Trainers
In addition to their expertise in literacy and professional development skills, our training staff is former teachers and administrators. They have firsthand experience about what it means to be in your shoes and the difficulties literacy problems create. They also know the joy when student promise is turned into achievement. Our trainers have a passion for literacy a love of teaching and a deep commitment to helping schools and districts reach their literacy objectives.
Elissa Arndt-Rader, Ph.D.
Elissa is a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist with experience providing instruction and intervention in language and literacy to students Prek-8th grade in Massachusetts. She received her bachelor’s degree from Gordon College, her master’s degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions and her doctorate degree in Reading and Language Arts from Florida State University. Prior to working at Keys to Literacy, Elissa was a curriculum and intervention specialist at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) at Florida State University. While at FCRR, Elissa provided support to districts in their implementation of Reading First, reviewed reading programs as part of the FCRR reports to help districts select research-based instructional programs, and assisted in the development and implementation of the Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading (FAIR) which is a K-12 literacy assessment designed to assist Florida teachers in their instruction and progress monitoring of student learning. Elissa also provided technical support to the FL Department of Education on literacy initiatives, grant reviews, and professional development. In addition to working at Keys to Literacy, she serves as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate education department at Gordon College teaching graduate classes on reading foundations, adolescent literacy, instruction, assessment, and intervention.
Stephanie Brady, M.Ed.
As a professional educator since 1999, Stephanie Brady has built her career out of a passion for advancing students’ personal academic success. She earned her BA in psychology at UC Santa Barbara, her teaching certification from Mills College in California, and her M.Ed. in Literacy Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University in Massachusetts. Stephanie has taught in a wide range of schools in both California and Massachusetts, including parochial (Berkeley, CA), public (Oakland, CA, San Lorenzo, CA, Franklin, MA), and charter schools (Oakland, CA, Foxborough, MA). Stephanie has served students in grades 3-9 as a classroom teacher and reading specialist. In each of these roles she has empowered students, educated teachers in research-based best practices, and implemented curricular and programmatic initiatives that have enhanced reading and writing instruction, school-wide. Stephanie loves working with teachers as a Literacy Trainer for KTL. She is also an ELL Category Trainer of Teachers for the DESE, a differentiated program designer, and public school consultant. Stephanie believes that building students’ success in literacy positively impacts their lives forever.
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Shauna Cotte, M.Ed.
Shauna began her career in education as a literacy specialist before spending time as a classroom teacher at both the elementary and middle school levels where she taught U.S. history as well as reading and writing. She received a M.Ed. in Reading Curriculum Development and Instruction from Boston College and a B.S. in Education from Framingham State College. Shauna has collaborated with curriculum coordinators, administrators and special educators to design and implement various research-based curriculum initiatives at both a school-wide and district-wide level. Her recent teaching experiences have given her the opportunity to directly implement the Keys to Literacy programs across grades and content areas. Shauna has been with Keys to Literacy since 2007.
Becky DeSmith, M.Ed.
Becky has been a senior Keys to Literacy trainer since 2007 and, in addition to training its programs, serves as a mentor to other KTL trainers. Becky has been a literacy educator for over 35 years, beginning her career in upstate New York as a 7th grade English teacher. Throughout her career, Becky has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and been involved in many school and district-wide initiatives that address core literacy issues. Prior to coming to Keys to Literacy, Becky served as principal of Stony Hill Elementary School in Wilbraham, MA. In addition to her full-time teaching, Becky has presented professional development workshops for much of her career. She was a trainer for Teachers 21 delivering reading and writing workshops and graduate courses in literacy at schools throughout New England, and has trained numerous times for the New England League of Middle Schools. Becky received an M.Ed in Reading from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York and an M.A. in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport. She received her B.S. in Secondary Education English from SUNY Potsdam. Becky has been recognized as a Teacher of the Year by the International Reading Association.
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Karen Eades, M. Ed
Karen has been an educator since 1974, including being a classroom teacher, Literacy Specialist and Adjunct Professor teaching Language Arts related classes for Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University. For five years, she worked as an Arizona State Reading Specialist focusing on helping failing schools and providing literacy professional development. In addition to being a Keys to Literacy Trainer, Karen is training teachers across the State of Arizona in the new Common Core Standards. Karen is also known for her expertise in data-driven instruction, effective classroom practices to increase student engagement, and her work with high English Second Language populations. Karen received her Masters in Education and specialized endorsements that include Early Childhood, English Second Language, and Reading Specialist from Arizona State University. She provides professional development as a LETRS Regional Trainer, DIBELS Next Mentor Trainer, and Six Trait Trainer. Karen also has experience coaching principals on the Teach 4 Success Observation Instrument and working with middle schools and high schools on the RTI Model. Karen has received an Excellence in Education Award for her work mentoring at-risk students.
Noel Foy, M.A.
For over thirty years, Noel has worked in various capacities as an educator. Her commitment to literacy began during her experiences as a secondary teacher and supervisor at Landmark School, a school for students with language based learning disabilities. She continued her passion for literacy skills by designing and writing curriculum that embeds comprehension, writing, and study strategies, and she also worked as an educational software writer for Lexia Learning Systems. In addition to being a Keys to Literacy trainer, Noel maintains her dedication to improving students’ literacy proficiency in her position as The Roxbury Latin School’s Learning Specialist where she provides professional development to the faculty and academic support to boys between grades 7-12. Noel also privately tutors students from primary grades to post college in reading, writing, and study skills. Noel received her B.A. in Education/Special Education and her M.A. in American Studies from Boston College.
