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A Team of Educational Therapists & Specialists
Our exceptional clinicians, equipped with advanced degrees and credentials, approach teaching through the lens of educational therapy. With extensive experience, our educational therapists and specialists work with students facing a range of learning differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, executive functioning challenges, and more. Learn more about Educational Therapy.
Collaboration & Commitment to Professional Development
Our team of lifelong learners is dedicated to continuous growth and professional development. Our Clinicians regularly engage in collaboration and thought partnerships, drawing from each other’s expertise and unique experiences. Additionally, they participate in both team-based and individualized professional development to deepen their understanding of all aspects of learning.
Stephanie Broytman
Director of Education
Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a certified special educator (Academic Language Therapist/ ALTA) with nearly 20 years of classroom experience. Currently, she is putting her extensive Orton-Gillingham training to use, providing therapy to students with dyslexia and dysgraphia, as well as instruction in other subjects for students with learning challenges.Â
Areas of Focus: Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Orton-Gillingham, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Decoding and Encoding, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Foundational Math, Executive Functioning, Educational and SPED Advocacy and Consulting, Parent Education, Assessments
BJ McIntyre
BJ holds a Master’s Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University is an Orton-Gillingham certified instructor through the Dyslexia Training Institute and is an Associate level Educational Therapist through the AET. BJ currently serves as the Director of Learning Support at a secondary school setting.
Areas of Focus: Upper Elementary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Literacy, ELA, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, ADHD/Academic Coaching, Behavioral Coaching, Social Emotional Learning, Financial Literacy, College Readiness, Test Prep, Professional Development for Educators, Parent Education, Educational Consulting, and Curriculum Development
Joi Ward
Joi holds an M.Ed. from High Tech High Graduate School of Education and a Master’s in Special Education from California State University East Bay. With over a decade of diverse experience in education, she has supported youth mental health, facilitated outdoor learning, and provided academic assistance through special education services.
Area of Focus:Â Upper Elementary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, ELA, Math, Socio-Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning, Educational Advocacy
Kimberly Schaefer Moorehead
Kim holds a Masters of Education in Exceptional Student Education with a concentration in Educational Therapy from Southeastern University, as well as a Masters Degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. She is a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist (PCET) through the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD) and a trained in the Orton-Gillingham literacy instructor.
Areas of Focus:Â Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, ELA, Elementary Math, Executive Functioning, Educational Advocacy
Susan Ardila
With a Bachelor of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies, earned with Summa Cum Laude honors from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Math Education K-12, from The University of Texas, Susan Ardila brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Susan is currently completing her post-graduate Educational Therapy Certification through NILD and has completed Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math Instruction courses, earning the title of Dyscalculia Specialist.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Elementary to Higher Level Mathematics, Dyscalulcia, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Sciences, AP/Honor Courses, Test Prep, Executive Functioning, Parent EducationÂ
Christine Strena
Christine holds an M.A. in Education from CSU East Bay, a post-graduate certification as an Educational Therapist through U.C. Riverside, and has earned her Professional designation for the Association of Educational Therapists. She is also a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, and loves working with students who need help building executive functioning skills.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, ELA, Test Prep, Social-Emotional Learning, Educational Advocacy
Jessica Ghassemi
Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University. While at Teachers College, Jessica enrolled in an Orton-Gillingham curriculum and completed 220 hours of postgraduate instruction which led to her ALTA Certification as an Academic Language Therapist. She is a special education teacher who has spent nearly two decades teaching students from Pre-K to adulthood, helping them become successful and independent learners.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post-Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Orton-Gillingham, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Social Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning, Parent Education, Educational Advocacy
Maleek Mitchell
Maleek earned his MA, and an M.S. in Education with a focus on Inclusion from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. Maleek has worked with elementary, middle, high, and adult education learners for almost 2 decades. Maleek firmly believes that every student can learn. He currently serves an Educational Specialist in Higher Education, supporting young adults.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Elementary and Secondary Math, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Test Prep, ELA, ADHD/Academic Coaching,, Executive Functioning, Educational Advocacy, Behavioral Coaching, Social Emotional Learning, Parent EducationÂ
Alessandra Faggionato
Alessandra Faggionato holds a Master’s of Science in Educational and Interdisciplinary Students, and a Multi Subject Teaching Credential. Her extensive experience as a Literacy Specialist and Lead Special Education teacher, as well as her current role as the Vice Principal of Instruction has given her the tools to support students meet their full potential.
Areas of Focus: K-8 Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham, SIPPS, Decoding and Encoding, Written Expression, Reading Comprehension, Elementary and Middle School Math, Multi Language Learners, Socio-Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning
Tracy Young
Tracy Young holds an MBA from Boston University. She has completed over 220 hours of Orton-Gillingham training and holds her Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) Certification. She is passionate about Dyslexia Advocacy and Intervention and currently serves in the screening subcommittee of the New York State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force.
Areas of Focus: Upper Elementary to Post-Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham, Decoding and Encoding, Written Expression, Reading Comprehension, Math, Â Socio-Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning, Educational Advocacy and Parent Education, Spanish Instruction
Eldeva Tofte
Eldeva holds a M.A. in Special Education from New York University. Eldeva is a certified Special Educator and has spent over 30 years working with neurodiverse learners in public schools. Eldeva holds three Certificates as an Orton-Gillingham teacher. These include: an ALTA Certification as a Qualified Instructor, a Certification as a Member of the Orton-Gillingham Academy, and a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist through the CERI.Â
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post-Secondary Education, Orton-Gillingham, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Social Emotional Learning, Parent Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Study Skills, and Learning Strategies.
