Those are my boys in the photo above. Spencer (14), Brantley (8), and Hunter (16). They are the driving force behind the DragonTree Reading Center. As a book lover and reading teacher you would think my children would be avid readers, but they are not! These active boys made me really dig deep to understand the importance of motivation & choice in learning to read. Don't get me wrong, we love our nightly ritual of laying in bed and reading together, but I am still the one who does most of the reading.
I have spent the last 20+ years in public and private schools, learning centers and speech clinics teaching children to read. During this time I have learned two important lessons. First lesson: the difference between teaching children and teaching programs or curriculums. Each child is so unique in personality, learning style, and confidence level that no one approach will work for all children. If it did, trust me, I would package it and give it to everyone! I love the detective work of finding what works for each individual child and seeing him/her become successful readers (even if they still tell me they don't like reading, I know the truth)! The second lesson I have learned: there is always a reason that a child is struggling to learn. If we can find the pothole(s), we can repair it and give the child the tools he or she needs to be a successful learner.
This is why the DragonTree offers a multidisciplinary team of professionals to be sure we don't miss anything that would prevent your child from being successful.
Did you know a Dragon Tree is a real tree? They grow in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain's Canary Islands.
Holly holds her Master's Degree in Reading and Education from Rider University. She is a certified Reading Specialist, PACE Cognitive Trainer, and Fast Forword Provider. Holly teaches at Centenary University as an adjunct in the Graduate Literacy Program as well as a Clinical Supervisor for the undergraduate teaching program. She is a lon
Holly holds her Master's Degree in Reading and Education from Rider University. She is a certified Reading Specialist, PACE Cognitive Trainer, and Fast Forword Provider. Holly teaches at Centenary University as an adjunct in the Graduate Literacy Program as well as a Clinical Supervisor for the undergraduate teaching program. She is a long time member of the International Literacy Association and supports their initiatives to help all children develop a love of reading. Holly is also a member of the NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). With over 20 years experience, she still has a passion for helping children succeed.
Sandra is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 17 years experience working with children ages 2 - 17 both in schools and privately. Evidence-based practice and clinical expertise provide the framework for child-led, play-based sessions designed to help children improve communication skills.
Sofia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health Studies from Saint Joseph’s University, with a concentration in Public Health. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to succeed. A pivotal experience has been her work with Ukrainian children, preserv
Sofia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health Studies from Saint Joseph’s University, with a concentration in Public Health. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to succeed. A pivotal experience has been her work with Ukrainian children, preserving and celebrating Ukrainian culture and heritage. In her current role as a Reading Interventionist, she meets learners where they are and provides personalized support and instruction to grow with them. As she continues to blend health studies, ethics, and education, her goal is to contribute to future generations' ability to be empowered and educated leaders.
Soni comes to DragonTree after 35 years in private and public school education. She has taught PreK through 3rd grade. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a Specialty in Reading from Rutgers University. She is a certified Reading Specialist.
She spent the last years of her public school teaching as the school’s Lead Reading Spe
Soni comes to DragonTree after 35 years in private and public school education. She has taught PreK through 3rd grade. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a Specialty in Reading from Rutgers University. She is a certified Reading Specialist.
She spent the last years of her public school teaching as the school’s Lead Reading Specialist.
Soni is passionate about books and reading as well as bringing the joy and discovery of learning to all children.