Groves Learning Center^®

Education & Experience: Andrea earned her certification at Groves in 2017 and has been working there ever since. Prior to that, Andrea spent two years volunteering with Minnesota Reading Corps after navigating the public school system with a child with dyslexia. Hobbies: Andrea shares her winter tutoring time as a ski instructor at Hyland Hills.

Education & Experience:  Laura holds a bachelor's degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in Community Education from the University of St. Thomas. She received her Orton Gillingham Certification from The Reading Center at the Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota in Rochester. She has worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional and a Reading Specialist in a variety of educational environments with students of varied ages, learning styles, and neurological differences. Hobbies:  Laura enjoys staying active and fit by hiking, biking, swimming, and walking her dog.

Annette earned her master’s and specialist’s degrees in school psychology from the University of Florida and has practiced in both public and independent schools. She received her Orton Gillingham Training through Orton Gillingham of Minnesota as well as through Orton Gillingham Reading Specialists, where she worked as a tutor. Her graduate training and work in psycho-educational assessment and learning differences provide a foundation for understanding individual student needs and guides her work as a tutor. Outside of work, you can find Annette in the kitchen baking or painting at the easel. Sundays in the fall are reserved for cheering on the Vikings with her family.

Rebekah (she/hers) is pursuing her doctoral degree at UCONN with a specialization in School Law. She is passionate about building equitable practices within the field of school psychology, especially as it pertains to working with culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities and their families. In her free time, Rebekah enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially finding fun hiking trails. When not outside, Rebekah likes drawing, painting, sewing, and doing other arts and crafts!

Education & Experience:  Bailey attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she received her BS in psychology. She then continued on to receive her MSEd and EdS at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Bailey has worked in both public and private school settings as a nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP). Currently, she provides testing and other various supports to the psychologists and Learning Center team as a psychometrist at GLO. Hobbies:  Bailey enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat. She also enjoys movies, shopping, traveling, and creative projects.

Beck earned her MA and Ph.D. degrees in School Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Prior to that, Beck attended Bethel University and earned a BA in Psychology, with minors in math and music. Beck started her career as a school psychologist with Minneapolis Public Schools before joining the team at Groves in 2022. She has expertise in the use of assessment in a hypothesis testing framework, reliability and validity of the interpretation and use of assessments, and identifying alternative forms of assessment. Beck finds joy in observing what children are able to do and the learning that takes place during the small moments of the school day.

Education & Experience:  B.S. and M.S. Degrees from the University of Wisconsin Stout. Completed introductory, intermediate, and extended practicum courses with Orton-Gillingham of Minnesota. Melanie has experience tutoring students online and in person from early elementary through high school. Melanie has been a reading tutor with Groves Learning Center since 2020 and a reading teacher for the Groves summer academic program in 2021. Hobbies:  Melanie previously worked in the hospitality and tourism industry. Melanie has traveled extensively domestically and internationally.

Education & Experience:  Robin attended Binghamton University in Vestal, NY where she received her B.A. in English, Literature, and Rhetoric with a minor in history. She received her Master's in Teaching from Montclair University in Upper Montclair, NJ. For many years Robin was a middle-grade English/language arts teacher. Her passion to support students is what brought Robin to her current role as a member of the Lower School Intervention Team. In addition, Robin tutors in the GLO Learning Center. Hobbies:  Outside of school, Robin enjoys cooking, traveling with her family, and long walks with her two cockapoos.  

Education & Experience:  David received his bachelor's degree from Bethel University, majoring in linguistics and minoring in teaching ESL. After college, he taught English in Saudi Arabia for three years, then returned to Minnesota, working at two charter schools in the Twin Cities before joining Groves in 2021. In addition to tutoring in the Groves Learning Center, he is pursuing a graduate degree in speech-language pathology through Eastern New Mexico University. Hobbies:  Outside of tutoring and studies, he enjoys playing soccer, running, and hiking. Fun fact: he holds three different passports and grew up between Minnesota and Germany.

