Meet Our Experts:
Leadership Team
Name: Stephanie Tsapakis, MA
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 14
Favorite Subject: Reading & Math
Hobby: Photography
Inspirational Quote:
"A well educated mind will always have more questions than answers" - Hellen Keller
Wilson Dyslexia Therapist
Wilson Language Training
Texas EC-6 Generalist
Texas Education Agency
Texas Principal
Texas Education Agency
Welcome! I'm Stephanie Tsapakis, CEO and founder of The LD Expert, LLC. We are so excited you're here! I have been teaching students with Learning Differences for 14 years. I earned my Master's degree in Educational Psychology from Kent State University, and I am also a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. I love combining the best parts of in-person instruction with today's technology to deliver quality instruction and intervention virtually. Our company started as a dream to expand access to expert reading intervention and tutoring by utilizing the virtual arena. We have grown our team into an amazingly talented group of educators who are passionate about helping your student. I have the divine privilege of being a mom to three beautiful girls, so I understand a parents desire to see their child succeed academically. Sharing the knowledge and skills I have acquired to meet the specific needs of LD learners is my passion - and I look forward to getting to know you and your student!
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Name: Chelsea DiMarzio, MA CCC-SLP
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention and Speech & Language Evaluations and Therapy Services
Years as a Speech Pathologist: 8
Favorite Subject: Science
Hobby: Baking
Inspirational Quote:
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." - Unknown
Speech-Language Pathologist
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Arizona, California, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hi! I'm Chelsea DiMarzio, co-owner and COO of LD Expert. I am a speech language pathologist that has been serving students through telepractice since 2014. I have Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Communications from Walsh University and a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from The University of Akron. I love working with and advocating for students, especially those who struggle with language and literacy. I deeply believe that words matter, and that the personal relationship with each student, family, and school team is the key to building up that student's confidence in his or her ability to work hard and tackle big challenges. I've been fortunate enough to work with hundreds of students in various school systems across the country through telepractice. This experience has helped me better understand the real challenges our students face, but also to see the very big potential each student has when they know the people closest to them believe in them.
Dyslexia Intervention Team
Name: Amanda Capone, MA
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years as a Teacher: 12
Favorite Subject: Reading & Science
Hobby: Reading
Inspirational Quote:
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose!” - Dr. Seuss
Special Education Teacher
New Jersey Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hi! I’m Amanda Capone, and I am so excited to be a part of the LD Expert Team! I have been teaching students with various differences for 11 years in both elementary and middle school. I earned my Master’s degree in Special Education from St. Joseph’s University, and I am also a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading program. Teaching is one of my passions, and I love being part of a student’s journey to self-confidence and pride. This passion has grown significantly since becoming a mom to my two sons. I want to be the type of teacher any parent and child would feel comfortable with. Being trusted with a person’s most precious gift is what drives me to continue educating myself and to never stop looking for ways to reach my diverse learners.
Name: Kelly Carone, M.Ed.
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention & Testing
Years of Teaching: 5
Favorite Subject: Reading & PE
Hobby: Running
Inspirational Quote:
“We all have different gifts, so we all have different ways of telling the world who we are.” -Mr. Rogers
K-12 Special Education
Tennessee Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hi! I’m Kelly Carone and I am so grateful to be a part of the LD Expert team! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology and my Master of Education Degree in Instruction & Learning, both from the University of Pittsburgh. I am also a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading System. I’ve worked as a special education teacher in a variety of school settings- early on in my career, I discovered a deep passion for structured literacy interventions. It is such a privilege to see students’ confidence grow as they put in the work to unlock skills that impact their daily lives so heavily. My goal is always to be a resource and advocate for students and their families, and I am so excited to be doing this work with LD Expert!
Name: Jill Champagne, MA, CCC-SLP
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention & Speech and Language Development
Years of Teaching: 19
Favorite Subject: Reading & History
Hobby: Rowing and Volunteering at Animal Shelters
Inspirational Quote: "Don't try to steer the river" - Deepak Chopra
Speech-Language Pathologist
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Ohio, New York
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Teacher of Speech and Hearing
New York Department of Education
Greetings! I am Jill, an educator with 18 collective years of professional experience. I have supported children in a variety of capacities: one on one, small group and entire classrooms addressing a span of needs including but not limited to literacy, language comprehension and expression related to listening skills, following directions, study skills, speaking, writing, social skills, fluency of speech and articulation required for effective connection across all contexts. Throughout the last year, I learned the artful practice of virtual learning and firmly believe in the benefits and accessibility it provides. I have strong commitment, motivation and enthusiasm for educating children.
