Clinical Faculty and Administrative Staff

Meet the team that is responsible for making Reading Write Alaska the premier facility dedicated to helping your child to reach their reading potential

CLINICAL STAFF

Heather Walton

Owner / Founder

heather@readingwritealaska.com

Ashly Beckes

Director of Operations

ashly@readingwritealaska.com

Maggie Voinot-Baron

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Supervisor

maggie@readingwritealaska.com

Robin Ruzic

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Eagle River

robin@readingwritealaska.com

Kristin Wetzel

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Wasilla

kristin@readingwritealaska.com

Kristin is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinic Director in our Wasilla location. Kristin grew up in a small town in Northern Nevada and attended the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).

Kayla Head

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Wasilla

kayla@readingwritealaska.com

Michelle Kobsik

Teacher and Behavioral Specialist

michelle@readingwritealaska.com

Becky George

Dyslexia Therapist

becky@readingwritealaska.com

Becky relocated to Anchorage in 2018 after spending 8 years in Fairbanks. Prior to Fairbanks, Colorado was her home. She has over 13 years in private practice as a Dyslexia Therapist.

Wendy Baker

Teacher / Language Specialist

wendy@readingwritealaska.com

Tyler Beckes

Math Instructor

tyler@readingwritealaska.com

Ross Clifford

Writing Specialist / Teacher

ross@readingwritealaska.com

Ross discovered his love of teaching while in the Master of Fine Arts program at Portland State University. As a graduate student, he had the opportunity to teach composition to incoming students…

April Kuiper

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

april@readingwritealaska.com

April is a bilingual, certified speech-language pathologist who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish language & literature in Michigan, where she was born and raised.

Lindsey Pearson

Speech-Language Pathologist

lindsey@readingwritealaska.com

Nichole Chilson

Speech-Language Pathologist

nichole@readingwritealaska.com

Nichole Lachance Chilson has been practicing Speech-Language Pathology for over 18 years here in the land of the midnight sun. She worked in private practice for ten of those years…

Megan Skelton

Speech-Language Pathologist

megan@readingwritealaska.com

Amanda Hall

Speech-Language Pathologist

amanda@readingwritealaska.com

Amanda returned to Alaska after pursuing her undergraduate degree in Child Development, followed by 3 years of working as a preschool teacher with Childtime Learning Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Kelsey Coffern

Speech-Language Pathologist

kelsey@readingwritealaska.com

Kelsey graduated from Texas Tech University with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology 2018. Trying to escape the Texas heat, she booked a one-way flight to Anchorage, Alaska!

Elizabeth Whitaker

Speech-Language Pathologist

elizabeth-whitaker@readingwritealaska.com

Elizabeth is a Speech-Language Pathologist at our Wasilla location. Elizabeth grew up in a small town just outside Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Eli Skelton

Speech-Language Pathologist

eli@readingwritealaska.com

Sarah Jacobs

Speech-Language Pathologist

sarah.jacobs@readingwritealaska.com

Sarah Jacobs is a Speech Language Pathologist, born and raised in the mid-west. She received an undergraduate degree in Psychology at Andrews University in Michigan…

Uriah Mitchell

Speech-Language Pathologist

uriah@readingwritealaska.com

Micheala Phillips

Front Desk Administrator

micheala-phillips@readingwritealaska.com

Micheala (Mc-Kella, like Nutella, umbrella, or goodfella) has lived in Alaska her whole life. She’s married her wonderful Railroad husband and lifelong friend, Andy…

Mary Mitchell

Speech-Language Pathologist

mary@readingwritealaska.com

Mary is a Speech-Language Pathologist. Mary graduated from James Madison University with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorder in 2012 and taught a Kindergarten program…

Alysia Damin

Speech-Language Pathologist

alysia@readingwritealaska.com

Jennifer Carlson

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

jennifer@readingwritealaska.com

Kari Meyer

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

kari@readingwritealaska.com

Selina Gutierrez

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

selina@readingwritealaska.com

Grant Tatge

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

grant@readingwritealaska.com

Julie Johnson

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

julie@readingwritealaska.com

Cheryl Carter

Human Resources

cheryl@readingwritealaska.com

Cheryl was raised in West Virginia. Her husband made a career in the Air Force, which ultimately led them to Fort Walton Beach Florida where they made their home for 35 years.