Education & Experience: Teri attended St. Catherine University, where she received her K-6 teaching certification, then a Master's Degree from Hamline University in Literacy Education. She recently completed a 20-year teaching career in the Robbinsdale school district where she was a classroom teacher and intervention specialist. Her passion is for students and their families and helping them to have the optimal educational experience wherever they are. Hobbies:  Teri loves to read, spend time with family and friends, and travel.   Get In Touch

Emily is an Orton-Gillingham trained tutor. She has a BS in Political Science from Texas A&M University as well as an MBA from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Emily has a diverse international background with more than seven years of experience as an international business English trainer as well as teaching bilingual students abroad. Emily's personal passion for neurodivergent learners led her to a career change to work with students struggling in reading and spelling as an Orton-Gillingham tutor. Along with her husband and three awesome kids, Emily's favorite hobby is traveling! She has visited 42 of the 50 states in the US and lived abroad for 23 years in 5 countries on 3 different continents. Emily's favorite place is Leogang, Austria in the Alps!

Education & Experience:  Susan went to Saint Cloud University, where she received her BS in Elementary Education. Susan has been involved in teaching and tutoring for 25 years and has a warm, assuring manner that keeps kids engaged and encouraged. Hobbies:  Outside of the education setting, Susan enjoys gardening and Twins baseball.

Education & Experience:  Amelia received her B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Aquinas College in Nashville, TN. After teaching for four years in the South, she returned home to MN to teach at Providence Academy and pursue a Master's in Educational Studies with a concentration in Special Education. She served as an Upper School English teacher and Learning Specialist there for five years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Hobbies:  Amelia enjoys cross-stitching, drinking coffee, playing with her son, and cheering on her husband at his softball games!

Education & Experience:  Danielle is a Certified Specialist in Psychometry and she earned this designation in 2015. She attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where she earned her BA degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Psychology. She has extensive experience conducting neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations and she currently supports the Diagnostics Team at GLO. Hobbies:  Danielle's interests include reading, running, listening to music, and studying interior design.

Education & Experience:  Antoinette went to Towson University in Maryland, earning a Bachelor's degree in English. She has completed graduate coursework in Urban Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University and earned a Master's degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Antoinette began her professional career teaching students in Baltimore, Maryland, and she fell in love with designing and implementing literacy instruction for all students. Over the years, Antoinette has worked to hone her skills and expand her impact in delivering effective, scientifically proven literacy instruction for students and adult learners with an unwavering commitment to student achievement. Hobbies: Antoinette is a proud wife and a mother who looks forward to deliberately cultivating countless memories with her husband, their three children, and their English Bulldog. Antoinette finds joy in creating opportunities that enrich her children's lives and guide them to live lives of purpose!

Education & Experience:  Amy's previous background consists of a BS in English Education followed by a MA in English with an emphasis in pedagogy and creative writing. She has experience teaching secondary and collegiate level students and then transitioned into a 1:1 educational setting that served students with language gaps and/or learning disabilities where students and their families gripped her heart. Hobbies:  Outside of work, Amy can be found hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or playing tennis with family and friends. She also loves creative writing, reading, and playing with her young, energetic husky.   Get In Touch

Melissa received a BSB from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She has years of experience tutoring students from grades 2-12 plus a passion for organization and seeing students succeed. Melissa loves to travel with her family to different places around the world.

Education & Experience: Alaa went to the University of Minnesota where she received her doctorate degree in Educational Psychology. She is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Psychology and is a nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP). She has experience completing comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. She is also passionate about identifying best practices in the prevention and early intervention of social, emotional, and behavioral functioning, with a focus on enhancing universal screening procedures in schools to provide early intervention supports and strengthen students' functioning. In addition, she has published peer-reviewed research articles and has presented her research at regional and national conferences. Hobbies:  Outside of her career, Alaa enjoys baking and biking with her family.