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Name: Kelly Houston, MA
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 11
Favorite Subject: Science
Hobby: Reading
Inspirational Quote:
“All students can learn and succeed, but not in the same day, and not in the same way" - William G. Spady
Reading Specialist K-12
Illinois State Board of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hello! My name is Kelly Houston and I am one of the Dyslexia Practitioners with The LD Expert Team. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Trinity Christian College and my Master of Arts in Education: Reading Specialist K-12 from Olivet Nazarene University both located in Illinois. I am also a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading System. I have worked as a reading specialist in an elementary school setting. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to have gone through training in structured literacy instruction. The growth I am able to see in my students is inspirational and makes me love what I do more each day. I look forward to working with your child.
Name: Emily Litchfield, MA
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 9
Favorite Subject: Reading
Hobby: Art & Running
Inspirational Quote:
“Hoping, I’m starting to think, might be the bravest thing a person can do.” - From the book 'Other Words for Home'
Early Childhood Education
Massachusetts Department of Education
Elementary Education
Massachusetts Department of Education
Special Education
Massachusetts Department of Education
English as a Second Language
Massachusetts Department of Education
Visual Arts Education
Massachusetts Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hello! My name is Emily Litchfield, and I am excited to be one of the Dyslexia Practitioners with The LD Expert Team. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Art Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and my Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. I am also a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. I have been working as a Special Education and English as a Second Language educator for the past 8 years, and I am especially passionate about supporting literacy growth. I consider it a huge privilege to play a role in a student’s development as a reader and writer, and I am so looking forward to getting to know you and your child!
Name: Vicki Landolf, Ph.D.
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 29
Favorite Subject: English
Hobby: Piano, gardening, crafting, cooking, camping, Tae Kwon Do
Inspirational Quote:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Elementary Education
New Jersey Department of Education
North Carolina Department of Education
Teacher of the Handicapped
New Jersey Department of Education
Special Education
North Carolina Department of Education
English K-12
North Carolina Department of Education
Social Studies 6-8
North Carolina Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hi! I am VIcki Landolf. I was raised in a small shore town in the southernmost tip of Ocean County New Jersey. I taught for 18 years in the very school that I attended alongside teachers that had not only me as a student, but my four children as well. One of the highlights that occurred in NJ was that my 4 children, my husband, and myself all received our 2nd degree blackbelts in Tae Kwon Do. However, in 2007 we packed up and moved to the mountains of North Carolina. Here I taught 11 years before retiring. I now spend my time as a floral manager in a grocery store making floral arrangements for customers. I have been married for almost 33 years and enjoy the company of my 3 dogs.
Name: Cindy Myers, MA
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 31
Favorite Subject: Lang. Arts/History
Hobby: Reading
Inspirational Quote:
“Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at
different times.” - Unknown
Reading Specialist
New Jersey Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hello! My name is Cindy Myers, and I am so excited to be a part of the LD Expert Team! I have a B.S. in Special Education/Elementary Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. I have a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University of Portland, Oregon, where I also became a reading specialist. I am also a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading program since 2006. I had been teaching special education for 30 years in the same school district. Although I recently retired, I wanted to continue to teach children the joy of reading, because reading is my passion. Helping students learn how to read is very rewarding to me!
Name: Kate Nave, BA
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 16
Favorite Subject: Reading & Math
Hobby: Baking
Inspirational Quote:
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
- Amanda Gorman
Special Education
New Jersey Department of Education
Elementary Education
New Jersey Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hi! My name is Kate Nave, and I am a Dyslexia Practitioner with The LD Expert Team. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Elon University in North Carolina, and I am currently working toward my Master of Education in Curriculum, Leadership, and Inclusion from Lasell University in Massachusetts. I am also a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading System. I have worked as an elementary special education co-teacher for the past 14 years, with an emphasis on reading, writing, and math instruction and differentiation. I am passionate about supporting students through the development of their literacy skills, and I hope to be a resource to students and their families through our work together with LD Expert!
Name: Christina Neilio, M.A.
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years Teaching: 9
Favorite Subject: Language Arts
Hobby: Cooking and Reading
Inspirational Quote:
“There are opportunities every day to be kind." -Barbara Walters
Special Education
New Jersey Education Department
Elementary Education
New Jersey Education Department
Wilson Dyslexia Therapist
Wilson Language Training
Hello! My name is Christina Neilio and I am thrilled to be a part of the LD Expert team. By being a part of the LD Expert team, I am able to continue my passion and help promote and foster a lifelong love of reading. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Rowan University and Master’s Degree from Fitchburg State University in Special Education with a concentration in dyslexia. I also have my Wilson Reading Certification. I have worked as a special education teacher for the past 9 years at Monroe Township School District in New Jersey. I am excited to share my enthusiasm for literacy with more children and families hereon.
Name: Jennifer Pinta, M.Ed.
