a respected scholar with nearly two dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Her article, “Woke Pedagogy: A Framework for Teaching and Learning,” has been downloaded over 21,000 times, which far exceeds the most downloads in the journal’s history. Dr. Caldera is a skilled facilitator, engaging presenter, and knowledgeable panelist whose work is rooted in kindness and care. A first-generation and HBCU college graduate, Dr. Caldera earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from Texas Christian University (TCU) and is presently pursuing a graduate certificate in Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University. She is the author of the new book, Reimagining Educational Justice in the Face of Opposition (Bloomsbury).

Check out Dr. Caldera's video introduction

Lead Literacy Instructor, Literacy Administrative Coordinator

Bilingual English & Spanish 

Adriana Oliveira is an experienced reading interventionist and dyslexia specialist with a passion for helping children become confident, successful readers. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Towson University and holds Maryland certifications in Health Education and Teaching Reading: Elementary.

Adriana has several years of experience providing targeted reading and dyslexia intervention to elementary-aged students. She has extensive experience with structured, multisensory literacy instruction, including the Barton Reading and Spelling System and Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA). Throughout her career, she has used assessment-driven instruction to identify students’ individual needs and provide targeted support in foundational reading skills. She especially enjoys helping struggling readers build their skills, confidence, and a positive relationship with reading. Adriana is available for weekend instruction for RR DMV families.

Outside of teaching, Adriana loves reading, going for walks, trying new restaurants, and playing Catan with friends and family. She also enjoys cozy movie nights at home with her husband and kids.

Favorite Quote: “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.” — Albus Dumbledore

Check out Adriana's video introduction

Lead Literacy Instructor

Bilingual English & Spanish 

Xiomara Carmona Reyes is a multilingual educator and Structured Literacy interventionist with more than a decade of teaching experience. Her work focuses on evidence-based literacy instruction, dyslexia intervention, and supporting students with diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Xiomara’s career in education has taken her across the United States and internationally. She has taught and worked with students in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Slovakia, Germany, and the United States, as well as with students worldwide through online instruction. These experiences have shaped her passion for culturally responsive education and her belief that every child deserves access to effective literacy instruction.

Xiomara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Translation and a Master’s degree in Cultural Relations and Migration. She is also CELTA-certified and has completed extensive professional training in the Science of Reading, Structured Literacy, and evidence-based reading intervention.

She is currently completing Dyslexia Practitioner training through the Children’s Dyslexia Center of New York City, an IMSLEC-accredited training program. Her preparation includes supervised Orton–Gillingham-based instruction and intensive study of structured, sequential, diagnostic, and multisensory literacy intervention.

Xiomara has also completed a 100-hour Structured Literacy practicum through Lexercise, training in UFLI Foundations, Really Great Reading, and Science of Reading coursework through Cox Campus, and Orton–Gillingham-aligned instruction through Ignite Reading and Edge. Her training also includes DIBELS and oral reading fluency assessments, as well as Lindamood-Bell clinician training, including Seeing Stars® and Visualizing and Verbalizing®.

Throughout her career, Xiomara has worked as an English language educator, reading interventionist, and dyslexia-focused literacy practitioner. She especially enjoys helping students understand the connection between sounds, letters, and spelling patterns and watching them discover that reading is something they can learn to do successfully.

For Xiomara, teaching is also about connection. Education has allowed her to connect with people across languages, cultures, and countries, and she finds tremendous joy in helping students grow not only in their academic skills but also in their confidence and independence.

What she loves most about teaching: Seeing the moment when a student who has struggled with reading begins to recognize their own ability and realizes, “I can do this.”

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Hobbies: Learning languages, traveling, dancing, listening to podcasts, and exploring different cultures.

Check out Xiomara's video introduction

Lead Literacy Instructor

Blair has spent the last three years teaching elementary special education, working with students on reading, math, and social skills in resource/inclusion classrooms. She had the chance to teach in both Rhode Island and Texas, and loves how each place has given her a well-rounded perspective on how students learn and grow across different school communities.

Blair studied Elementary Education at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, and later went on to earn her Master of Education in Special Education with a Dyslexia Credential. She is also a certified Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I practitioner and a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and brings a lot of structured, research-backed tools into her lessons.

Blair's favorite part of teaching is getting to work with young learners and watch them grow as readers. She says there is nothing like seeing a student's face light up when something finally clicks! Blair enjoys breaking reading down into small, doable steps and cheering on every bit of progress along the way.

Check out Blair's video introduction

Adolescent Mathematics Instructor

Zenani Fogg brings over 16 years of experience in K–12 education and a deep passion for helping students build confidence in math and science. She has taught students in grades two through nine and has worked in classrooms across North Carolina, Maryland, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. These experiences have shaped her belief that while students may come from different backgrounds, the things that make us unique strengthen our learning communities.