Education & Experience:  Molly graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Molly has several years of experience working in the field of traumatic brain injury with both children and adults as an educator and case manager. She is also trained and certified as an Orton Gillingham Reading Specialist. Hobbies: Molly has two children and loves spending time with her family and friends. Molly loves to travel and be outside. She also has certification as a yoga instructor and enjoys being active.

Education & Experience:  Hannah has been working as a Speech-Language Pathologist since 2019. She is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health. She also is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Hannah’s professional career began in a pediatric outpatient clinic, where she worked with clients of all ages, needs, and ability levels. Following this experience, Hannah transitioned to providing speech/language services in multiple charter schools throughout the Minneapolis area. In 2022, Hannah joined the Groves team. She works with students to increase their confidence with speech and language skills, supporting them within the school setting and at home. Her work includes conducting speech/language evaluations and providing one-on-one and small group therapy sessions to support speech, language, writing, and executive functioning skills. She is passionate about building relationships with students and their families and helping students reach their full potential. Hobbies:  Hannah enjoys reading a good book and spending time outdoors in her free time.

Education & Experience:  Missy holds a Master's Degree in Human Development with a concentration in Learning Differences and Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She has MN teaching licenses in birth to grade 3 and parent & family education. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, early head start, and supporting children & families experiencing poverty or homelessness. Hobbies: Missy enjoys reading, traveling, concerts, and all things breakfast. She enjoys exploring the Twin Cities with her husband and dog, Bandit.

Katie completed her undergraduate education through Minnesota State University Moorhead, mastering in Psychology and minoring in Women's Studies and Social Work Services. She then attended graduate school at Kent State University, achieving her PhD in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Child & Family Studies and Neuropsychology. She completed internship at the University of Minnesota, followed by 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology. She most recently was employed for 6 years as a Pediatric Neuropsychologist for a hospital system before joining Groves Learning Organization. Katie has experience completing comprehensive evaluations from birth to young adulthood with diverse histories and goals for evaluation. She also has provided presentations and published peer-reviewed research articles. In her role at Groves Learning Organization, she continues her passion for providing individualized and compassionate care for children and teens through assessment services - with the ultimate goal to help encourage areas of strength and support areas of difficulty to help each client achieve their own best outcome. Outside of the time she appreciates working with children/teens and their families at GLO, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and son—going for walks, taking in sunny days on the lake, participating in community activities, and spending time with extended family.

Julie began her practice as a Special Education Teacher in 2008, serving in both the public and private sectors. Julie’s professional development includes training in LETRS, accredited by the International Dyslexia Association and aligned with Orton-Gillingham principles of instruction, and in Fundations, a program by Wilson Language emphasizing a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading. As a parent of children with dyslexia and ADHD, Julie brings a deep, personal understanding and compassion to teaching children with neurodiversity by fostering a growth mindset during her sessions. Julie has extensive experience in virtual instruction and provides engaging and interactive lessons for students needing a virtual or in-person option. Julie enjoys continuous learning, often tuning into a variety of podcasts. She loves spending time in nature with her family, cuddling her puppies, tending to her garden, and developing new arts and crafts skills.

Education & Experience:  Cindi has taught K-6 for 27 years as a classroom teacher and as a Title 1 teacher in North Dakota, Arizona, and Minnesota. Cindi currently teaches education courses at Ridgewater College-Hutchinson. The highlight of her teaching career was helping children overcome anxiety with reading by using social-emotional learning strategies by having children read to horses. Hobbies: Cindy enjoys camping, swimming, kayaking, and spending time with her family.

Education & Experience: Kris went to Gustavus Adolphus College where she earned her BA degree in Environmental Studies. She went on to earn her MA degree in Elementary Education at St. Catherine's University, and also holds a K-12 Reading License from Hamline University. Kris has spent time as an elementary classroom teacher, an interventionist, and an instructional assistant in early childhood classrooms. Hobbies:  Kris loves spending time with her grown-up kids. When she's not at work she likes to get outside to enjoy our beautiful changing Minnesota seasons.