Kristie Koffard

Front Desk Administration

kristie@readingwritealaska.com

Kimberly Westervelt

Billing Specialist

kim@readingwritealaska.com

Kelly Farmer

Billing Manager

kelly@readingwritealaska.com

TESTIMONIALS

"The scores on our daughter’s most recent re-evaluation are jawdropping. She has gone from reading 13 words on a word identification subtest to 113 words in a year!! Her score went from 67 to 107! Her spelling score went from a 77 to a 99! She was at an early first grade reading level last year and is now testing at mid third grade! We are so thankful for sweet Miss Lori and all she’s done for us!"

~ CARY

SEE MORE WRITTEN TESTIMONIALS

Heather Walton

Owner / Founder

Heather is the owner and founder of Reading Write Alaska. She spends time in all of the RWA locations but primarily serves as a Clinical Supervisor in the Anchorage office. Heather is from Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Auburn University and went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Montevallo in Speech-Language Pathology in 2000. She then accepted her first job in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she met and married an Alaskan guy. They spent time in the south before moving to Anchorage in 2010. They have three children. Heather spent 12 years working in the public school system working with pre-school through high school students. Heather gained a passion for language-based learning disabilities through her work in the schools and spent several years taking continuing education courses and graduate level studies specifically regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia. She is currently enrolled in the final course needed for IDA certification as a Dyslexia Practitioner. She has earned the award for continuing education (ACE) from the American Speech and Hearing Association. She is trained in all of the Lindamood Bell Programs, is certified at the Masters Level in The Barton Reading and Spelling Program and believes strongly in using a multisensory approach toward treatment. Heather is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association.

Ashley Beckes

Director of Operations

Ashly is the Director of Operations for Reading Write Alaska, and has been with us since 2012! Ashly was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Secondary Education specializing in Social Studies from the University of North Dakota. She moved up to Alaska when her husband accepted a job in Anchorage. She developed a special interest in language learning while studying abroad in Norway. While she has a degree in Social Studies, Ashly is equally comfortable with reading, writing, and math. Ashly is certified at the Master’s level in the Barton Reading and Spelling program, is working toward certification in the Excellence in Writing program, and is the lead teacher in Math-U-See. She is currently enrolled in the final course needed for IDA certification as a Dyslexia Practitioner. Because of her degree and specialty in Secondary Education, Ashly is the lead teacher in our SAT prep classes and has a heart for the high school population. Ashly also earned the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree and is licensed the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing.

Maggie Voinot-Baron

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Supervisor

Maggie is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinical Supervisor in our Anchorage location. Maggie graduated from Portland State University with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2011. After working a year in the Seattle School District, she decided to venture up to the beautiful state of Alaska to continue her career and spend more time outdoors. Maggie spent two years working in the Anchorage School District. Through working at Reading Write Alaska part-time, Maggie discovered a huge passion for literacy. She joined the staff full-time in 2014 and has never looked back! Maggie has experience working with children with a variety of communication impairments including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and articulation and language delays. Maggie is certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System. In her spare time, she loves reading, skiing, yoga, and enjoying all that Alaska has to offer! Maggie is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association.

Robin Ruzic

Speech-Language Pathologist / Eagle River Clinical Director

Robin was born and raised in New Iberia Louisiana, the heart of Cajun country. She finished high school in Crystal Lake Illinois and shortly after moved back south. She is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinic Director for Reading Write Alaska. In our Eagle River location. Robin earned her Master’s of Arts in Communication Disorders from University of Houston after being a stay at home mom for 10+ years. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Hearing Association (ASHA). She is licensed by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the state of Texas and the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing in Alaska. She has experience working with a variety of speech disorders, including receptive and expressive language disorders, Apraxia, phonological disorders, fluency disorders, and social communication disorders. She worked several years in a Texas school district before starting a career in private practice. After working many years in a private practice with PreK students doing play therapy, she set her sights on school aged children with reading, writing, and spelling difficulties. She joined Reading Write Alaska in February 2019 where she relocated from Texas with her husband. She enjoys fishing, cooking, and photography. Robin is an avid traveler and loves to tell stories of all the countries she’s visited. When Robin is not providing therapy to her students, she is at home cooking with her husband of 24 years. They have parented two grown children, Ema and Jakob.

