Our Tutors

More Than Tutors. We’re Moms Who’ve Been There.

At You Can Read, our tutors aren’t just educators. We’re moms who understand the fear, frustration, and exhaustion that comes from watching a child struggle with reading.

Many of us have walked this road ourselves. We’ve tried everything. We’ve felt the confusion. And we know what it’s like to wonder if you’re missing something important.

Why Families Trust Our Tutors

We don’t believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Every child learns differently, and our tutors are trained to meet students exactly where they are, academically and emotionally.

Meet Our Tutors

Each of our tutors brings a unique background, personal experience, and deep commitment to helping struggling readers succeed. Below, you’ll find a brief introduction to each tutor and the heart behind their work.

Erin brafford

Erin homeschooled for 17 years. Her and her husband, Mark, have 4 adult children along with 5 grandchildren. She has seen first hand how difficult it was for her 3 dyslexic children to learn to read and how it impacted their self-esteem. Learning about the Barton System was a Godsend. Erin’s desire is to help as many students as she can as they learn to read and spell, helping them see that they are not alone, increasing their self-esteem, and empowering them for life.

Dianne Eberts

Dianne has over 30 years of experience teaching elementary students in both traditional public school settings and online learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Teacher Education with a Reading Endorsement. Throughout her career, she has taught students in first through third grade and brings a deep understanding of early literacy development.

Dianne is trained in Orton-Gillingham–based programs, including the Barton Reading & Spelling System, and has worked one-on-one with struggling readers in both school and volunteer settings. She currently tutors students online using the Barton system and is passionate about helping children build confidence and become lifelong readers. Dianne lives in New Albany, Ohio with her husband and two sons.

Ann Telepak

Ann has 25 years of experience as an elementary teacher and holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Education with a Reading Endorsement. She also homeschooled her five children before teaching full-time. Throughout her career, Ann has seen many children who want to read but struggle to crack the reading code.

She is passionate about using the Barton method to help students overcome reading challenges and become confident readers. Ann enjoys spending time with her family, including her five grandchildren, and loves being with her dachshund, Sugar.

Jenn Belanger

Jenn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and has spent many years mentoring children through robotics, coding, and computer literacy. Her passion for teaching deepened after witnessing reading struggles in students, including her own son.

After discovering the Barton Reading & Spelling Program, Jenn saw firsthand the growth and renewed confidence it brought to children with dyslexia. She believes students learn best when they’re engaged and having fun, and she brings compassion, energy, and encouragement to every tutoring session.

Dori Kerr

Dori is a mother of three wonderful children, and grandmother to one amazing grandson. She has been homeschooling her youngest for 5 years, and discovered the Barton program after he was diagnosed with dyslexia. Witnessing her son succeed in school after implementing Barton, she felt the desire to help other children become successful as well.

Dori has experience in early childhood development and strives to understand the whole child.  She is currently studying ADHD and can empathize with children and parents dealing with its effects.  She is also keenly aware of the positive attributes that come with dyslexia and ADHD and values each child’s uniqueness.

Cindy Clark

Cindy holds a Master’s degree in Education and has over 20 years of experience working with children in a variety of educational settings. Her background includes classroom teaching, behavioral and therapeutic support, early childhood education, and tutoring using the Barton Reading & Spelling System. She has also served in leadership and volunteer roles supporting early childhood programs and family education.

As a homeschool mom, Cindy began searching for effective reading instruction when one of her children was identified as dyslexic. After discovering the Barton program and seeing her child’s confidence and reading skills grow, she felt called to help other students build strong literacy skills and develop confidence in their learning.

Shanna Cotton

Shanna has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Western Oregon University. She is a homeschool mom to three awesome kids.  Seeing the Barton program’s effectiveness in teaching her children to read and write, she now has a passion for sharing that pathway to success with other children.

Shanna teaches at her local homeschool co-op and is often found enjoying the Oregon outdoors with her family.

Lily Schifano

Lily has a lifelong passion for learning and spent over 20 years as a homeschool mom, supporting her five children through their educational journeys. During that time, she encountered the challenges dyslexia presented for two of her children and discovered the Barton Reading & Spelling Program, which made a meaningful difference in their confidence and academic growth.

Inspired by the impact of structured dyslexia instruction, Lily is now dedicated to helping other students with dyslexia build strong reading and spelling skills. Having personally navigated the challenges of dyslexia as a parent, she brings deep empathy and encouragement to both students and families. Today, Lily’s two children with dyslexia are thriving. One graduated Summa Cum Laude from a major university, and the other is a straight “A” student in a public online high school.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn next, we’re here to help. Our tutors would be honored to walk alongside your family and support your child’s reading journey.

Where stuggling readers find confidence.

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