Meet Jenelle Bryant, MAT

Co-founder & Managing Director 

PreK-2nd Grade Literacy

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.

You can read more about her experiences in education here:

https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/jenelle-bryant 

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 

Co-founder & Director of Instruction

3rd-8th Grade Literacy

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!

Math Learning Coordinator 

1st-6th Grade Math

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 Instructor & Brand Ambassador

PreK-5th Grade Literacy, K-3 Math

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. 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: Learning to crochet, camping, hiking, and spending time with my family

Literacy Instructor & Brand Ambassador

PreK-2nd Grade Literacy

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

Adolescent Literacy Instructor

4th-8th Grade Literacy

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

Apprentice

3rd-5th Grade Literacy, Special Education

Megan Wiegmann is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in elementary and special education. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama, as well as an Education Specialist (EdS) degree from Mercer University, Megan has a strong academic foundation in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and student support strategies. 

Her teaching career spans multiple roles, including Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Special Education instruction. Currently, Megan serves as a Special Education Teacher at Hyde-Addison Elementary School in Washington, DC, where she provides targeted interventions, leads IEP meetings, and develops behavior intervention plans to support diverse learners. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham phonics instruction and has conducted action research on the impact of hands-on learning and growth mindset approaches on student reading development.

Passionate about student success, Megan specializes in individualized instruction, literacy development, and behavior strategies that foster a supportive and engaging learning environment. She has also contributed to curriculum development initiatives and district-wide reading programs. 

Favorite Quote: "The great aim of education is not knowledge but action" - Herbert Spencer

Hobbies: Hand embroidery, reading, cat cuddles, cooking, watching Alabama football

Multilingual Learning Consultant

Multilingual Teaching & Learning 

Raquel is a dedicated instructional leader in the DC area with a focus on bilingual education. She brings over 15 years of experience in both local and national education, including as an elementary dual-language classroom teacher, a school and central office administrator, and in communications. 

Raquel has led professional learning for DC-area educators on language acquisition, oracy to support writing, and best practices for planning and developing biliteracy. 

She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology with a Minor in Journalism from The George Washington University and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from The Johns Hopkins University. She holds active licenses in Elementary Education and Administration & Supervision in DC and Maryland. 

Raquel proudly serves on the Board of Directors of DC Bilingual Public Charter School, where she also serves on the Education Excellence Committee. Raquel is honored to also currently be the president-elect for Imagination Stage DC”s Board of Trustees. Raquel can be found enjoying DC-area theater and arts programming with her family or in the stands cheering on the Washington Spirit.

Hobbies: Enjoying the arts and theater, spending time with friends and family, cheering on the Washington Spirit, trying new ice cream and coffee shops