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Jim Gutstadt, M.Ed.
Jim is an experienced educator who began his teaching career in 1973 at the Landmark School, a nationally recognized school for children and adolescents with language-based learning disabilities. In his 14 years as a special education teacher he worked as a literacy tutor, classroom teacher, team chairperson and school case manager. During this time he focused on reading and writing instruction, working with students at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Jim was Principal of the West Parish Elementary School in Gloucester, MA for 16 years where he was closely involved in a variety of school and district literacy programs and initiatives. In addition, he has presented workshops at state and national conferences. Jim was a panelist on effective school practices for MCAS, and he co-facilitated the induction program for new teachers for the Gloucester Public Schools. He began his work as a trainer for Keys to Literacy in 2009. Jim received a B.A. in Growth and Development from the University of Wisconsin and his M.Ed. in special education as a Generic Consulting Teacher from Boston College.
Lisa Klein, M.Ed.
Lisa started her career in 1995 as a Language Arts and Oral Expression/Literature teacher at the Landmark School in Beverly, MA. As an educator, she has served as a classroom teacher, a literacy trainer, and a Reading Specialist, in both urban and suburban schools. Lisa also presented teacher training for district-wide textbook adoptions across the state of Florida. In addition to being a trainer for Keys to Literacy, Lisa enjoys working as a writing consultant. Lisa graduated from Rivier College with a M.Ed in Reading and BA in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Lori Lentini, Ed.D
Lori Lentini began her teaching career in 1971. Her experience in public education began in Lynn Public Schools, continued on to the Department of Education, and finished in the Boston Public Schools. During those years, Lori assumed the roles of classroom teacher, literacy coach, instructional facilitator, family literacy coordinator, and new teacher mentor. She has also been a literacy consultant in many school districts across the state of Massachusetts. In addition to being a Keys to Literacy trainer, Lori is also the Director of Reading at American International College, where she has served as a full time Assistant Professor of reading for the past three years. In this role, Lori is responsible for teaching a variety of graduate reading courses, collaborating on developing syllabi, supporting adjunct professors, and supervises student teachers at the graduate level. DR. Lentini received her Master of Education Degree in Early Childhood Education from Salem State University, and her Doctor of Education Degree from American International College.
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Donna Mastrovito, M.Ed.
Donna’s career in education began as a Title 1 interventionist in the Worcester Public School System. Throughout her career, Donna also served as a classroom teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, reading specialist and literacy coach. Most recently, she was an instructional coach, supporting teachers in delivering high-quality literacy instruction across the curriculum before retiring in June, 2012. Donna has also presented literacy workshops at state and national conferences, and has provided job-embedded literacy professional development at the school and district levels. In addition to being a trainer for Keys to Literacy, Donna also works as an adjunct professor at American International College (AIC), where she teaches a variety of literacy courses, supervises practicum students and provides support to other adjunct professors. Donna has a master’s degree in early childhood education from Worcester State College, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in elementary education. She holds certification in elementary education, reading and administration. Donna is co-author of a children’s book Unpopular Animals and was a finalist for Worcester’s Teacher of the Year award in 2012.
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Maureen Murgo, M.Ed.
Maureen has been a teacher and school administrator for over 20 years. After receiving her Masters in School Leadership from Harvard University, Maureen worked as an Assistant Principal at the high school level. She received her Masters of Education in Special Needs from Lesley University, and her teaching experience has focused primarily on students with reading, learning and emotional challenges. Prior to working at Keys to Literacy, Maureen taught at the Landmark School for students with reading and learning disabilities and has worked as a special educator in the Newton, MA, Billerica, MA, and Bedford, NH public schools. In addition to teaching and administration, Maureen has written a remedial study skills program and developed a district-wide tutoring program to support at risk students.
Jade Reitman, Ed.D.
Jade began her educational career in 1974. She has worked as a principal, curriculum coordinator, reading specialist, and teacher. During her 18 years as an elementary school principal, her greatest satisfaction came from her role as instructional leader and when two of her schools were awarded the National Blue Ribbon of Excellence. During her 9 years as a curriculum coordinator, several of those spanning K-12 and several others including content areas beyond the English language arts, she developed curriculum with her teachers and provided professional development. Jade was a classroom teacher for six years in grades one, three, and four and a reading specialist for a year. She works exclusively for Keys to Literacy currently. Jade received her B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in Elementary Education and Psychology in 1974. She completed her M.Ed. In 1980 at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the area of Reading Education and her Ed.D. From Boston College in 1996 in the areas of Administration and Curriculum Design. She has taught literacy courses as an adjunct professor at Wheelock College and Salem State College.
Colleen Yasenchock, M.A.
Through her roles as a classroom teacher, special educator, reading coach and consultant, Colleen has developed a strong background in literacy, assessment, data analysis, and instructional design. She began her career working with ELLs and struggling high school students in NJ. In the years since she has worked at the Pre-K to college level in such places as Fort Bliss TX, Richmond VA, and Rochester NH. As a faculty member for Granite State College, Colleen worked with the undergraduate, post baccalaureate, and external programs teaching and developing courses in linguistics and reading. Colleen attended Notre Dame College, graduating with a BA in Education. She completed her MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Reading from Grand Canyon University. Colleen played a leading role in school improvement and reform, working to plan and implement RTI and data team works at the William Allen School, and supporting these efforts throughout the Rochester, NH School District. She has delivered workshops at the local, state and national levels covering a variety of literacy topics, including data team development. In addition to being a trainer for Keys to Literacy, Colleen is a Dibels Next mentor/trainer and a regional LETRS trainer.