Kari Fotis graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She obtained a Master's of Education degree in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction from The College of William and Mary.

Kari holds a current Virginia teaching license in Special Education K-12 with endorsements in Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances, and Intellectual Disabilities. She has extensive experience in educational testing to identify learning disabilities and develop research-based interventions. Kari holds the highest certification as a Wilson Language Dyslexia Therapist and is a certified ADOS-2 examiner. Additionally, she is a Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist with CERI, a subsidiary of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Kari holds professional memberships with the IDA, CERI, and the Council for Exceptional Children. She currently holds a seat as a Board of Directors of the Learning Disabilities of America and the International Dyslexia Association. - Va Beach location.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Kelly Erickson comes to us with a wealth of education, knowledge, and experience. A former elementary teacher, Kelly went on to further her education first with her master’s degree and Reading Specialist endorsement from UVA. She is now finishing up her dissertation for her Ed.D from the College of William and Mary (Go, Tribe!). Kelly currently works as an Instructional Specialist focused on literacy with a local school division. She has completed both the Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator training and practicum and the Associate Level Training. Additionally, Kelly completed a year long Structured Literacy course taught by TTAC Project Specialist, Mary Stowe. Lastly, Kelly has extensive training in LETRS and serves as a LETRS facilitator for her school division. She recently received her certification as a National LETRS facilitator as well! Kelly is looking forward to working with your child to help him/her crack the code!

Dr. Liz Crockett comes to HRDC with a stellar pedigree! Dr. Crockett earned her bachelor’s degree in both Special Education and Elementary Education from Old Dominion University. She then went on to earn both her master’s degree in Special Education-Resource/Collaborative Teaching and her Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership in Special Education from The College of William and Mary (Go, Tribe!). Beyond her formal education, Dr. Crockett taught for 23 years, both as a general education teacher and a special education teacher. Once she left the classroom, Dr. Crockett worked as a Special Education Administrator for 15 years. She is a Certified Wilson Practitioner and a Wilson Just Words Facilitator. Dr. Crockett also is trained in the Lindamood-Bell Verbalizing and Visualizing program. In her free time, Dr. Crockett loves to get out on the water and fish! We are so happy and fortunate to have her join our team!

Amy Cisewski is a well-known tutoring specialist in our area, and we are so pleased she agreed to come work with us here at HRDC! Amy has over 37 years’ experience as a special education teacher, with most of those years spent at Grafton Middle School in York County. Amy is a certified Wilson Practitioner and is also trained in Wilson Just Words. In addition to Amy’s training and certifications in literacy, Amy also loves to teach math! Amy’s demeanor and skill set is perfect for both our little ones as well as our middle and high school aged clients. Her experience with the demands and expectations of the upper grades’ curriculum, gives her a unique perspective when looking at what skills her students need to master and apply to be successful. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks, and playing with her sweet puppies!

Andrea joins the team at HRDC with much enthusiasm and eagerness to help students learn to read. She believes whole-heartedly in the “Wilson Works” philosophy and is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge in the science of reading! She initially embarked on her Wilson journey two years ago in a highly determined effort to provide her son with the services he needed to become a fluent reader, as well as teach him to embrace and own his dyslexia. In 2021, she successfully completed her Level 1 Wilson certification and is now a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. She currently homeschools her two children and is excited to help other students struggling to learn to read. In addition to her Wilson credentials, Andrea holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and a Minor in Psychology from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. She also holds a Master of Severe Disabilities degree from Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA. In her spare time, Andrea loves to spend time with her husband and children, craft, read, and travel to see her extended family in Florida!

Janet Nogrady is a highly motivated and encouraging multisensory teacher with our team at HRDC. Hampton University awarded her a bachelor's of science in Human Ecology, with the highest honors and departmental honors. She also has a Reading Intervention Certification from Endicott College.

A former third-grade teacher and fourth-grade homeschool grandparent, she is trained by Handwriting Without Tears, Keyboarding Without Tears, and Handwriting Without Tears Screening for handwriting problems. She is also familiar with Project Read and many types of technological assistance.

Additionally, she is a Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist with CERI, a subsidiary of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Janet holds professional memberships with the IDA, CERI, and The Wilson Language System.

As a Wilson Certified Dyslexia Practitioner, Janet translates her passion for teaching into effective learning plans, utilizing varied modalities and instructional techniques. She provides individualized multisensory lessons for ages seven to sixty-seven. Her goal is to improve students' reading, spelling, and comprehension regardless of age.

