About Us
Welcome to READ (Reading, Education, and Development), your dedicated partner in fostering a lifelong love of reading in children. Based in Richmond, Virginia, we specialize in tutoring preschool and elementary age students; offering a unique blend of individual and small group sessions tailored to each child's needs.
Our Mission: At READ, we believe that every child possesses the potential to become an avid reader and a lifelong learner. Our mission is to unlock this potential through specialized tutoring services, focusing on phonics, phonemic awareness, writing, spelling, reading comprehension, and fluency. Our approach is particularly effective for students with learning challenges, such as dyslexia, and those seeking enrichment in their reading journey.
Unique Offerings
We are proud to be the first in Richmond, VA, to introduce the "Little Learners and Loved Ones" classes - an innovative program designed to engage preschoolers and a caregiver in a shared reading experience. Through captivating stories and interactive early literacy activities, we aim to instill a foundational love for reading at an early age.
Our Expertise
At the heart of our success is our team of highly qualified tutors. Trained in a structured literacy keystone approach encompassing the Orton-Gillingham techniques as well as hands on multisensory learning. Our seasoned educators are all licensed and certified to teach reading through the VDOE and have completed thorough background checks. They bring a wealth of experience and a compassionate touch to their teaching methods. Each reading expert is matched with students to create a nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth.
Core Values
Our philosophy revolves around instilling a passion for reading and empowering children to overcome any learning obstacles. We are committed to helping each child reach their fullest potential, emphasizing early intervention and personalized learning plans.
Join Us on Our Mission: Whether your child faces challenges in reading or you seek to enrich their literacy skills, READ is here to guide them on a path of success and enjoyment in reading. We invite you to be a part of our reading revolution, where every child is a star waiting to shine.
Our Team
Anna Hatfield - Director, Reading Education And Development
Anna embarked on her educational journey at the University of Tennessee, specializing in Child Development. She earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education in 2005, further advancing her knowledge and skills. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, she obtained a postmasters in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Supervision at VCU.
Throughout her career, Anna has showcased her dedication to education by teaching across various grade levels in elementary schools. Her commitment to linguistic diversity is evident through her Teaching English as a Second Language endorsement. Anna has earned numerous reading certifications and is well-versed in Structured Literacy Approaches/Science of Reading methodology, including Wilson, Heggerty, OG approach, Walpole, and McKenna.
Anna's leadership extends to both public and private school systems, where she has held significant roles such as Principal, Educational Specialist, and ESL Supervisor. She has been a presenter at local, state, and national conferences, covering a spectrum of educational and leadership topics. Anna passionately believes in the transformative power of literacy, stating that witnessing a child learn to read is an unparalleled joy.
Currently residing in Henrico, Virginia, Anna is a devoted mother to three boys, supported by her husband, and their Frenchie, Frank. Outside of her professional endeavors, Anna finds joy in activities such as yoga, tennis, reading, gardening, and actively engages in volunteer opportunities within her community.
Dr. Kaye Thomas – Reading Specialist
Kaye’s true passion in life is her love of teaching and learning. She has dedicated herself to academic pursuits and educating individuals for over 45 years. Kaye holds multiple degrees and has a vast number of professional experiences. Through all of Kaye’s experiences she hasn’t found anything as awe inspiring as watching a child learn to read. It is in this moment that doors open to imagination and discovery and the world becomes unlimited.
Her journey began at Longwood University, Farmville, VA where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and two Masters’ Degrees in Developmental Reading and Educational Leadership. As she continued traveling the educational trail, she earned her Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Technology from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, and then her final academic accomplishment was earning her Doctorate Degree from Virginia Tech in Educational Policy and Leadership.
Her instructional roles have encompassed all levels of K-12 education (elementary, middle, and high) both in the classroom and in administration. She has served as a central office administrator, as a staff development instructor for educators, as a parent education facilitator and as an Assistant Superintendent. Additionally, she has held the position of adjunct professor at The University of Richmond and Virginia Union University.
The accomplishments Kaye has achieved have been recognized at the county, state and national level. She has won awards for educational leadership, presented at multiple conferences, represented the state at a national consortium and testified before congress on the benefits and advances in public K-12 education.
Kaye is extremely grateful she has a profession she loves and looks forward to continuing to seek ways to share the love of learning with others.
Hannah Castro - Reading Specialist
Hannah earned both her Bachelor's and her Master's of Teaching degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. She holds an active teaching license in the state of Virginia, with a certification to teach Pre-K-6th grades. Hannah enjoys furthering her teaching knowledge by attending in-person or virtual conferences and webinars. She specifically enjoys professional development on the Science of Reading, which is based on decades of research and evidence on how children learn to read.
