Meet Our Tutors!
The Literacy Party
Team of Tutors
Stephanie Willis
Owner, Preschool and Elementary Literacy and Math
I am a former classroom teacher and literacy specialist with eleven years of experience in the classroom. I received my Bachelors from Penn State in Elementary and Kindergarten Education and my Masters as Literacy Specialist from Columbia University Teachers College. I've worked with students of all skill levels and abilities in preschool through sixth grade as well as with teachers in supporting the implementation of literacy best practices!
Samantha Aquilina
Elementary Literacy and Math
Samantha is an elementary school teacher with a passion for literature and helping students develop the habits and tools they need to become great students. Samantha has a Bachelors in Science in Education from the University of Delaware, as well as a Masters in Reading from Wilmington University. Her interests include traveling, hiking, and exploring any and every new coffee shop she can find. One of Samantha's ultimate goals for each of her students is to foster a growth mindset - through effort, practice, and perseverance, our potential for success is limitless.
Terri Avink
Middle School Math & Science
Terri is a recently retired middle school math and science teacher, having enjoyed working with middle school students for over 28 years. She has her undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University (Michigan). Terri's major was Group Science, with Mathematics and Elementary Education for her minors. She also earned her Master's degree in Education for the Gifted and Talented from GVSU. She has worked with students from all backgrounds and types of learning challenges.
Terri is passionate about helping students understand various ways (tools in the toolbox) to make connections with their learning to their everyday life. She enjoys using hands-on methods to keep learning fun, even if things are challenging. In her free time, she LOVES being outdoors, walking her hound-mix dog, watching sports, reading, and being with her family. She is excited to help students find success in their learning!
Michaela Carey
Elementary Literacy
Michaela is a K-5 reading specialist with 7 years of experience in the classroom. She received her Bachelors from Syracuse University in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education and her Masters in Literacy/Reading Specialist certification from William Paterson University. Michaela was trained in Orton Gillignham through the Institute of Multi Sensory Education and is currently pursuing a second Masters degree in Teaching English Learners. As a former special education teacher and current reading specialist, Michaela is passionate about helping every child learn. In her free time, Michaela enjoys crafting and spending time with her dog Biscuit!
Erin Carlson
Elementary Literacy and Math
Erin is a 4th grade teacher with over 10 years of experience. She holds a Bachelors in Early/Primary Education from The University of Scranton, and Master’s degree in Special Education from the College of Saint Elizabeth. Erin has taught 3rd and 4th grade, and offers tutoring in literacy and math for K–5 students. She specialize in supporting diverse learners with patient, personalized instruction that builds confidence and helps kids thrive. Whether your child needs to strengthen foundational skills, catch up, or get ahead, Erin is there to make learning engaging, accessible, and fun. In her free time, Erin enjoys trying new coffee shops with her husband, spending time with family, and hanging out with her Labradoodle, Freddie.
Fiona Kelly
Elementary Literacy and Math, Special Education
Fiona is a Kindergarten Special Education Teacher. She has a passion for teaching students of all backgrounds, and loves to instill a love for reading within her students! She graduated in 2017 with her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Literacy Studies. She also holds a Teacher of Reading certificate, as well as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities certificate. Fiona graduated with her Masters degree in Literacy from American College of Education in 2022. Fiona wants her students to feel encouraged and accepted in their learning environment. She strives to build on students' strengths and to help them achieve their own learning goals! Teaching is Fiona’s passion. She is so excited to work with more incredible students!
Lindsay Lafferman
K-6th Grade Math
Lindsay has over twenty years of teaching experience in various roles including serving as a grade 4 Math and Science teacher for the majority of her teaching career. In the last several years Lindsay has enjoyed her transition to a Math Intervention Teacher for various grade levels including 3rd through 7th grade, with a current focus on fourth, fifth and sixth grade this school year. Lindsay loves to support students in their math development and fluency and strives to show how math can be fun for all! When Lindsay is not teaching you can find her on the lacrosse field. She has been a high school coach for seventeen years and is excited for her new role with Morristown Beard School Girls' Lacrosse, currently she is the Co Director for Jersey Thunder Girls' Lacrosse and Lax On. During her free time she enjoys being outside playing with her twin girls who are in second grade and her husband.
Jillian Lares
Preschool and Primary Literacy
Jillian has a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from William Paterson University. Her teaching philosophy is that students learn best from people they feel comfortable and safe with. That is why Jillian aims to create relationships with her students. Her goal is to inspire, engage, and motivate them to become confident learners who are not afraid to try new endeavors. In her free time, Jillian loves to read, exercise, travel, and spend time with her family. One of her ultimate goals is to travel to all seven continents, even Antarctica!
Brittany Lee
Elementary Reading, Writing, Math
Brittany is a seasoned teacher specializing in K-6 education. Brittany graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelors in Humanities and a Masters in Teaching. Throughout her career, she has worked in inclusive classrooms. Brittany ensures that every student, regardless of their unique needs, receives the support and guidance they deserve! Brittany firmly believes in the power of differentiation and tapping into students' interests to enhance their learning experience and to unlock a child’s full potential. She prioritizes creating an environment where open dialogue is encouraged so students feel comfortable and secure in their learning journey. Brittany is dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of teaching, Brittany is often seen cheering at hockey games and loves reading mystery novels!