DeeDee received her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She completes assessments and interventions with students to support their speech and language skills in collaboration with teachers and families. She is passionate about best practices to support cultural and linguistic diversity for students. As a prior early childhood special education teacher, she appreciates the importance of coordination and perseverance to help students shine. She is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education and certified through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Hobbies:  Outside of work, DeeDee enjoys time with her two children and husband, walking her dog, and reading books.

Catherine began her career as a speech-language pathologist in 2019 at Groves Learning Organization. Her work as a speech-language pathologist includes conducting speech/language evaluations, providing one-on-one and small group therapy sessions to support speech, language, writing, and executive functioning skills, and leading professional development workshops. As an ADHD & executive functioning coach, Catherine enjoys partnering with students, families, and other educators to help students manage their responsibilities and build their executive functioning skills. Catherine is currently working toward becoming a certified ADHD coach through ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA). Catherine enjoys traveling, baking, reading, and playing with her dog, Archie.

Marla earned her Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. For the last several years she has worked in a primary care clinic setting with children and adolescents providing therapy and psychological assessments for ADHD. Her area of specialty is testing and treatment of disorders of attention and executive functioning. Marla loves spending time with her family and having large and small adventures together, from finding a new hike or new restaurant to traveling abroad together.

Education & Experience:  Ginny has been an educator for over 40 years. Ginny has taught elementary, middle, and high school students as well as college students studying to become teachers. As a retired professor of education, Ginny has had the opportunity to develop literacy programs at various schools. Hobbies:  Ginny has lived in many different places including France, Ecuador, Seattle, Austin, New York City, and, now, Minneapolis. Ginny loves to read, bake, walk and bike around the lakes, as well as camp and paddle up North in the Boundary Waters.

Education & Experience:  Christina attended the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where she received her BS and MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She then began working as a speech-language pathologist in 2021. Christina works with students who attend Groves Academy and who receive speech/language services through the Learning Center. Her work includes conducting speech/language evaluations, providing one-on-one and small group therapy sessions to support speech, language, writing, and executive functioning skills, and collaborating with teachers and parents. Hobbies: Christina enjoys being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family.

Meghan started her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist in 2014. She is licensed through the Minnesota Department of Health, certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and a Certified Educator for ADHD. Meghan began working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and, through that work, found an interest in literacy instruction. As the Learning Center Director of Individualized Programs, Meghan leads the Tutoring, Summer, and Speech-Language Programs. She has experience evaluating and providing one-on-one and small group support for students, teaching classes, providing professional development, and developing a curriculum focused on executive functioning and writing. Her passion lies in helping students reach their full potential by supporting reading, writing, and executive functioning skills.    

For the past twenty-five years, Theresa's passion and work have served the reading needs of children and young adults. She worked as a special education teacher for over twenty years before becoming an Orton-Gillingham reading specialist and private tutor. Her classroom and one-on-one teaching experience drive her teaching philosophy that every student should be seen as an individual-- "one-size-fits-all" instruction does not work when learning to read. Theresa has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, facing a multitude of learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, autism, and behavior and emotional challenges. Hobbies In her time off, Theresa enjoys pilates, yoga, Minnesota Twins baseball, and spending time with her family and four grandchildren.

Nativida received a BA in Studio Art from Gustavus Adolphus College. Her Elementary Education License comes from Augsburg College, which led to a job with Minneapolis Public Schools where she taught everything from second through sixth grades. From Hamline University she earned her K-12 Reading License. A natural step in the belief of making reading more accessible led her to be trained in Orton Gillingham with Orton Gillingham Reading Specialists. Anything related to handwork (especially knitting and weaving) is one way Nativida loves to create. Fostering connections with family, friends and the outdoors is another way she loves to spend time. "All flourishing is mutual" is one of her favorite quotes (Robin Wall Kimmerer). She also enjoys speaking Swedish and has family in Ecuador.