Kristin Wetzel

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Wasilla

Kristin is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinic Director in our Wasilla location. Kristin grew up in a small town in Northern Nevada and attended the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). She traveled to India for a yoga teacher training, then moved to a tiny island in the Pacific called Guam to work at a resort after obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences. Graduate school took her away from island life and took her back to the University of Nevada, Reno to work on her Master’s degree in Speech Language Therapy. Her internship brought her to Central Oregon in 2014, where she worked as an SLP with Pre-K and school-aged children. She moved to Alaska with her husband and giant Labrador, Murray, in the summer of 2016 to join the Reading Write Alaska team. Kristin is thrilled to be working with children at RWA, as well as exploring everything the land of the midnight sun has to offer. Kristin is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association.

Kayla Head

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Wasilla

Kayla is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Clinic Director in our Wasilla location. Kayla was born in the Midwest and grew up in Southwest Washington. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and graduated with her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Idaho State University in 2014. Kayla spent her first two years working in a school setting with children in preschool through high school with a wide range of disabilities. She has developed a particular passion for working with preschool-aged students, as she loves their energy and enthusiasm. Kayla joined Reading Write Alaska in 2016 to explore working in a private practice setting and gain experience in literacy-based therapy. She found herself to love Alaska and all its outdoor adventures with her husband and two dogs. Kayla is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association.

Michelle Kobsik

Teacher and Behavioral Specialist

Michelle relocated to Alaska from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she taught the Structured Learning Classroom at Service High School. She has also worked as a one-on-one interventionist providing behavioral support to children with autism spectrum disorders in the home, school, and community settings, as well as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant, providing therapeutic strategies and coordinating care. Michelle started as a part-time teacher at Reading Write in 2015 and quickly decided it’s where she wanted to be full-time. Reading has always been a passion of hers, and at Reading Write Alaska, she can share that enthusiasm through teaching and loves watching her students find success and pride through this program.

Becky George

Dyslexia Therapist

Becky relocated to Anchorage in 2018 after spending 8 years in Fairbanks. Prior to Fairbanks, Colorado was her home. She has over 13 years in private practice as a Dyslexia Therapist. Her education/certifications include: a Bachelors degree from Western State College in Colorado, Dyslexia Therapist Certification from the International Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Therapist with the Multisensory Language Training Institute of New Mexico, Licensed Dyslexia Practitioner with the State of Texas, and Certified Academic Language Therapist with the Academy of Language Therapy Association. Becky also serves on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Becky treats from the belief that children don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. She’s excited to work with the dynamic team at Reading Write Alaska and become part of the Anchorage community.

Wendy Baker

Teacher / Language Specialist

Wendy has lived in Anchorage since 1986; however, she grew up in Fairbanks. She is a certified teacher who taught for 20 years at Bartlett High School where she taught Russian, world history, and Latin. She has two sons who are grown who went to Turnagain, Romig, and West High. They both live in Anchorage, and she has one granddaughter.

Tyler

Math Instructor

Tyler is a Math Tutor for Reading Write Alaska and began working part time in 2018.  Tyler grew up in Minnesota and spent 10 years in the United States Air Force, first as a Chinese-Mandarin language analyst, and then as a command post controller.  After receiving an honorable discharge for the Air Force, Tyler was employed in the bridge construction field. He realized he truly enjoyed the field of land surveying, so he decided to go back to school for a Geomatics degree.  His younger brother and parents had already moved up to Alaska, so it was only natural that Tyler would follow them, and enroll at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
In his off time, you can usually find him hiking up some mountain, taking lots of pictures, or at a hockey rink, either playing or refereeing.  You might also find him in a wood shop, building furniture, or other fun projects.
Tyler has had an affinity for math from a young age and enjoys working with children and watching and helping them discover new ideas making being the math-u-see tutor perfect for him.  In his younger days, he was an Eagle Scout, and for a long time, the oldest scout in his troop, so he has been teaching people most of his life.  This all adds up to Tyler being enthusiastic about sharing math with young people!

Ross Clifford

Writing Specialist / Teacher

Ross discovered his love of teaching while in the Master of Fine Arts program at Portland State University. As a graduate student, he had the opportunity to teach composition to incoming students and work in the writing center on campus. After Portland, he moved to Santa Cruz, California, where his wife pursued her graduate degree in economics. In Santa Cruz, Ross worked as a lecturer for the University of California, Santa Cruz, and continued to teach writing. The more Ross taught, the more he realized the importance of conferencing with students individually to address their unique needs and interests. This love of working one-on-one with students led him to tutoring, which he would pursue alongside his classroom instruction at UCSC. He eventually became the writing specialist for Steps to Success Educational Therapy, a private practice in Santa Cruz that provides therapeutic learning experiences for students in kindergarten through college. Ross moved to Alaska with his wife, Kelsey, to enjoy all that the state has to offer. Kelsey grew up in the Anchorage area, and both feel like it is a great place to settle down. The mountains, wildlife, and freedom that can be enjoyed in Alaska make it a wonderful place to live. Both enjoy hiking, camping, bike riding—basically anything that gets them outside. Reading Write Alaska gives Ross the opportunity to continue his career in education while enjoying the one-on-one instruction he loves. Both his work and the place where he lives provide him with a sense of fulfillment.

