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.

Diana Furman has worked in the education sector for over 25 years. She received her first Master’s degree from Capella University in Literacy and Reading and her second Master’s degree from University of Virginia in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds endorsements as a Reading Specialist for grades K-12, Preschool Special Education, and PK-3 teaching. She has attended structured literacy professional development course offerings through William and Mary’s T-TAC department. Diana has also received extensive training in the science of reading through LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). She is currently a local LETRS facilitator.

Students who often are unsuccessful with responding to Tier 1 literacy instruction continue to ignite her professional purpose and passion as a reading teacher. She is a strong advocate for children with significant reading difficulties as she was unable to read until the age of ten. She recognizes that all students benefit from explicit and responsive instruction in order to maximize their full potential as readers.

Diana firmly believes that literacy development is a crucial right for all students and that their families are to be respected as vital partners and advocates in their student’s literacy journey.

Patrick Rogers has been teaching language arts for 12 years. He brings a wide variety of experience to HRDC having served as an 8th grade Reading and Writing Teacher, 1st Grade Teacher, Title One Reading Interventionist, Instructional Coach, and District Early Literacy Coach. Patrick earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University. He holds an active Virginia teaching license in PreK-6 Elementary Education, as well as 6th-8th grade English, History, Math, and Science. Patrick is also a National Professional Learning Facilitator for LETRS. LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), was developed by Dr. Louisa Moats and Dr. Carol Tolman. It provides teachers with the skills they need to master the fundamentals of reading instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language.

Prior to entering education, Patrick served 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is originally from Salinas, CA and currently resides with his family in Chesapeake, VA. When he is not serving as a taxi for his children, Patrick enjoys racing and riding bicycles and motorcycles, reading, gardening, martial arts, and camping.

We are thrilled to expand our offerings to include tutoring in math with Ms. Tammy Krejcarek! Tammy’s formal education began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Norfolk State University. She then went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Counseling from William & Mary (Go, Tribe!) before earning her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education.

In addition to her advanced degrees and teaching license, Tammy also holds a Math Specialist Endorsement in grades K-12. Ms. Krejcarek spent 18 years teaching and serving local school divisions as a Math Specialist. She has collaborated with teachers in multiple school divisions to improve their teaching in mathematics, raising scores in one school by over 80%! Tammy is well known in the community for her expertise in effective mathematical instruction and provides professional development across divisions. She has over 20 years’ experience tutoring elementary students. Tammy will communicate with your child’s teacher to ensure that sessions are both targeted and purposeful while at the same time being fun and engaging. Tammy recognizes students often feel math is too hard for them, so she strives to boost their self-confidence along the way.

Ms. Krejcarek has 10 years of school administration experience and currently works full time as an elementary school principal. However, she cannot give up the joy of working 1:1 with students who need extra support in math. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her daughter along with her two labs, Gouda, and Lola.

Amy Stewart joins our team with 26 years of experience in the field of special education.

She graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Amy went on to earn a Master of Education degree in Special Education as well as a Post Professional Endorsement as a Reading Specialist from The College of William and Mary (Go Tribe!).

Amy holds a current K-12 Postgraduate Professional teaching license with endorsements in Reading Specialist, Emotional Disturbance and Specific Learning Disabilities. She also has significant training in and experience with structured literacy programs and methods including Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading. Ms. Stewart works full-time as a reading specialist during the day. She brings a wealth of knowledge, education, and skills to the students of HRDC. As a lifelong learner, Amy is always open to new challenges and opportunities for growth and is excited to join our team.

In her spare time, she loves reading, traveling, going to movies and hanging out with friends and family.

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!

Joy Lemonds is excited to join the Hampton Roads Dyslexia Center family. She graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Psychology and Old Dominion University with her Master’s of Science degree in Reading Education.

Joy holds a Virginia elementary teaching license with a Reading Specialist endorsement. She has previously taught in 3rd grade, Kindergarten, and 2nd grade classrooms in Newport News Public Schools and the York County School Division. Currently, she is a Reading Specialist at Tabb Elementary School in York County working with students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Joy is LETRS 1 and 2 trained and enjoys participating in learning opportunities focusing on the Science of Reading, structured literacy practices, and evidence based instructional practices in comprehension. In addition to her own professional development, she coaches teachers in best practices in literacy.

During her free time, Joy enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and dogs, vacationing at the beach and Disney World, working around her home, and reading.

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.

Lisa Newman is beginning her 27th year as an elementary educator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Radford University. After graduating, Lisa put her passion and skills to use teaching Special Education, first, fourth, and second grade, and as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher for 18 years in Hampton City Schools. She currently teaches second grade in Newport News Public Schools. She is a National Board Certified teacher and LETRS trained. Lisa enjoys helping students learn to read and become independent thinkers and learners. Although challenging, she embraces the changes in education and curriculum especially when she sees the results with students.

Lisa is married and has 3 children, Sydney(25), Sarah(21), and David(17). She enjoys spending time with her beautiful family and prioritizing her mental health by snuggling with her new mini Dachshund puppy, Joey.

Karen Mumaw’s lifelong passion for teaching reading began when she taught her stuffed animals the ABCs at age 5. While studying to become an educator, she worked as a summer camp counselor for children with disabilities and a teacher of unhoused children in Chicago. 

Ms. Mumaw earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education and a master’s degree in Reading Education from Virginia Tech. For more than 20 years, she has taught various age levels and is endorsed and licensed in both English and Reading Education.

During her time as a reading specialist, Ms. Mumaw was trained in Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, HMH Into Reading, Words Their Way, and various other literacy interventions. She enjoys using multisensory approaches to learning that help students connect new information with existing learning. Her favorite moment in teaching is when a concept finally clicks for students, and they can unlock a world of lifelong learning. 

When Ms. Mumaw isn’t teaching, she can be found reading, writing children’s stories, and spending time with her family and dogs.

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!