Our Reading and Dyslexia Team
Trained Experts in the Science
of Reading and Orton-Gillingham.
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The Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program
Every tutor at Kids Up completes the Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program™ - our comprehensive educator training in Structured Literacy, including the Science of Reading as well as Orton-Gillingham (phonics, fluency, morphology and spelling) and Kilpatrick (phonological skills) - regardless of what training or certification they had before joining us. From there, they're mentored by our supervisors on an ongoing basis, so your child benefits from one dedicated tutor backed by a whole team's expertise.
Leadership Team
At Kids Up Reading Tutors, our leadership team consists of education professionals, all fully trained in the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham. We all tutor students in addition to running the company - because helping kids become fluent readers, good spellers and confident students is what we love to do!
Daniela Feldhausen
Founder
- B.S. Business Administration (UC Berkeley, 1987)
- J.D. (UC Berkeley, 1989)
- M.S. Special Education (U of Arizona, 2020)
- Teaching Reading Effectively (AZ Dep't of Education, 2019)
- Orton-Gillingham (IMSE, 2020)
***
I love kids, languages and solving problems, and I can't imagine more rewarding work than helping a struggling reader learn to love reading! Nothing makes my day like the wonderful emails I get from parents, like the mom who told me she had just "caught" her son reading under the covers with a flashlight, or the dad whose teenage daughter described her tutoring sessions as life-changing. Outside of Kids Up, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling and playing pickleball.
Crystal McCue
Tutor Supervisor; Senior Tutor
- B.S. Elementary Education, with Early Childhood Education endorsement
- Retired elementary school teacher and reading interventionist
- Teaching Reading Effectively (AZ Dep't of Education, 2019)
- Orton-Gillingham (IMSE, 2023)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I'm a former elementary school and reading support teacher who has had the joy of working with kids from preschool all the way through post-college. I love them all, but I'll admit I have a soft spot for the older ones! When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me cooking, working on a craft project, or playing with my grandkids.
Laurie Warner
Head of Tutoring; Senior Tutor
- B.S. Speech and Hearing Science, minor Special Education (U of Arizona)
- M.A. Special Education (U of Arizona)
- Retired elementary school Special Education teacher
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
As a career educator, I have drawn on my degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and Special Education throughout my 27 years in education. My experience has included roles in special education, general education, ELA instruction and teacher coaching. Kids Up has given me the opportunity to continue using my experience to support students, families and future educators. When I'm not working, you'll usually find me spending time with family and friends, planning my next adventure or relaxing at our cabin!
Our Tutors
All of our tutors have a background in education, special education, speech-language pathology or linguistics. Each one has completed the Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program™, our comprehensive educator training in Structured Literacy, including the Science of Reading as well as Orton-Gillingham (phonics, fluency, morphology and spelling) and Kilpatrick (phonological skills). They're all passionate, engaging and deeply committed to helping children and teens succeed - especially those who have struggled with traditional reading instruction.
We carefully match each child with the right tutor based on their needs and personality, any preferences you have (for example, some parents of boys ask for a male tutor) and your schedule. When we have more than one tutor who'd be a great fit, we'll give you a choice between them.
Your tutor will follow your child’s individualized Structured Literacy Plan and receive ongoing guidance from our leadership team. We review progress, adjust instruction when needed and keep parents informed throughout the process. This gives your child the benefit of both a dedicated tutor and the experience of our broader team.
Abby
- B.A. Elementary Education SEI Endorsement (U of Arizona, May 2020)
- M.A. Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis (Arizona State University, May 2025)
- Elementary School Behavior Specialist
- Former classroom teacher, grades 3-5
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I have worked in education for 7 years, and I have loved every role I've played in helping students learn and grow. I spent time as a general education teacher working in a special education co-teach classroom. I have primarily taught older elementary students and enjoy making reading engaging and interesting for students who may lack the confidence to build this skill.
Anna
- B.S. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, B.A. Linguistics, minor Spanish (U of Arizona, expected May 2028)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I started tutoring because I wanted to work with kids and am passionate about literacy. I love tutoring because I always have so much fun exploring how language works and finding new ways to think about it. I love bringing creative activities into my sessions to break the ice and build confidence, especially for students who might feel a bit hesitant or self-conscious at first.
BreAnn
- AA Early Childhood Education (Pima Community College, expected May 2028)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I'm currently a preschool teacher. I've always loved teaching and growing minds. I enjoy teaching kids to read and spell because seeing them develop that skill is a joy. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy spending my free time with family and going on fun adventures with them.
Roses are red
Reading is cool
You can do it after school
When my reading teacher is excited
I feel good too
Hunter, 4th grade, Arlington, VA
Camila
- B.A. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, minor Spanish (U of Arizona, expected May 2027)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I'm currently studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Spanish. My sister required a reading interventionist when she was young, so I love helping others in that manner. I have worked with late-talking toddlers, individuals on the spectrum, and those with ADHD and dyslexia, often in a tutoring setting. After finishing my degree, I plan to work as a speech-language pathologist in a pediatric setting. In my free time, I love being outdoors, playing pickleball, and reading.
Genny (Senior Tutor)
- B.S. Elementary Education (Arizona State University, 2014)
- Classroom teacher (2014-2021)
- Literacy specialist (2023-present)
- Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Certificate (Center for Effective Reading Instruction – CERI, 2024)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I became a reading specialist because I love helping students build both their literacy skills and their confidence. I enjoy making reading and spelling approachable, celebrating small victories along the way, and helping students understand the patterns behind our language.