April Kuiper

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

April is a bilingual, certified speech-language pathologist who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish language & literature in Michigan, where she was born and raised. After starting her family and staying at home to raise her two daughters during their younger years, she returned to her studies to earn her Master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She completed a fellowship year working as a school-based clinician in the greater Chicago area, then relocated to Alaska in 2015. April joined Reading Write Alaska in 2018. April loves books and is passionate about sharing the gift of literacy. Her dream for all of her clients is that they gain power and freedom by learning to read and write independently. When April is not seeing clients, she likes to spend time with her family, knit and sew, write essays and poems, and (of course) READ!

Lindsey Pearson

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lindsey Pearson is a Speech-Language Pathologist who received her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Northeastern State University in Talequah, OK, after completing her undergraduate career with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Arkansas Tech University. After working for two years in Arkansas with a population ranging from birth to geriatrics, Lindsey decided to pursue her dream of becoming a travel therapist. In the fall of 2017, she made her way to Alaska and worked for the Anchorage School District. Like so many who only plan to stay in Alaska for ”a season”, her dream of being a travel therapist was quickly replaced with her love for Alaska, and Anchorage became her first and last assignment. Lindsey is excited to have joined the team at RWA at the end of 2018 and to discover this new passion in the field of speech language pathology. Lindsey has experience working with infants, children, and adults with a variety of impairments including early intervention, feeding and swallowing, cognitive rehabilitation, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and articulation and speech delays. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and frequenting Moose’s Tooth and Bear Tooth more than she should. Lindsey is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing, the State of Arkansas Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing, and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

Nichole Chilson

Speech-Language Pathologist

Nichole Lachance Chilson has been practicing Speech-Language Pathology for over 18 years here in the land of the midnight sun. She worked in private practice for ten of those years and has worked in both private practice and for the Anchorage School District since 2010, joining Reading Write Alaska in 2013. She enjoys working with children who experience a wide range of abilities and challenges, but has a particular passion for working with children who have literacy-based disabilities. She has been trained in two treatment methodologies using the Orton-Gillingham Approach; Lindamood-Bell and the Barton Reading & Spelling System. Nichole received her Bachelor’s Degree and her Master’s Degree from the University of Maine and she is a former president of the Alaska Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has received four ACE Awards (Award for Continuing Education) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Nichole is married to Dave with three children, Crystal, Cullen, and Ashley. She also is blessed to have three wonderful grandchildren (Ailee, Ariana, and Barrett). She and her family love to go camping and Razr riding in the summers. Nichole is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association.

Megan Skelton

Speech-Language Pathologist

Despite her childhood dream of becoming a librarian, Megan eventually discovered the world of speech and language in college and ultimately graduated with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2018 at Harding University (Arkansas). Growing up all over Alaska, including four villages, Megan is thrilled to be back in Anchorage to begin her new escapade at RWA. Megan has had experience working with a variety of communication impairments, including: articulation, language delays, social language, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Autism Spectrum Disorder, aural habilitation, and feeding. A true explorer and lover of learning, Megan believes in living the most colorful adventure and sprinkling fairy dust as she goes. Whenever Megan gets the chance, she loves to read books, hike new trails, and practice playing her ukulele. Megan is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Amanda Hall

Speech-Language Pathologist

Amanda returned to Alaska after pursuing her undergraduate degree in Child Development, followed by 3 years of working as a preschool teacher with Childtime Learning Center in Phoenix, AZ. This inspired her to pursue her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Oklahoma State University. GO POKES! She had aspirations to return to the state where she grew up and returned to Alaska in June 2017. Amanda spent one year with the Anchorage School District, which gave her insight to the school district needs versus the private sector. Amanda was excited about joining the professionals at Reading Write Alaska in 2018, which allows her to enhance her knowledge about the diversified needs in the field of speech-language pathology. Amanda played soccer at the collegiate level and takes pleasure in playing and coaching in the community. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and appreciating the beauty of Alaska. Her parents and extended family are rooted here in Alaska. She is extremely excited to be back home to share her life with her family and friends. Amanda is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Kelsey Coffern