Education & Experience: Jeannie has been working as a Speech-Language Pathologist since 2016. She is licensed through the Minnesota Department of Education, certified through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and certified as a Certified Educator for ADHD. Jeannie's professional career began in the public schools where she worked with middle school students. In 2018, Jeannie joined the Groves team to focus on helping children with learning disabilities and ADHD builds confidence and improves their speech and language skills. Her day-to-day at Groves includes completing speech/language assessments, planning interventions, collaborating with teachers, conducting one-on-one/small group therapy, and teaching summer school courses. In addition to her speech and language work, Jeannie also serves students with executive functioning needs. Hobbies:  Includes drawing and calligraphy, playing frisbee with her dog, Nova, puzzles, playing the piano, trying new restaurants with friends and family.  

Education & Experience:  Jeannette has more than 25 years of classroom experience teaching in both public and private elementary schools as well as one year of teaching abroad in Honduras. She attended St. Catherine University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and a Minor in Psychology. Jeannette began tutoring early on in her teaching career and has worked with students of all ages including adult learners at the Hubbs Adult Education Center in St. Paul, MN. She has a passion for helping struggling students build confidence in their abilities and find ways they learn best. Hobbies:  Jeannette enjoys spending time with her family, biking, hiking, gardening, reading, and making digital photo books. Her newest adventure is learning to play pickleball.

Education & Experience: Diane attended the University of St. Thomas where she received a BA in International Business as well as an MBA. Diane enjoyed a 30-year career in the corporate world in a variety of roles including marketing communications, corporate responsibility, and human resources. Diane fulfilled a goal of early retirement and became an Orton-Gillingham tutor - a career she enjoys every day! Hobbies: Diane, her husband, and their dog spent 3+ years living in England for Diane's career. Travel and reading are her favorite hobbies.

Education & Experience:  Marie attended the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where she received her bachelor's of Business Administration in Management Information Systems. She also attend Creighton University where she received her MBA. Before joining Groves in 2019 Marie worked in Information Technology and property management. Hobbies:  In her spare time, Marie enjoys running, tennis, pickleball, and golf.

Education & Experience:  Sarah Scheller is a reading and writing tutor. She graduated from Augsburg College with a K-6 elementary degree and a special education minor. She received a Master’s degree in Literacy from Hamline University, followed by earning her K-12 Reading license from the University of Minnesota. Sarah has been teaching and learning for 25 years as a classroom teacher, preschool instructor, special education support, gifted instructor, reading interventionist, Title 1 teacher, K-12 reading specialist, English language arts teacher, and trauma-informed social-emotional coach. Sarah received “Teacher of the Year” in SLP Public Schools. She has additional training in the Orton-Gillingham method from IMSE and uses  “The Writing Revolution” while teaching summer school at Groves. She uses a trauma-informed approach. Building trusting relationships with her students bring her joy. Hobbies:  Sarah loves spending time with her crazy family of 3 teenagers, laughing, connecting with friends, thrifting, traveling, keeping plants alive, and snuggling with her dog Blu. She loves all things water and nature. She’s driven to accept every person where they are at.  

Margie earned a Bachelor's degree from North Park University in Chicago, majoring in Education and minoring in German and Music. She completed levels 1-3 of Orton-Gillingham instruction from Orton-Gillingham of Minnesota. After serving as a classroom teacher in schools in Chicago and Minneapolis, Margie started providing Orton-Gillingham services to families and schools. For more than 20 years, she has worked with children with dyslexia and similar challenges using Orton-Gillingham and Sonday System methods. She has also served as a supervising teacher for new O-G instructors. Margie enjoys helping families and students discover the confidence and joy that comes from literacy. Margie enjoys photography, gardening, music and singing, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their four young adult kids.