Hannah has taught in a wide variety of schools, including public, private, and virtual schools, as well as homeschooling her own children for four years. Hannah especially enjoys teaching reading and watching students have that "lightbulb" moment when they learn to decode, comprehend, read more fluently, or better understand a new concept. Hannah has experience with ESL, special education, gifted, and general education students in grades pre-k, kindergarten, second, and third; as well as reading, math, and ESL tutoring for ages 3-12.
In addition to working for READ, Hannah also teaches pre-kindergarten at Trinity United Methodist Preschool. She relishes in the ability to make learning come alive through engaging read alouds, learning games, and hands-on activities. Her classroom theme is Pete the Cat, because she likes helping instill a love for storybook characters in her students!
Hannah lives in Henrico, Virginia, with her husband and two teenage children. Aside from teaching, Hannah loves being a soccer and field hockey mom, volunteering at her church, and spending time with friends and family.
Rachel Fanshaw - Reading Specialist
Rachel began her educational journey at Towson University in Towson, Maryland with her degree in Early Childhood Education. She earned her Masters of Education in Reading from Towson University in 2012. She has been teaching for 14 years and is a Certified Reading Specialist in grades K-12.
Rachel has taught in private schools and public schools across four counties in two states. She holds her Teaching Certificate in both Maryland and Virginia. She has worked with children with Autism, ADD, Dyslexia and learning disabilities in a variety of school settings. She has also assisted adults in their reading journey. She is committed to the success of all types of readers, as she tailors each lesson to the specific needs of the individual student. She finds great joy in sharing her love of reading with her students.
Rachel is the author of a children’s book titled, The Tangle Jangles. It is a story about a girl who wakes up with tangles in her hair and embarks on a journey to find out what is going on with her hair at night! Her book was published in February of 2024. After being published, she has enjoyed encouraging others to become authors, as she shares her writing journey with both children and adults alike. Rachel enjoys the magic of a child connecting with a book and wanting to become a successful reader and writer.
Currently residing in Midlothian, Virginia, Rachel is a wife and mother of two children. When she isn’t teaching children to read, Rachel enjoys reading, creating, yoga, art, swimming and gardening. Rachel’s book can be purchased through Mascot Publishing or Amazon.
Sherry Sachleben - Reading Specialist
Sherry earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree at Grove City College (PA) where she majored in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She then attended Slippery Rock Univesity (PA) where she also earned her Special Education degree. Sherry also earned her Master’s degree in Reading from the University of Virginia. She has experience and is certified to teach Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education as well as certified Reading Specialist.
Sherry has over 20 years of experience working with students of all ages and abilities in both public and private schools. This includes as a classroom teacher, special education, ESL, gifted education, Title I and as a reading specialist. She enjoys assessing students to determine their specific strengths and areas of need to ensure that each student is receiving instruction customized to their individual needs. Additionally, Sherry loves utilizing the principles of the Science of Reading, which is based on decades of research, to methodically plan and implement lessons that are the most beneficial for each individual student.
Sherry lives in Short Pump with her husband, two children and dog. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and practicing hot yoga.
Jacqueline Angel - Reading Specialist
Jacqueline began her educational journey at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia with her Masters degree in Elementary Education. She is a licensed PreK-6 teacher. She has been teaching for 7 years in a Title I school in Henrico County. She has taught the Collaborative (Gen Ed and EXED) 1st grade class for the past 4 years. Jacqueline completed her Orton Gillingham associate level coursework in 2023 and is currently finishing her OG practicum. She utilizes the Orton Gillingham approach in her 1st grade classroom, as well as with her tutoring clients.
Jacqueline has completed LETRS training, and is well versed in UFLI, Walpole McKenna, and Heggerty programs. She is a lifelong learner and enjoys attending conferences to learn the newest research and skills pertaining to reading instruction. She has also presented for Henrico County’s Professional Development series for teachers for the past 2 years. Jacqueline has a passion for understanding the way in which children learn to read and for helping each child find success.
Jacqueline lives in the Northside with her pug Phoebe. She is currently a graduate student at VCU in the school of Counselor Education. When she’s not teaching or in class, she enjoys yoga, cooking, enjoying the restaurants of Richmond, and going on walks.
Erin Ferrara - Reading Specialist
Erin began her educational journey at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and then continued her education and received her Master’s degree in Special Education. She is licensed to teach Pre-K through 6th grade general education, as well as kindergarten through 12th grade exceptional education.