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kelsey graduated from Texas Tech University with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology 2018. Trying to escape the Texas heat, she booked a one-way flight to Anchorage, Alaska! She found her way back to a full-time position at RWA after completing an internship here during graduate school. Kelsey enjoys being involved in all the recreational activities the “Land of the Midnight Sun” has to offer, including hiking, biking, rock-wall climbing, and yoga. She has a special passion for reading and literature and hopes to foster that same love in her students at RWA. Kelsey is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Elizabeth Whitaker

Speech-Language Pathologist

Elizabeth is a Speech-Language Pathologist at our Wasilla location. Elizabeth grew up in a small town just outside Kalamazoo, Michigan. Elizabeth graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. She returned to Western Michigan University to complete a Post Baccalaureate in Speech-Language Pathology followed by moving to Utah to attend Rocky Mountain University of Health Profession graduating with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with a medical emphasis. During graduate school, Elizabeth enjoyed instructing snowboard lessons to all ages in Park City, Utah. Her final internship brought her to Alaska working in an outpatient pediatric clinic. Elizabeth is excited to be part of the team at Reading Write Alaska utilizing her educational background while fulfilling her passion for pediatrics. She enjoys the great outdoors with her husband and labrador, Denali. Elizabeth holds a Temporary License by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and is currently completing her Clinical Fellowship Year.

Eli Skelton

Speech-Language Pathologist

Eli earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He then earned his master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Eli moved to Anchorage in July 2018, and he is loving every second of it! His favorite hobby is hiking, especially when there is a waterfall at the end! Eli is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Sarah Jacobs

Speech-Language Pathologist

After several years of working in the field of social services, she completed a Masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Utah. Immediately upon graduation, Sarah moved to east Tennessee and worked as a licensed Speech Pathologist in private practice. Sarah contracted in the school setting, worked with adults in home health for two large Healthcare networks in the area, and also engaged the birth to 3 population with in-home therapy services. Seeking adventure, Sarah moved north to Alaska and was blessed with excellent experience in pediatrics with a local private practice over the last 5 years. Sarah has completed Beckman Oral Motor training, Picture Exchange Communication System training, two level of specific training with PRC’s LAMP words for Life AAC application, and courses in Sensory feeding aversion. She is excited to join the team at Reading Write Alaska and take on the new challenges of assisting her clients in achieving their utmost potential. Sarah understands that a positive attitude, encouragement, and belief in each child’s potential will be foundational in their success.

Uriah Mitchell

Speech-Language Pathologist

Uriah joined the Reading Write Alaska team in 2018, assisting in diagnosing and treating individuals with communication difficulties. Uriah has had experience working in schools, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics across Idaho, Oregon, California, and (now) Alaska. He enjoys performing at oral storytelling events, learning about folklore & mythology and loves comic books. Uriah is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Micheala Phillips

Speech-Language Pathologist

Micheala (Mc-Kella, like Nutella, umbrella, or goodfella) has lived in Alaska her whole life. She’s married her wonderful Railroad husband and lifelong friend, Andy. She’s a proud beagle momma of two, sci-fi/fantasy book nerd, and cooking enthusiast. She’s worked in the medical field for the past 6 years since graduating with double BS in Exercise Science and Applied Human Biology from Seattle Pacific University in 2014. She joined the team in late 2019 and felt like it was meant to be since both her husband and brother are dyslexic and she had speech therapy as a kid.

Mary Mitchell

Speech-Language Pathologist

Mary is a Speech-Language Pathologist. Mary graduated from James Madison University with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorder in 2012 and taught a Kindergarten program in Maryland for two years before returning to graduate school. Mary graduated from Radford University with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2016. After graduating, she decided to move across the country to the beautiful state of Alaska to start her career as an SLP and spend more time exploring outdoors. Mary spent two years working part time at a private practice and full time working in early intervention in Anchorage before moving out of state as a traveling SLP. She missed Alaska and the pediatric population, so she returned and began working at Reading Write Alaska in February 2019. In her spare time, she loves dancing, hiking, skiing, and exploring all that Alaska has to offer! Mary is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association.

