Co-Founder and Executive Director

Ashley is an experienced reading teacher. She holds a B.A. from Wake Forest University and an M.S.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas. She has undergone 60 hours of Orton-Gillingham training under the guidance of Dr. Fran Bowman. Ashley holds a Maryland State Department of Education Professional Eligibility Certificate with the endorsement area of Special Education. Ashley recently completed the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) exam. Ashley’s skills as a reading tutor shine through her compassionate guidance and dedication to her students, seamlessly balancing her role as Associate Director of Open Doors with her commitment to nurturing literacy and academic success.

Co-Fouder and Associate Director

Julie has over fifteen years of teaching experience. She specializes in educating middle and elementary-aged children with learning differences. Julie completed her undergraduate studies at Franklin and Marshall College and her graduate degree at Washington College. She has undergone 60 hours of Orton-Gillingham training under the guidance of Fellow Dr. Fran Bowman. Additionally, Julie holds her certification in Handwriting Without Tears, is trained in The Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V). Julie is not just a teacher; she's a mentor, inspiring her students to achieve greatness through their educational journey. With a commitment to excellence, Julie fosters a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.

Literacy Professional

Emily's instructional approach is characterized by her passion, energy, and enthusiasm. With a decade of teaching experience, she has worked with a diverse range of students from preschool through middle school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education Studies. Emily has undergone 60 hours of Orton-Gillingham training under the guidance of Dr. Fran Bowman. Additionally, she has received formal training in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech (LiPS®) from Lindamood-Bell and has experience using The Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V). Emily is an exceptional instructor whose patient guidance and personalized approach ignite a love for reading in her students.