I also enjoy learning about reading research and exploring new instructional ideas because I love finding better ways to support every student and continue growing as an educator. When I'm not tutoring, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends, whether we're exploring new places, trying something new, or simply making memories together.
Jake (Senior Tutor)
- B.A. Linguistics (U of Arizona, December 2024)
- M.S. Human Language Technology (U of Arizona, expected May 2027)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I have a background in linguistics and I’m currently working toward a master's in Human Language Technology. I love working with students and watching as they grow in confidence in their reading and spelling. I have experience with students with a wide range of needs, and I’m skilled at adapting lesson plans to help every student succeed. Outside of tutoring, I love to bake, run, and swim.
Janice (Senior Tutor)
- M.A. English Literature
- Former K–5 reading intervention teacher and literacy coach
- Orton-Gillingham trained (Orton-Gillingham Academy, 2024)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I've spent many years working with elementary and middle school students as an intervention teacher, reading coach, and academic coach, and I love helping children discover that they can become confident readers and writers. When I'm not tutoring, you'll often find me hiking Arizona trails, caring for my ever-growing collection of houseplants, creating playful doodles, or spending time with my husband and our dog, Daisy.
Kassidy
- B.S. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, minor Psychology (U of Arizona, expected May 2027)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
Kathryn (Senior Tutor)
- B.A. Russian, minor: Linguistics (U of South Carolina, Columbia, May 2021)
- M.S. Speech-Language Pathology (U of Arizona, expected May 2027)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I am a former teacher with experience spanning kindergarten through high school. My background includes specialized training in linguistics and second-language acquisition, with a specific focus on Russian language. When I'm not tutoring, you can usually find me outside or in the pottery studio! My favorite part of the tutoring process is building confidence in reluctant readers of all ages and helping them fall in love with reading :)
"Daniela took the time to understand our daughter’s needs, matched us with the right tutor, and even found a way to fit us into the schedule mid-year."
2nd grade, Arlington, VA
"The tutors are patient, encouraging, and truly understand how to support children who learn differently. They do an amazing job keeping him engaged through games, books, and activities connected to his interests"
3rd grade, Beijing, China
Kyla
- BA Early Childhood Education, English as a Second Language Endorsement (December 2024)
- BS Veterinary Science (May 2021)
- BS Family Studies and Human Development (May 2021)
- Kindergarten Teacher (January 2025-present)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I am currently a kindergarten teacher and love helping young learners build confidence and a love for learning. I have experience working with students with diverse learning needs, including autism and ADHD, and I enjoy helping every child reach their full potential. Outside of teaching and tutoring, I enjoy reading and spending time with my wonderful family.
LisaRose (Senior Tutor)
- BA in Media Arts (Long Island University)
- MSEd in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Walden University)
- EdD in Organizational Leadership (Brandman University, now UMass Global)
- Spalding Level 1 Trained
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I've been in education for over 30 years and have found a passion for helping students learn to read in English. My background includes English language development, and I particularly enjoy working with teens and older students. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my cat, Cypher, crocheting blankets and purses, traveling, music and dancing, and going to museums/exhibits.
Micah
- B.S. Psychology (William & Mary, 2023)
- Former Special Education reading teacher
- M.S. Speech-Language Pathology (U of Arizona, expected May 2027)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I am originally from Virginia where I attended William & Mary for my undergraduate education. After graduating, I worked as a special education reading teacher in Washington, D.C. Through this work, I found a love for teaching literacy and developed an interest in becoming a speech-language pathologist. Currently, I am a second-year master's student in the speech-language pathology program at the University of Arizona. After graduate school, I hope to treat children with language, literacy, and/or articulation needs at a school, outpatient clinic, or private practice.
Sarah (Senior Tutor)
- B.A. Elementary Education (Western Governors University)
- M.S. Learning Experience Design & Technology (Western Governors University)
- M.A. Special Education (Western Governors University)
- Former elementary and Special Education teacher
- Certified Reading Specialist (State of Arizona)
- PDX Reading Specialist: AZ Dep’t of Education Designee
- LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I began my career as a classroom teacher, where I discovered a passion for teaching children to read. That passion inspired me to learn everything I could about effective reading instruction. Along the way, I became a special education teacher, an experience that further strengthened my skills and deepened my understanding of how children learn to read. I strive to create a relaxed, enjoyable environment where we can laugh, have fun, and make learning a positive experience.
Savanah
- B.S. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (U of Arizona, expected August 2026)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I'm currently working toward my bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences and plan to become a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). I'm also fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). I love helping students discover that reading and spelling don't have to be frustrating and showing them that reading can be fun, exciting, and something they genuinely enjoy. I especially enjoy working with elementary students and finding creative ways to make learning click while building their confidence. Outside of tutoring, I enjoy spending time with my five-year-old daughter, reading, cooking, and being outdoors.
Sean (Senior Tutor)
- B.A. Asian Languages and Literature, University of Minnesota
- Online ESL, reading and writing tutor since 2017
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I taught ESL for many years before finding my passion in helping kids become stronger readers. It is both amazing and humbling to see students grow into confident readers and how that positively affects other parts of their lives. When I am not tutoring, I love, you guessed it, reading! I have always been a voracious reader. As a dad and a tutor, I am now teaching my daughter the joy of reading, which I believe also unlocks the power of imagination and creativity.
Sophia
- B.S. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and B.A. Psychology (U of Arizona, expected May 2028)
- Kids Up Literacy Educator Training Program (Sc. of Reading, Kilpatrick, Orton-Gillingham)
***
I plan on being a speech-language pathologist after finishing my degree. I enjoy helping kids find a passion for reading! Outside of tutoring, I enjoy hiking and being outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.