Alysia Damin

Speech-Language Pathologist

Alysia is a Speech-Language Pathologist and lead teletherapist. Alysia grew up in a small town located in central New York. As a child, she was surrounded with educators and professionals in the field of speech pathology and decided early on to pursue a career as a Speech Language Pathologist. Alysia arrived in Alaska in Fall 2015, after her husband received orders for the US army; with their daughter, and fur children (a dog and a cat!). They enjoy adventuring outdoors, traveling, and spending time making memories in our beautiful 49th state. Alysia completed her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Disabilities in 2011 from The State University of New York College at Cortland and went on to receive a Masters of Science in Education degree in 2014 from SUNY Potsdam in Reading Literacy, with the certification of children from birth through grade 12. Alysia has previously worked in NYS with preschool aged students that have speech and language concerns. Alysia continued to pursue her career goals through the completion of her second graduate program with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University in 2017. Alysia is also certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System. Alysia was excited to join the professionals Reading Write Alaska in 2017, and be part of a clinic that has a focus on the improvement of language, including reading, writing, and spelling; specifically dyslexia. This allows her to further her knowledge in the field and be able to utilize her educational background daily! Alysia served as the Clinic Coordinator in the Eagle River location until 2019 when the Army sent them to Germany. She continues to work with RWA via teletherapy. Alysia is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing and holds Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Jennifer Carlson

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Jennifer is a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Eastern Michigan University. While her college career started in Occupational Therapy, she quickly transitioned to Speech-Language Pathology after spending time tutoring bilingual children in both reading and writing. She loves the excitement and perspective kids bring to life and enjoys sharing a passion with them for reading and writing that extends beyond the boundaries of education. Jennifer enjoys anything that ignites adrenaline from rock climbing to white-water rafting to parasailing. Originally born in Arizona but moving to Michigan at such a young age, she considers herself a lifelong Yooper and resident of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She moved to Alaska in January of 2019 and started working at Reading Write Alaska’s Wasilla location shortly after. Jennifer is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing

Kari Meyer

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Kari grew up in a small town in Southern Illinois. After growing up in the Midwest she longed for different scenery. She packed two suitcases and boarded a one-way flight to Alaska to experience the great “Last Frontier”. She is still here and loves all that Alaska has to offer. In the summer you can find her hiking or bike riding, and in the winter she frequents hockey games. Kari has always been interested in Speech, as she was a speech student in school growing up. It was her love of kids and desire to help them be the best they can be that made Kari want to become a teacher. She obtained her bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. While living in Illinois she taught third grade, but still longed to become a speech pathologist. Kari earned her Bachelors degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Arizona University and is currently in the process of obtaining her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. Kari joined Reading Write Alaska in 2015 is also certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System. Kari is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing as a Speech-Language Pathology

Selina Gutierrez

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Selina is a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her career, she has provided individualized and group therapy to children in the home, school, and clinical settings. She is skilled in the areas of Articulation Disorders, Expressive & Receptive Language Delays, Phonological Processing Delays, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Early Language Delay, Apraxia of speech, ADHD, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Selina is a native to Texas but is proud to call Alaska her home. She joined Reading Write Alaska’s Wasilla location in 2018. She loves to be outdoors, try new recipes, crochet, travel, and spend time with close friends. Selina is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing.

Grant Tatge

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Grant earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Dakota. For five years, he worked for Denali Borough School District serving pre-K through 12th-grade students in the Healy, Cantwell and Anderson schools. He moved to Eagle River in 2015 and enjoys working as a full-time Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with Reading Write Alaska at the Eagle River location. Grant feels very blessed to participate in helping children learn and succeed in the vital areas of reading and writing. His favorite hobby is spending time with his family, especially in the Alaskan outdoors camping and fishing. Grant is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing.

Julie Johnson

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Julie is a retired school teacher with the Anchorage School District. She has an undergraduate degree is in elementary education and a masters degree in special education. She taught in Anchorage for a total of 22 years – 18 years in elementary education (kindergarten through sixth grade) and 4 years in a self-contained classroom for students with autism (preschool through sixth grade). She retired at the end of the 2012 school year and substituted for the district for two years, joining Reading Write Alaska in 2014. Julie has found that she loves the relationships she can develop with the students that she tutors at Reading Write Alaska. Julie went back to school again after retirement to earn the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree. Julie is also certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System. Julie is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Division of Business and Professional Licensing.