Education & Experience:  Gloria's Bachelor's degree is in Psychology from Hamline and has an M.D. from the University of Minnesota. Hobbies:  Gloria has three children and three dogs. Gloria loves reading, taking walks, movies, and hanging out with friends and family.

Nancy began her career in the classroom where she experienced firsthand students struggling to read, comprehend, and attend. This inspired Nancy to begin her training in Dyslexia and LD and she began working with students with learning disabilities. She spent ten years working for Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes opening centers and supporting families across the US. Nancy's current focus at GLO is on expanding our reach across the community and ensuring that our teams are providing the best possible experience and guidance along a family’s journey through learning challenges. As the Director of Growth and Enrollment Operations, Nancy supports the growth of the organization by providing strategic and operational support to our Admissions and Enrollment Department. She is passionate about providing support to each and every family and student that seeks out Groves for support and guidance. Nancy and her wife, Tiffany, live in Linden Hills and love spending time at the lake with their two sons and their two dachshunds.  

Cindy is an experienced special education teacher, dedicated to fostering literacy skills in her students. She has effectively utilized a multi-sensory approach in her teaching, witnessing firsthand the joy and excitement of her students as they discover their ability to read. In her personal life, Cindy has a playful spirit; she once participated in a figure-eight car race at a county fair. She shares her home with a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Boxer, whom she affectionately interacts with as if they were toddlers.

Education & Experience:  Meagen has a B.S. in Finance from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Meagen worked for 15 years in the Business Office at Groves Academy and now supports the learning center for Groves Learning Organization as the Director of Operations handling client care, scheduling, and payments. Hobbies:  Meagen enjoys camping, decorating, and spending time with family and friends.

Education & Experience:  Eric earned a B.A. in Communication at Pacific Lutheran University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Hollins University. He previously taught and coached middle school boys for five years in Virginia and has also worked coordinating study abroad travel for college students and managing the guest services department at a cruise line. He moved back to the Midwest in 2021, after many years away, and joined the Groves team. Hobbies:  Eric is a passionate reader. When not lost in a book, he spends a lot of weekends hiking with his family, playing board games, or watching the Twins!

Education & Experience:  Catherine has worn many hats in her 12+ years as an employee of Groves Learning Organization. She began her career as a Lower School teacher serving the youngest students at Groves Academy. In her last few years as a Lower School teacher, Catherine also held the position of Co-Division Director of the Lower School, providing guidance, support, and leadership to the Lower School faculty. Catherine eventually moved away from the classroom to join the Learning Center team as a Wilson Reading tutor. From there, Catherine took on the role of Tutoring Program Coordinator and now serves as the Tutoring Program Manager for the Learning Center. Hobbies:  Catherine and her husband, Robb, live in the Excelsior/Chanhassen area and enjoy spending time with their three children, Dylann, Ashlynn, and Ryker, and two dogs, Cocoa and Luna.  

Education & Experience:  KP graduated from UW-LaCrosse in Elementary Education with a Minor in Special Education. Over the course of nine years, KP taught first, second and fourth grades in Wisconsin. Shortly after moving to the Twin Cities, KP worked as a teaching assistant in a St. Paul public Montessori school for 15 years. KP has also taken several graduate-level courses at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in special education. KP began tutoring at Groves in the summer of 2020. Hobbies:  KP enjoys baking, especially cakes and cookies. KP also enjoys running with friends several mornings a week and going to listen to live music.

Education & Experience:  Shoshana taught for 25 years in the Edina Public School System. She was the district's 2003 Teacher of the Year. Shoshana has spent the past five years focusing on evidence-based reading programs including Orton-Gillingham, LETRS, Sonday, and Hill-Rap. Hobbies:  Outside of Shoshana's career, she enjoys baking (apple pies are her specialty), reading while snuggling with her two golden retrievers, running with her daughter, biking with her husband, and playing pickleball with her entire family!