Zenani holds a Master of Education from Trinity Washington University, where her capstone project explored teacher turnover, and a Bachelor of Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte. Originally from Durham, NC, she remains committed to supporting families and helping students reach their academic potential.

In addition to her educational background, Zenani serves on the executive board of Sister Cities Durham. She is also a mom to toddler twins and enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Favorite Quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” 

-African Proverb

Check out Zenani's video introduction

Lead Math Instructor

Denise is a passionate and dedicated educator with 26 years of experience serving students, families, and educators in the Baltimore area. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Denise has spent her career committed to helping students achieve academically while building their confidence as learners. Throughout her career, she has served as an elementary classroom teacher, special education resource teacher, teacher leader, and Math Coach.

Currently serving as a Math Coach, Denise works closely with teachers to strengthen mathematics instruction through coaching, collaborative planning, professional development, data analysis, and the implementation of high-quality mathematics curriculum. She has specialized OGAP training in Multiplicative Reasoning, Fractions, and Proportional Reasoning, which has strengthened her understanding of how students develop mathematical concepts and how educators can use student thinking to guide instruction.

Denise holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bowie State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, a Master of Special Education from Loyola University, and an Administrator I Certification from Coppin State University. She also holds an Advanced Professional Certificate with certifications in Elementary Education, Middle School, Special Education, and Administration I.

In addition to her work as an educator, Denise is passionate about supporting and empowering families. She has experience advocating alongside parents during school meetings in Baltimore County Public Schools and helping families communicate their concerns and better understand the educational process. Denise believes that strong partnerships between families and educators play an important role in helping children reach their full potential.

Favorite Quote:

“Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them.” — Rita Pierson

Hobbies: Reading, traveling, spending time with family, and attending Baltimore Ravens games.

Check out Denise's video introduction

Brand Ambassador

Rashaa is a passionate and highly effective educator currently working as a 2nd grade teacher in DCPS. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Science in

Education from Johns Hopkins University. Before becoming an educator, Rashaa worked with K-12 students in Richmond Public Schools to build behavioral goals for their success in an academic setting. 

Rashaa is certified in Person-Centered Planning through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and Partnership for People with Disabilities. She has been working diligently with K-2 students in DC Public and Charter Schools since 2020. Rashaa has received training in the Science of Reading for Emergent Readers through Really Great Readers. She ensures that her lessons include a heavy emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency,

vocabulary, and comprehension to ensure learners are reading successfully. 

In addition, Rashaa was awarded the opportunity to facilitate a forthcoming DCPS program by SERP to lead students toward early literacy success and maximize their learning through research-based practices.

Favorite quote:  "I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves."  - Che Guevara

Hobbies: gaming, weight lifting

Administrative Assistant 

Caroline is a seasoned communicator with 10+ years of customer service and operations experience. 

She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from Washington & Lee University as well as a Master of Public Health from Emory University. She holds active certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute. 

Caroline supports RR DMV through handling family inquiries, supporting invoicing and billing, and providing operations support for scheduling for our RR DMV staff and families alike.

Hobbies: Running, swimming spending time with friends and family, visiting National Parks and eating lots of Mexican food in Tucson, Arizona where she lives with her husband Matthew. 

Human Development Intern

Taylor Ford is a Human Development student at Howard University, pursuing a concentration in Maternal and Child Health and a minor in Health Education. She is passionate about understanding how children grow and develop, and how their health, family relationships, and environments shape their overall well-being.

Through her experience working in childcare with children ranging from infancy through preschool, as well as her work as a nanny, Taylor has developed an appreciation for the importance of patience, nurturing relationships, and recognizing each child's unique needs. Her academic background has further strengthened her interest in child development, health education, and the role families and communities play in helping children thrive.

At Reading Ready DMV, Taylor looks forward to helping children strengthen their reading skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of learning. She is also excited to connect with parents and families, celebrate children's progress, and encourage learning beyond the classroom. Through this experience, she hopes to apply her knowledge of child development, health, and well-being while continuing to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact on the children and families she serves.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Taylor enjoys traveling, cooking, trying new foods, shopping, and spending quality time with her mom. She loves exploring new experiences and making memories with the people closest to her.

Favorite Quote: “I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.” — Michael Jordan. 

Check out Taylor's video introduction

Junior Book Club Facilitator

Nia is a vibrant and active young lady with a passion for reading, writing, and expressing her creativity. An honor roll student and scholar-athlete, she excels in both the classroom and her extracurricular pursuits. 

Nia's favorite books include the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Dork Diaries, graphic novels, and The Babysitters Club, all of which fuel her love of storytelling and imagination.

When she's not reading, Nia enjoys traveling, competing in cheerleading, and crocheting a variety of handmade creations, including blankets, outfits, and handbags. Known for her bright smile and love of spending time with friends, Nia brings enthusiasm and positivity wherever she goes. She aspires to be a veterinarian because she loves animals. 

Her favorite quote is: "Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go into another world." — Jeanette Winterson