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 11
Favorite Subject: English & History
Hobby: Walking with my dogs on the beach
Inspirational Quote: “To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” — Victor Hugo
Teacher of English 5-8
Massachusetts Department of Education
Special Education
Massachusetts Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hi! I’m Jennifer Pinta and I’m thrilled to be a part of The LD Expert as their one of their teachers and the Social Media and Marketing Support specialist. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from The University of Connecticut and I’m licensed to teach English Language Arts and Students of Moderate Disabilities in Massachusetts. While working at a specially designed school for children on the Autism Spectrum in the beginning of my career, I discovered that every child no matter his or her challenges is a unique individual who has so much to offer. I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Curry College and since then I’ve held various positions in the realm of education working with students with learning differences. Most recently while taking a step back from my career to take care of my two young children, I decided to become a certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Language Training program and I am almost finished-something I’m incredibly proud of! I come to The LD Expert with a passion for using reading and writing as a tool to make all students feel confident in themselves, and I’m looking forward to working with you!
Name: Christine Stremme, M.A.
Focus: Dyslexia Intervention
Years of Teaching: 33
Favorite Subject: Reading
Hobby: Reading, Cooking, the Beach
Inspirational Quote:
“Maybe 'I’m having trouble' is not the same as 'I can’t.'"
- Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Fish In A Tree
Teacher of English
New Jersey Department of Education
Elementary Education
New Jersey Department of Education
Educational Media Specialist
New Jersey Department of Education
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Language Training
Hello! I'm Christine Stremme, and I am so excited to be part of the LD Expert team! I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English / Elementary Education from Rutgers University and my Master’s degree in Library Science from Rowan University. I am also a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. I have been teaching in the same school district for over 30 years and have taught Wilson, Just Words, Basic Skills, Library, and virtual 5th grade. When my daughter was struggling to read, I experienced first hand the profound impact Wilson can have, and it is my privilege to now help other students and families. When I am not in school or tutoring, I enjoy spending time with my three children, going to the beach, and reading the Harry Potter series over and over.
Subject-Specific Tutoring Team
Name: Tim Burk
Focus: Subject Specific Tutoring
Years Teaching: 31
Favorite Subject: Math/Science/History/
Sociology/Music
Hobby: Reading/Discovery
Inspirational Quote:
“It doesn’t matter how you start; what matters is how you finish.” The Tortoise
Elementary Education
State of Washington Education Department
K-12 Music Education
State of Washington Education Department
Hello! My name is Tim Burk, and I am excited to be a part of the LD Expert Team! My passion is to help students move from survival to competence in their academic subjects, and share with them how fun and fulfilling learning can be. I have a B.A. in Music Education from Northwest Nazarene University, and an M.A. in Music from Seattle Pacific University. My primary instrument is Trombone, which means I am interested in how things work, and basically any subject (just try me). I was a substitute teacher for a number of years, pursuing higher education in various subjects, and have experience in helping students gain understanding in all the K-12 academic subjects. Because I’ve been fortunate to spend part of my career in various classrooms as a substitute, I was able to learn how to quickly develop meaningful relationships with students in order to teach them in engaging and flexible ways in all subjects. It matters to me to meet each student where they are at and build from there. I look forward to helping your student gain confidence in Iearning!
Name: Rhonda Green, MA
Focus: Subject Specific Tutoring
Years of Teaching: 27
Favorite Subject: History
Hobby: Cooking
Inspirational Quote:
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin
Permanent Teacher
New York Education Department
Hi, my name is Rhonda Green, and am excited to be working with LD Expert. I have been teaching students of all ages and abilities for the past 26+ years in both the private and public sector. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mt. Mary University, and my Master of Arts degree from the University at Albany. Quickly in my teaching career, I found my passion and niche for teaching students with LD at all levels. As a mom of 2 sons with LD diagnoses ( ADHD and dyslexia), I understand the complexities of being a parent of children with LD. When you combine those experiences as a parent with those of a teacher who loves to teach this population…you a get me, a teacher who loves to go the extra mile to make sure every child builds not only their academics, but also their self-confidence.
Name: Yannick Scarff,
Focus: Math & French
Years of Teaching: 18
Favorite Subject: Math
Hobby: Cooking
Inspirational Quote:
"I have learned that people will forget what you said, and forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"
-Maya Angelou
4-8th Grade Math & Science
Texas Education Agency
EC-6 Generalist
Texas Education Agency
Foreign Language - French
Texas Education Agency
Bonjour! My name is Yannick Scarff, and I am excited to be part of the L.D. Expert team. I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentration in Math and Science. I have taught French, my native language, for seven years, as well as Math for ten years. As a teacher, my mission is to make students love Math and/or French while reaching their full potential.