Cheryl Carter

Human Resources

Cheryl was raised in West Virginia. Her husband made a career in the Air Force, which ultimately led them to Fort Walton Beach Florida where they made their home for 35 years. In January 2014 Cheryl moved to Anchorage to join Reading Write Alaska as its first office manager. Cheryl has two grown daughters and made the move to Anchorage to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Cheryl has a background in retail management. She retired with 28 years’ service holding positions in human resources, finance, and operations manager. At RWA Cheryl oversees Human Resources and Office Operations.

Kristie Koffard

Front desk Administration

Kristie is the front desk administrator for the Reading Write Alaska team in Wasilla. She was born in Palmer, Alaska and has lived in Wasilla ever since. Although an Alaskan at heart Kristie is an avid traveler. She has traveled to Japan, Thailand, South Korea, as well as most of North America. She has a beautiful black German shepherd who thinks he is a lap dog and a gray cat that looks like Jabba the Hutt. Kristie enjoys reading, writing, drawing, and hiking. Being born into an adventurous family, she has always loved traveling the state and experiencing the wilderness around her. Even with traveling all over the world, she still finds herself in awe coming home to this great place. Kristie joined the Reading Write Alaska team in 2017 and absolutely loves it here. Working closely with parents and families has been a rewarding experience for her.

Kimberly Westervelt

Billing Specialist

Kimberly was born in Ohio, grew up in Anchorage, and calls Alaska her home. She graduated high school early and attended UAA. Kimberly married her high school sweetheart and has two children, Colin and Brinley. After twelve years of medical billing and office manager experience, she took time off to be a mom. Six years later and having a son with dyslexia she was a perfect fit for the Reading Write Alaska administrative team. Watching her own son work through the program and seeing him blossom into a confident reader fueled her desire to learn more and also share her son’s journey with other families!

Kelly Farmer

Billing Manager

Kelly is the billing manager for Reading Write Alaska. Kelly grew up as a military “brat” whose family settled in Alaska in 1983. In 1998 Kelly moved to Surprise, AZ., where she started her career as a Medicare biller, moving into hospital administration and provider management in Steamboat Springs, CO. It is said, if you leave Alaska, you will always come back; this proved true for Kelly, returning in 2009 becoming Operations Manager for a Third-Party Administrator handling one of the largest self-funded health plans in Alaska. Kelly then went on to insurance brokerage and consulting. After working in the corporate environment for so many years Kelly longed for work-life balance which she found at Reading Write Alaska! Kelly has an adult daughter, a very spoiled Labrador retriever and loves all that Alaska outdoors has to offer.

Laura Tillman

Speech-Language Pathologist

Laura is a Speech-Language Pathologist who received her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. She completed her undergraduate career at Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Psychological Services. No stranger to random adventures, Laura has lived all across the country in South Carolina, Georgia, and Nevada to name a few. In doing so, her clinical expertise ranges from working with children with Autism, Apraxia, Language and Literacy Disorders, Pragmatic Delays, Genetic Disorders, Sensory Processing, and Feeding Disorders. After deciding to further her adventures, she tossed her geriatric dogs in the car and ventured to Alaska in December 2016 (and drove through Canada in the middle of winter!!!). Laura joined Reading Write Alaska as a part-time diagnostician, but quickly realized that this is exactly where she needed to be and came aboard full time in August 2017. She is best known for her ability to think outside the box as well as her lively and energetic personality that easily engages children and adults! Upon her arrival, she has expanded her scope of practice to include evaluating adults with a variety of reading, writing, and executive function disorders. She received the Award for Continuing Education in 2018, illustrating her commitment to ongoing education, and is certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling method. Laura is a member of the American Speech and Language Hearing Association (ASHA), maintains her Certificate of Clinical Competency, and is currently licensed in Alaska, Nevada, Utah, and Georgia.

Are the clinicians trained and qualified to effectively treat my child?

Reading Write Alaska employs qualified Speech- Language Pathologists and certified teachers with expert training and knowledge in all areas of language and learning, including dyslexia. After obtaining a Master’s degree, all of our Speech-Language Pathologists complete a one year post-graduate clinical fellowship in the diagnosis and treatment of language-based disorders. Employees of Reading Write Alaska also understand the importance of continuing education and professional development. Our staff members attend workshops and conferences accredited and sponsored by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association in order to continue learning the newest information related to dyslexia and other language-based disorders. Our Speech-Language Pathologists belong to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and many of the Reading Write Alaska staff members also belong to the International Dyslexia Association.

Do the clinicians use their treatment programs as they are intended to be used?