Kate Forrest is excited to join our team at the Hampton Roads Dyslexia Center and we are thrilled to have her! Kate earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the College of William and Mary (Go Tribe!). Her bachelor’s degree is in Biology and her master’s degree is in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction K-12. Kate holds a postgraduate professional teaching license in Virginia with endorsements in Special Education General Curriculum, Specific Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, and Emotional Disturbance.

With over 22 years of teaching for the York County School Division, Ms. Forrest serves as a mentor teacher and is an integral part of the leadership team at her school. Early in her career, Kate became certified in the Wilson Reading System and has seen the wonderful impact it can have for students who struggle to read and spell. She is a fully Certified Wilson Practitioner and has worked as a private tutor for over ten years. Kate loves to facilitate learning to read and write for all age groups.

In her free time, Kate likes traveling and boating.

Kathryn Chierici is a licensed Reading Specialist who has been in the field for over 23 years. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Campbell University and her Master's degree with a concentration in Reading from James Madison University. Kathryn has worked in Title I schools most of her career and focuses on both educating teachers and students. She currently coaches reading specialists across Chesapeake in dyslexia while serving as her building's reading specialist and 504 chairperson.

Kathryn is LETRS 1 and 2 trained, an Orton Gillingham classroom educator, and attends regular professional development in structured literacy, best practices and multi-sensory education. Learning is as fun as teaching!

Kathryn enjoys spending time with her family, working in the garden, and reading and journaling!

Minnie Woodbury is ecstatic about joining the Hampton Road Dyslexia Center Family!

Currently, she serves as a Reading Specialist at a Title I K-5 school, where she is passionate about supporting students in their literacy development. Minnie has dedicated the past eight years to teaching and helping students succeed.

Minnie is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Therapeutic Recreation. She obtained her Master's Degree in Special Education and her Reading Specialist endorsement from Regent University. Some of her professional certifications include LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) 1 & 2 and Orton-Gillingham training at the classroom level.

Outside of work, Minnie enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband and 8-year-old son. Together they love exploring new food and restaurants, traveling, and soaking up the sun at the beach. She also finds balance and relaxation through yoga and cherishes moments with family and friends.

Kristen is delighted to join the team at the Hampton Roads Dyslexia Center, where she will strive to help students achieve their full potential and unlock the joy of literacy.

Kristen has been working in the education field for the past 16 years. Currently, Kristen works as a Reading Specialist in Chesapeake, VA at a Title 1 Primary School, where she has been serving students for the past 3 years. She also has worked as a Special Education Teacher for K-3 students and a General Education Teacher for both Kindergarten and First Grade.

Kristen received her dual-certification Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Elementary Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and her Master's in Reading Education at Old Dominion University. Kristen is Orton-Gillingham trained at the classroom level, and has completed Sonday, and LETRS 1&2 training.

When she's not in the classroom, she loves to spend time with her two children, read, and swim at the beach.

Brianna has been a special education teacher for 14 years, servicing students of various ability levels. Currently, Brianna teaches K-2 inclusion in Chesapeake, VA at a Title 1 Primary School.  

Brianna received her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Virginia Tech.  She then went on to receive her Masters in Special Education, K-12 general curriculum from Old Dominion University.  She also attended Old Dominion University to obtain her Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision. Brianna is extremely passionate about teaching children the skills to become successful readers and writers.  She is Orton-Gillingham trained at the classroom level, and has completed Sonday, and LETRS 1&2 training. 

When she is not in the classroom, Brianna loves to spend time with her two daughters, snuggle up with her new puppy, and go on camping adventures. 

Brianna can't wait to spread her love and knowledge of literacy to others!

Gervais Baptist brings thirty years of education experience to HRDC. She began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education from the University of Richmond. After teaching for ten years in Richmond City Public Schools and Chesterfield County Public Schools, she switched roles to become an Army wife and mother of four. She worked with Army children as a volunteer in Germany, California, South Carolina, New York, and Hawaii. She most enjoys working with kids one-on-one and relishes the opportunity to help elementary students strengthen their math and reading skills. Gervais recently earned full certification with the Wilson Reading System.

In her spare time, she reads fiction, sings in a choir, and runs.