Vanessa Fontana-Berul
Vanessa holds a Masters in Education, as well as an Elementary Montessori credential, from Xavier University. Vanessa has over a decade of experience with dual language learning, as both a teacher and an administrator, for Spanish and Chinese bilingual ECE and Kindergarten programs in the SF Bay Area. Vanessa is trained in the Orton-Gillingham methodology and has over 20 years of experience supporting students with learning challenges.
Areas of Focus: K-8 Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Orton-Gillingham, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, Elementary Math, ELA, Socio-Emotional Learning, Early Childhood Development, Dual Language Learners, Montessori and Reggio-inspired instruction, Parent Education, Spanish Instruction
Jennifer Schmitz
Jennifer Schmitz holds a Master’s Degree in Reading from Eastern Michigan University. She holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential as well as a Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate, authorizing instruction in Elementary Education (K-5), Language Arts (K-8), and Reading (K-8). Jennifer is trained in supporting literacy development through Structured Literacy, which is grounded in the Science of Reading and the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Areas of Focus: K-8 Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Orton-Gillingham-based literacy intervention SIPPS, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Early Math, ELA, Social Emotional Learning, Parent Education, Educational Advocacy
Michelle Kim Palasek
Michelle has worked in Oakland public schools for over a decade. She graduated from San Francisco State University and earned her Multiple Subject teaching credential in 2010. She brings a broad range of teaching experiences such as Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten teacher, Reading Interventionist, Dean of Instruction, and Assistant Principal.
Areas of Focus: K-5 Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, SIPPS, Early Childhood Development, Written Expression, Social-Emotional Learning, Dyslexia, Decoding & Encoding, Elementary Math, Educational Advocacy
Camila Perez
Camila Perez graduated Cum Laude with a degree in English and in Studio Art from Mills College. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is a seasoned literacy professional with over a decade experience working in education. She also employs a variety of Orton-Gillingham based Structured Literacy methods and tailors her instruction to each child. Camila is passionate about using tools based on the science of reading to help students access the essential skill of literacy so that they can attain their full potential and gain confidence.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Handwriting, Social Emotional Learning, Spanish Instruction
Larysa Larson
Larysa Larson holds an M.A. in Special Education (Mild/Moderate Support Needs) from San Francisco State University, with a focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). She also holds an Educational Specialist Instruction Credential and a single-subject teaching credential. She is a certified Orton-Gillingham reading interventionist and brings a deep love of literacy to every session.Â
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post-Secondary Education, Orton-Gillingham, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, and Arts Integration.
Dr. Danielle Kolen aka Dr. Dannie has a Master’s and Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Francisco. She has 14 years of combined experience providing individual and group therapy, psychological assessments, ADHD brief and extensive assessments/evaluations, consultative work, and executive function skills coaching for children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in a variety of settings, including K-12 schools, postsecondary schools, community agencies, nonprofits, outpatient hospitals, and group private practice settings.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post-Secondary Education, Executive Function Skills, ADHD, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Social Emotional Learning/Emotional Regulation Skills, Critical Thinking, Metacognitive Skills, Academic and Behavioral Coaching, Parent Education, and Advocacy, Assessments
Angela Moscheo holds a Master Degree in Education from Belmont University, a Master Degree in Systematic Theology and Ethics from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, and a Bachelor in History and Religious Studies. Angela has over fifteen years of experience with diverse learners and confidently provides a therapeutic academic environment for students who are experiencing developmental, behavioral or emotional challenges.Â
Areas of Focus: Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners, ADHD, Academic and Behavioral Coaching, Social Emotional Learning, Cognitive Enrichment, Executive Function, Reading Comprehension and Written Expression, Foundational Math, Science, Latin instruction, Social Studies and History, and Parent Education
Nicole Sanders holds a Master of Science in Reading and Literacy from California State University East Bay. With 10 years of experience in education, including being a lead teacher and a learning specialist, Nicole has supported students in literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and executive functioning. She has extensive experience working with neurodiverse learners and bilingual students, designing personalized lessons and interventions to help each child reach their full potential.
Areas of Focus: Elementary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Literacy, Dyslexia, Structured Literacy, Orton-Gillingham-based literacy interventions, Decoding and Encoding, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Elementary and Foundational Math, Executive Functioning, Social Emotional Learning, Teacher Coaching and Professional Development.
John Loomis
John earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education from The Ohio State University as and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. John has over 40 years of experience with math instruction, ranging from lower elementary to college-level.
Areas of Focus: Elementary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Math Skills Computation, Math Comprehension and Word problems, Applied Math Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Administration
Phyllis Koppelman
CEO
Phyllis holds her Master’s in Education from U.C. Berkeley and is a Board Certified Educational Therapist. Along with 30+ years in the classroom, Phyllis started as a sole practitioner until 2002, when she founded Strategies for Learning. She has trained teachers, developed curriculum, and spoken at seminars throughout California. Phyllis continues her passionate work in educational therapy while spending as much time as possible with her family.Â
Jay Koppelman
CFO
Jay Koppelman serves Strategies for Learning as its Chief Financial Officer. He comes to us following his retirement from a career in real estate investment and finance. He has been married to Phyllis Koppelman, founder and CEO of Strategies for Learning, for over 60 years. As someone who believes that education is of paramount importance, he has taken on this role with determined enthusiasm. Besides his work with SfL, he served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Contra Costa Jewish Day School before his retirement. Jay has authored a thrilling sci-fi novel titled, “Identicality” and spends his time with his six grandchildren and working on his second book.
Christine Zhang
Manager of Operations & Outreach
Christine graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in the History of Art. She has been part of the amazing team at Strategies for Learning for almost a decade.
She has experience supporting a number of new small businesses and welcomes any opportunity for creative problem-solving and strategic business development. She also utilizes her experience in student support services, graphic design, web design and digital marketing  to develop dynamic resources for the growing SfL community.Â
Email: info@strategiesforlearning.com
