Pensacola Branch
Lacy McShane, Learning Services Manager
Lacy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Birmingham Southern College. She has been a professional educator for 20 years. For the last 4 years, she has held reading interventionist positions in Santa Rosa and Escambia County schools. Lacy also has experience as an Educational Consultant working to support homeschool students and families. Lacy’s training includes Barton Reading and Spelling Tutor Training and Neuhaus Education Center’s Unexpected Underachievement course. In her spare time, Lacy enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the beach.
Andrea Lowery, Instructional Lead
I began my teaching career in 2000. I have a Master’s degree in Reading from the University of West Florida. I am certified in Elementary Education K-6, Special Education K-12, English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL K-12), and Reading K-12. I am also LETRS trained. Last year I was one of twelve teachers from across the nation selected for a Science of Reading Fellowship with Savvas. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my knowledge and practice in the latest evidence-based approaches to teaching reading. I have had the opportunity to participate in podcasts on lexical quality and comprehension. I have been recognized as a teacher of the year twice and I embrace a growth mindset. More importantly I am a mom to my dearest daughter and a wife to an Air Force Veteran. We have several fur family members that we love dearly (Daisy, Clover, Zeus, Rosie, Cali, and Alice).
Ava Coppock
Ava has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in inclusive Early Childhood Education. She has also earned a Master's of Reading degree with a K-12 reading endorsement. Both of her degrees were earned at Bowling Green State University, located in Ohio. She is certified to teach grades PK-6 in the state of Florida. She has been trained in the Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training. Ava has also taught in the Netherlands and Thailand to younger English language learners. Ava enjoys traveling in her free time and has been to 15 different countries. She is exceptionally passionate about working with students of all ages and particularly with literacy instruction. She is excited to be a part of the Read Write Learning team by providing systematic, explicit instruction for students.
Leslie Holden
Leslie earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has been a professional educator for 29 years with experience has both a classroom teacher and interventionist. She has experience teaching dyslexia specific curriculums including SPIRE and Project Read. Her training also includes the Barton Reading and Spelling System tutor training. Leslie has dedicated her career to empowering students to overcome challenges and excel. Specializing in dyslexia support, she has worked tirelessly to unlock the reading potential of dyslexic learners, employing tailored strategies and compassionate guidance. A recent transplant to Florida from Louisiana, Leslie is excited to be part of the Read Write team in Pensacola!
Melissa Keyser
Melissa received her B.A. in English from the University of Florida. She has 8 years of teaching experience and has taught at both the elementary and middle school level. After one of her own children was diagnosed with dyslexia, Melissa became interested in dyslexia therapy and explicit reading instruction. Melissa was inspired to seek out Orton Gillingham training through the Orton Gillingham Academy. Her training also includes the Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training. She has a heart for students and is passionate about education and empowering students to reach their full potential. She lives in Milton with her husband, 3 children, 2 dogs, and 1 cat. In her free time, she loves reading, spending time with her family, going to the beach, and cheering on her kids at their many sporting events. Melissa is thrilled to be part of the Read Write team!
Caron Majors
Caron is a retired English Language Arts teacher with 42 years of experience in the classroom. Her experience includes assignments in public and independent schools in Baldwin County, Alabama and most recently Episcopal Day School in Pensacola, Florida. She attended the University of Alabama and the University of West Florida, earning a BA in English. When a family member was diagnosed with a reading difference, she became interested in dyslexia. As an instructor of older students, she encountered adolescents challenged by decoding and comprehension. With a commitment to facilitating literacy, she received training in the Barton Reading and Spelling System in order to tutor struggling youngsters and students of all ages. Caron is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 1. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, friends, and family. One of her prized possessions is a crimson porch swing built by her husband. Roll Tide!
Symphani Newman
Symphani received her B.S. in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Concentration from Pensacola Christian College. She has nearly 10 years of teaching experience and has taught at both early learning centers, elementary schools, and after school reading intervention programs. Over the years, Symphani has gained experience in curricula such as ABeka, Saxon, and SIPPS but has seen many students who have struggled learning because of dyslexia. It was at this point that she became interested in learning more about dyslexia and curricula that could help students. Being new to Orton-Gillingham training and the Barton Reading and Spelling curriculum, Symphani is excited to see students succeed! Living in Cantonment with her husband, 1 dog, and friends, Symphani loves to visit local produce markets, go on outdoor adventures, and enjoy “big nature.” Symphani is excited to be part of the Read Write team and continue the mission to assist each individual in reaching their full potential as they grow and pursue their interests in life.
Etta "Lee" Sullivan
Lee is retired from the Escambia County School System in Florida with 20 years of teaching experience in public schools, as well as private schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of West Floroida. Her degree includes disciplines in Elementary Education, Social Work, and Psychology. She is professionally certified in the State of Florida in Elementary Education K-6, Exceptional Students Education K-12 and has a state Reading Endorsement. In her last 8 years of teaching, she followed her passion to instruct struggling readers in small group settings. She enjoys her 3 children and 5 grandchildren on weekends and vacations.