Every clinician at Reading Write Alaska has been certified or is well-trained in the implementation of the Barton Reading and Spelling Program, as well as other Orton Gillingham, multi-sensory based approach. An Orton Gillingham-based approach is simultaneously multisensory, structured, explicit, and systematic. Research has found that this type of approach is both effective and necessary for successful treatment of dyslexia. Every staff member also uses the Barton Program with fidelity, which means they follow the program as it is intended to be used.

Reading Write Alaska offers treatment sessions that are always one-on-one, which is ideal in order to move at a pace that produces sufficient progress. Each student receives the equivalent of at least two sessions of one-to-one treatment per week in order for the instruction to be frequent and intense enough to master each new skill. Our staff requires each student to master the new skill taught in that lesson, and be able to apply it to both reading and spelling, before moving on to the next lesson. The child’s progress is documented after each session and is reported to the family on a regular basis. Our staff at Reading Write Alaska not only work to provide effective services, but also value the importance of building rapport and a good working relationship with each child and their family. Supplemental work that corresponds to the work completed during sessions is also available for parents who wish to carry over and complete extra skill practice at home.

Will my child be accurately evaluated by a highly trained, qualified professional?

Diagnosing dyslexia and other language-based disorders as well as general speech impairments requires a comprehensive evaluation, as well as real world and professional training in the selection and administration of standardized tests. Our Speech-Language Pathologists possess Master’s level degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and have received extensive graduate level training in the administration and interpretation of standardized tests. The diagnostic process should also include a collection of background information, and the analysis and interpretation of relevant data in order to determine a diagnosis.

Our certified Speech-Language Pathologists also have specialized, supervised training and experience in the diagnosis of dyslexia. As dyslexia cannot be accurately diagnosed using a single evaluation tool, we use a variety of both standardized and informal assessments in order to identify factors that may be contributing to a child’s struggles. Our team of professionals work together to determine why your child may be having difficulty with reading or spelling, and what can be done to help.

Their qualifications and certifications allow them to provide the diagnostic code that is necessary for an official diagnosis of dyslexia. Dyslexia evaluations and/or treatment sessions at Reading Write Alaska may be covered by health insurance, depending on your plan and coverage. Following every evaluation at Reading Write Alaska, we hold a parent meeting where we explain the results of testing and answer any questions that parents may have. This meeting also provides an opportunity to educate parents on the subject of language-based disorders and develop an effective intervention plan. In addition to the comprehensive evaluation report, parents are provided with recommendations for accommodations or modifications that can promote increased learning success in a child’s everyday classroom.

Clinical Faculty and Administrative Staff

Meet the team that is responsible for making Reading Write Alaska the premier facility dedicated to helping your child to reach their reading potential

CLINICAL STAFF

Heather Walton

Owner / Founder

Ashly Beckes

Director of Operations

Maggie Voinot-Baron

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Supervisor

Robin Ruzic

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Eagle River

Kristin Wetzel

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Wasilla

Kayla Head

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Director – Wasilla

Michelle Kobsik

Teacher and Behavioral Specialist

Becky George

Dyslexia Therapist

Wendy Baker

Teacher / Language Specialist

Tyler Beckes

Math Instructor

Ross Clifford

Writing Specialist / Teacher

April Kuiper

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist

Lindsey Pearson

Speech-Language Pathologist

Nichole Chilson

Speech-Language Pathologist

Megan Skelton

Speech-Language Pathologist

Amanda Hall

Speech-Language Pathologist

Kelsey Coffern

Speech-Language Pathologist

Elizabeth Whitaker

Speech-Language Pathologist

Eli Skelton

Speech-Language Pathologist

Sarah Jacobs

Speech-Language Pathologist

Uriah Mitchell

Speech-Language Pathologist

Micheala Phillips

Front Desk Administrator

Mary Mitchell

Speech-Language Pathologist

Alysia Damin

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jennifer Carlson

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Kari Meyer

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Selina Gutierrez

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Grant Tatge

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Julie Johnson

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Cheryl Carter

Human Resources

Kristie Koffard

Front Desk Administration

Kimberly Westervelt

Billing Specialist

Kelly Farmer

Billing Manager

TESTIMONIALS

Heather Walton

Owner / Founder

Ashley Beckes

Director of Operations

Maggie Voinot-Baron

Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Supervisor

Robin Ruzic

Speech-Language Pathologist / Eagle River Clinical Director

Kristin Wetzel