After completing her undergraduate and master’s programs at Longwood, Erin began her teaching journey in Henrico County at a Title I school where she remained for 9 years. For six years, Erin taught 5th grade, followed by three years teaching 1st grade. Throughout many of those years, she taught the collaborative class, (general and exceptional education). Erin loves working with students using the Science of Reading approach, and she is well versed in using the programs UFLI, Walpole and Mckenna, and Heggerty.
Erin ended her time working in Henrico County in 2024. She continues her love for teaching reading and math by working for READ. Outside of her love of teaching, she loves spending time with her husband and son, cooking, gardening, and being outside.
Emily Underwood - Reading Specialist
Emily graduated from George Mason University with a BA in Government and International Politics with plans of attending Law School. However, after joining Teach for America, she discovered that her path was actually in Elementary Education. After earning her Teaching License from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, she spent the next seven years teaching 3rd and 4th grades in Houston. While living in Texas, she earned her Masters in Reading Education, also from the University of St. Thomas. After graduation, she moved back to Chesterfield County, Virginia, and began working as a TItle I Reading Specialist in Prince George, VA. In 2016, she continued her journey as a Reading Specialist with Henrico County, working for the next four years as a Literacy Coach and Reading Specialist. In 2020, she graduated from Old Dominion University with her Masters in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS), and now works as an Elementary Librarian in Henrico County. Emily is licensed in Elementary Education, PreK-6, Library Media PreK-12, and Reading Specialist. 20 years later, she still can't believe she was "supposed" to be a lawyer! Teaching is where her heart truly is!!
Emily is knowledgeable in the Science of Reading, and has experience both working with and implementing curriculum such as Walpole and Mackenna and Heggerty. She has experience working with students from a multitude of backgrounds, including working in a collaborative classroom and with ELL students. She has a micro-credential in Gifted Education from Henrico County, as well as training in the Culturally Responsive Education Model. She has presented twice at the annual state conference for VAASL (Virginia Association of School Librarians), and is a member of VAASL and VSLA (Virginia State Literacy Association).
Emily lives in Chester, VA with her 11 year old son, two loveable dogs, and one mischievous cat. In free time, she enjoys baking cupcakes, reading mysteries, going for walks with the crew, and thrifting!
Wendi Black- Reading Specialist
During her senior year of high school, while Wendi was teaching preschool children to turn a cartwheel, a student hugged her and exclaimed, “Teacher, I did it all by myself!” It was at that moment that Wendi realized her love and passion for teaching children and decided to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.
Wendi graduated magna cum laude from the College of William and Mary. While in college, Wendi volunteered at an Adult Literacy Center, where she was deeply moved by the struggles many adults face with reading. This experience strengthened her commitment to education. After graduating, Wendi began her teaching career as a fourth-grade teacher in Hanover County, Virginia where she was honored to receive the Sallie Mae First Year Teaching Award for the school division. Among Wendi’s favorite teaching experiences were the years spent in a collaborative classroom, where she tailored lessons to meet the diverse needs of students with learning disabilities as well as those identified as gifted and talented.
When Wendi became a parent, she stepped away from full-time teaching to focus on raising her three children. During this time, she continued to share her love for teaching by creating learning experiences for her own children, volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, youth group counselor, and assistant teacher for Richmond Ballet’s Minds in Motion program.
Once her children reached school age, Wendi returned to teaching part-time as a Reading Interventionist at a Title I school in Henrico County. Wendi thrives in this role, where she works daily with K-5 students to not only strengthen their reading skills, but to also instill a love for reading. Wendi is a firm believer in the Science of Reading methods to teach reading. ***
Outside of the classroom, Wendi likes to swim, read, and play the piano. Most of all, she loves spending time with family and friends.
Caroline Myrtetus- Reading Specialist
Caroline began her educational journey at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia with her Master’s degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education with a minor in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language). She is a licensed prek-3rd teacher in general education, as well as early childhood special education. She has been teaching for 7 years in a Title I school in Henrico County. She has taught the Collaborative (Gen Ed and EXED) 1st grade class for the past 5 years and has served as the team leader for the past 4 years. Caroline completed her Orton Gillingham associate level coursework in 2023 and is currently working on her OG practicum. She utilizes the Orton Gillingham approach in her 1st grade classroom, as well as with her tutoring clients.
Caroline has completed LETRS training, and is well versed in UFLI, Walpole McKenna, and Heggerty programs. Caroline struggled with reading herself throughout elementary school and because of that is very passionate about meeting students where they are in their reading journey, finding their strengths, and building success from there.
Caroline recently bought her first home in Henrico County, so when she is not teaching or tutoring she is spending time working on her new home. Outside of her love of teaching, she loves running, babysitting, and spending time with her family and friends.