Audrey is delighted to bring her expertise and passion to the HRDC team. Her journey into supporting neurodivergent children began when both of her sons were diagnosed with dyslexia, igniting a deep commitment to empowering students with diverse learning needs. Through her hands-on experience guiding her sons, Audrey quickly recognized that fostering emotional resilience and confidence is every bit as crucial as teaching reading fundamentals.

With a background in psychology, Audrey uses evidence-based strategies to create a positive, trusting environment where students feel safe to grow. She views mistakes as valuable learning opportunities, turning setbacks into stepping stones for mastery.

Audrey is trained in Bowman's Orton-Gillingham Plus program, a renowned multisensory approach to literacy instruction, as well as Paragraphology—a comprehensive, scaffolded writing program that systematically guides students from crafting a simple paragraph to mastering the five-paragraph essay. 

Beyond her professional qualifications, Audrey is a proud hockey parent to her two sons, Tristen and Troy, and never misses a chance to support them on or off the ice. Her dedication, specialized training, and personal experience with neurodivergent learners uniquely position her to support your child’s academic journey with both skill and genuine care.

With over 30 years of experience in elementary education, Alison is dedicated to fostering confident, capable readers and lifelong learners. She began her career with Hampton City Schools, where she spent nearly two decades teaching and mentoring both students and fellow educators. For the past decade, she has served as a Reading Specialist with Newport News Public Schools, providing data-driven instruction and targeted literacy support for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She brings a wealth of expertise to her work with students and educators alike.

Alison is a highly accomplished educator with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading Endorsement from the University of Virginia. She is a National Board-Certified Teacher with specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham approach, LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and UFLI. Alison excels in structured literacy methods, tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of every learner. Through her work, Alison remains committed to making reading instruction engaging, purposeful, and rewarding, while equipping each student with the skills and confidence needed for academic success.

Outside the classroom, Alison enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loves staying active with water Zumba, relaxing at the pool and beach, and playing with her goldendoodle, Sandy. In her free time, she enjoys writing short stories, bringing creativity and storytelling into her life beyond the classroom.

Leah Foell is excited to join the HRDC team, bringing both deep expertise and personal understanding to her work with students. As a parent of children with varied learning and support needs, Leah knows firsthand what it means to advocate for a child who learns differently — and that experience shapes the way she shows up for every student, both as an educator and as an advocate.

Leah holds a B.A. in Elementary Special Education and taught special education before moving into tutoring, where she has now worked with students for nine years. Leah completed her initial Orton-Gillingham training in 1998 and spent years tutoring students with that foundation. As the field advanced, she made the choice to complete the full training again, ensuring her practice stayed grounded in the most current, research-backed methodology.

Leah specializes in working with elementary students who have dyslexia and other reading challenges, using structured, multisensory literacy instruction to build both skill and confidence. Her online lessons combine clear methodology with an encouraging, patient approach, helping students grow into stronger, more confident readers and spellers. Whether drawing on her professional training or her own experience raising children with diverse needs, Leah understands that every student learns differently — and she meets each one exactly where they are.

Leah enjoys coffee with friends, singing, and spending time with her husband and three adult children. She likes her two silly cats, as well!

Christine Hanlon is excited to join the team at the Hampton Roads Dyslexia Center!

Christine earned her bachelor’s degree in History and Multicultural/Multilingual Education with a focus in French from Florida State University. She holds a Virginia teaching certificate in Special Education K-12. For more than 16 years, Christine has taught in the Williamsburg-James City County school system and surrounding area, serving students in Title I elementary schools, K-5 special education programs, and preschool settings.

Christine brings extensive experience supporting students in both inclusion and self- contained classroom settings. Her work centers on individualized instruction, thoughtful accommodations, IEP goal support, and helping students build confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of themselves as learners.

Christine’s dyslexia specific training includes Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, University of Florida Literacy Institute Foundations (UFLI), LETRS 1, and is certified in Orton- Gillingham methods of instruction through the Orton-Gillingham Academy. These professional learning experiences support her use of explicit, systematic, and multisensory literacy instruction for students who benefit from structured reading support.

In addition to her literacy background, Christine provides math support that helps students develop conceptual understanding and build fact fluency with addition and subtraction. Using Kathy Richardson strategies and GFetchy methods, she helps students strengthen number sense, problem-solving skills, and confidence through targeted, supportive instruction.

A fun fact about Christine is that before becoming a teacher, she worked in corporate training, including with Sanrio, the company known for Hello Kitty. Christine is passionate about creating encouraging learning environments where students feel understood, supported, and capable of making meaningful academic growth.