Laura Abel is a credentialed teacher who earned her multiple subject teaching credential in 2003. She has over fifteen years of teaching experience primarily in grades kindergarten through 3rd grade, and as a specialized reading teacher. Laura is a wife and mother of three children and in her spare time she loves to coach her kids in basketball and soccer. She is excited to work with students at St. Peter Martyr School to help them succeed as confident readers.

Kelly Kierstead has been educating elementary school students for the past 15 years. She has her multiple subject and special education teaching credentials, as well as her Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. She taught in the Lafayette School District in various positions including Instructional Support Teacher and Instructional Support Coach, where she facilitated and trained teachers in reading, writing, and math instruction. Kelly specializes in developing curriculum and designing differentiated lessons to meet the individual needs of her students. She is passionate about helping her students grow academically, while also building confidence and self-esteem. She loves watching her students flourish and progress when working one-on-one and in small group settings. When Kelly isn't teaching, she can be found reading, traveling, swimming, and hiking with her family.

Julie D. Lonergan is a reading tutor who discovered her passion for helping children learn to read during the pandemic. Upon learning that children need to be able to read well by the 3rd grade, Julie volunteered as a reading tutor for the Succeeding by Reading program at Children Rising in Oakland which focuses on individualized phonics-based literacy. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from San Francisco State University and worked for many years in the legal field in various administrative positions before becoming a stay-at-home mom of two children.

Danielle Maciula is a compassionate and dedicated educator who attended Catholic schools in San Francisco and earned her multiple subjects teaching credential from Sonoma State University. With years of experience teaching elementary school, Danielle is committed to making a difference in children's lives. As a wife and mother of three, she embodies the values of empathy and dedication in both her personal and professional spheres, inspiring and nurturing young minds with a tailored approach that celebrates each child's unique potential.

Eileen Ortiga is a Reading Teacher at St. Catherine of Siena in Martinez, supporting students from Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Along with Ali Beckman, Eileen manages the literacy program and partnership with the Lumen Christi Academies. She has worked in an Early Intervention preschool for Burton Valley Elementary School, in Lafayette, and has also provided reading instruction at Lafayette Elementary School. She is trained in Orton Gillingham, Pivotal Response Treatment, and the Early Start Denver Model. She is also a member of the Northern California International Dyslexia Association. Her passion is in connecting with students and understanding what motivates them to create a learning environment that is engaging and fun.