Think differently. Learn differently. Teach differently.
An individualized, research-based, collaborative approach to education.
Meet the Team
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Meet the Team 〰️
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Group Founder & Dyslexia Therapist
Hello! Welcome to the Umbrella Classroom! My name is Elyse and I am looking forward to working with you and your child. I have 15 years of experience in the field of education. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University. I also have a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education with a focus in Educational Therapy and a graduate certificate in Dyslexia Education from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. I am also certified as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist.
I have been married for 16 years to my high school sweetheart. We have two boys, 2 cats, and 1 dog.
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Dyselxia Therapist
Hi! I’m Sarah and I am so excited to work together. With over 11 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of serving learners as a Kindergarten teacher, Special Education teacher, and Reading Interventionist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education as well as a Master of Science in Education from Gwynedd Mercy University. In addition, I earned a K-12 Supervisor Certificate from Seton Hall University and am a proud graduate of the Lexercise Structured Literacy Practicum, recognized as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist.
My passion lies in supporting all students—especially those with diverse learning needs—through evidence-based instruction and a nurturing, student-centered approach. I’m deeply committed to creating inclusive, engaging learning environments where every child feels valued and empowered to thrive.
Beyond the classroom, I find my greatest joy in being a mother to my three young daughters, which enriches my perspective as an educator. My Christian faith guides my values and purpose, and I cherish time spent with family—especially at the beach or cooking meals that bring us together. These personal passions ground me and inspire the warmth and care I bring to my work with children and families every day.
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Dyslexia Therapist
Hello! My name is Lori. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, I dedicated my career to partnering with families to create and manage personalized care and treatment plans. My work focused not only on oral health, but also on understanding family genetics and addressing each person’s specific medical needs. Through years of experience, I developed strong skills in evidence-based research and individualized care—skills that now guide me as I assess learning needs and design effective strategies for students. I have always been passionate about making positive differences and sharing my knowledge with others. It is an honor to bring my background and experience into the educational field, especially as I focus on supporting struggling readers and their families. I understand how crucial language, reading, and spelling are for success in life, and I am committed to helping each child build these essential skills.
After completing 190 hours of intensive training in the Science of Reading with the Lexercise platform, I graduated from the Lexercise Practicum Program, which is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association. This specialized training has strengthened my ability to support students with diverse learning profiles.
I believe every child is unique, with their own strengths and needs. My approach is to meet you and your child exactly where you are, and together, we will build a strong foundation for reading and literacy success. I am dedicated to working closely with families, focusing on the whole child while setting and achieving meaningful goals. I am committed to supporting your family every step of the way. My vision is to empower children and families on their reading journey, fostering confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Warmly,
Lori
Learn More About The Umbrella Classroom
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Mission & Vision
Our mission is to equip students and their families with the skills needed to learn and grow academically through research-based interventions, strategies, and approaches. Our vision is to support the whole child and the whole family by creating a supportive learning environment and a sense of community through our shared experiences.
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Inspiration
One afternoon as Elyse’s kids played in the rain, she noticed one of her boys holding his umbrella in an unconventional way. Instead of holding it by the handle, he was walking around with it upside down. When she asked him what he was doing, he said he was trying to “catch the rain”.
She couldn’t help but think of the metaphor between the upside down umbrella and students who learn differently. They often stand out in a crowd, they have a unique approach to life, and they hold unexpected blessings.
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Core Beliefs
Our core belief is that all children can learn. Our aim is to see children through a strengths-based lens rather than seeing deficits first. We base this on Psalm 139:14 which says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
We also believe that learning differences are a natural part of the human experience, as all brains are wired differently. What others may see as weakness, God meant for good. “But he said to me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest in me” 2 Corinthians 12:9.