Jill Holton
Elementary Literacy
Jill has over 15 years of experience teaching grades Kindergarten to 2nd grade. In the last few years, Jill has worked as a reading specialist/interventionist at the primary level. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's of Education. She also holds a Master's of Education in Reading from West Chester University. Jill is passionate about boosting students' motivation to read by creating engaging and interactive online learning experiences that help young learners build strong foundational skills and a lifelong love of reading. During her free time, Jill enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with her family.
Christine Mattei
Middle and High School ELA, COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAY
Christine is a former English Language Arts teacher with 13 years of experience. During her time as a classroom teacher she's worked with both middle school and high school students, including courses in Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment. Christine graduated with her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, and continued her education, earning a Master's degree in English as well as a Supervisor Certificate. In addition to her role in the classroom, she's also worked as a teacher leader and ELA facilitator, offering support to other teachers. She strives to reach all students at their level by differentiating her instruction and scaffolding to help students find success. When she is not working with students, she's a full time mom to two toddlers.
Autumn Russel
Middle School Math and Science
Autumn is a middle school math and science teacher with a passion for creating lifelong learners and connecting content to real life experiences. Autumn has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a double major in math and science from Ferris State University as well as a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Grand Valley University. She recently completed 30 additional credit hours by taking classes to perfect her craft including 'Teaching Math with Manipulatives,' 'Differentiated Learning: How to Teach to Varying Ability Levels,' and 'Educational Technology for the Math Classroom.' Her interests include sewing, running, and traveling around the world. Autumn believes that by approaching content in a tailored way that incorporates students' individual interests and needs, she can help foster a love for learning in any child.
Raffaella Monaghan
ELemEntary and Middle SchoOL Literacy & Math
Raffaella is in her tenth year of teaching and currently works as a middle school reading specialist after spending eight years teaching third grade. She holds a K–6 Undergraduate Degree from Montclair State University, a Master’s Degree in Reading and Supervisor’s Certification from Rowan University, and a Reading Specialist Degree from Caldwell University. With over 15 years of tutoring experience, Raffaella has worked with students from kindergarten through high school, helping a wide range of learners build confidence and succeed. She also holds a Graphic Design certification and has been doing design work for more than 15 years, often merging creativity and fun into her teaching to make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Raffaella comes from a big, close-knit Italian family and was recently married. She’s passionate about creating meaningful connections with her students and helping them discover a love for reading and learning. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, taking walks, and spending time with her family. She’s excited to continue inspiring students and supporting their growth both academically and personally.
Jenna Banker
Elementary and Middle School Literacy, ORtOn-Gillingham Certified
Jenna is an Early Childhood Educator with over seven years of experience nurturing young learners and fostering a love of learning from the very start. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Learning, which informs her approach to designing meaningful, developmentally appropriate instruction. As a certified Reading Specialist, Jenna is passionate about early literacy and helping children build strong reading foundations. She is also Orton-Gillingham certified, specializing in structured, multisensory instruction for students with language-based learning differences.
Jenna’s work is rooted in inclusive, research-based practices that support the unique needs of every child. She believes that early education sets the stage for lifelong success and is committed to creating engaging and supportive learning environments. Through thoughtful planning and personalized instruction, Jenna strives to help every child grow with confidence and curiosity.
Jemila Tourne
Elementary Literacy and Special Needs
Jemila is an elementary teacher, teaching grade 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in a self-contained ERI (Emotional Regulation Impairment) class. She loves to adapt, modify and create lessons in both math and language arts that allow her students to be successful and empowered. When she is not teaching students, she is mountain biking or snowboarding with her wife and 1.5 year old daughter. You can find her exploring new lesson ideas and being outside with her family and dog. In addition to teaching for 14 years, she is a tutor, swim coach and a one on one swim instructor. Jemila finds the joy in teaching and watching students grow, as well as finding the teachable moments in every lesson.
Jessica Costa-Salas
Preschool and Primary Literacy
Jessica started her career as a Language and Learning Disabilities teacher (LLD) for grades K, 1, and 2. Jessica used various differentiation skills to teach reading and writing skills to students with varying learning disabilities. She then took some time away from LLD and taught preschool for two years. Now Jessica is back in special education as a resource room teacher for grades 1, 2, and 4th. Her passion and focus are developing reading and writing skills. She enjoys helping students learn basic knowledge of letters and sounds while applying it to improve their reading! Jessica is eager to help your child learn and reach their full potential!
Keri Loniesky
Elementary Literacy
Keri graduated from Loyola University with a BA in Communications and later earned a Master's degree in Special Education from New Jersey City University (NJCU). With 23 years of experience teaching K-2, Keri is passionate about fostering young learners' growth and is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, using these strategies daily in her classroom. She believes that building strong connections and rapport with her students is essential in encouraging them to take risks in their learning. Keri is married, has two children, and enjoys spending time with her family and their Wheaton Terrier.
We cannot wait to help your child succeed!
Let’s get started!
Call us, email us, or book your consultation below. During our consultation we will discuss the strengths, needs, and goals you have for your child. After meeting, Stephanie will connect you with a tutor that is the right fit! Your tutor will create an individualized plan to support your child’s success. Then we’ll get tutoring right away!