About EquiLit: Our Mission and Passion

Even after more than 20 years in the classroom and earning a Master’s degree in literacy, I came to a profound realization: I had never truly been taught how to effectively teach students to read. That realization changed the course of my work. It made me question what educators are given, what families are told, and—most importantly—what happens when a child does not receive the literacy instruction they need. It has stayed with me ever since, fueling a deep commitment to ensuring that no educator or family feels unprepared to help a child learn to read.

For over the past decade, that commitment has shaped my work. I believe literacy is far more than an academic skill. The ability to read opens doors—to knowledge, opportunity, independence, confidence, and a fuller participation in the world. Every learner deserves access to instruction that is grounded in what we know about how reading develops, and every educator and family deserves the knowledge and tools to make that possible.

My goal is to make the body of evidence we call the Science of Reading clear, practical, and actionable by helping educators and families understand what decades of research have taught us about reading development—and, just as importantly, what that knowledge looks like in practice. When we understand what works and why, we are better equipped to create the conditions in which every student can learn, grow, and experience the power of literacy.

Through my roles as a literacy coach, professional development specialist, design and implementation director, and adjunct professor, I have collaborated with scores of educators and leaders to strengthen instruction and build capacity. My doctoral research in literacy and coaching has further deepened this work, providing a strong foundation in evidence-based approaches that bridge research and practice.

All of these experiences have shaped my belief that literacy instruction can change the trajectory of a learner's life. EquiLit exists to help make that possibility a reality—to connect research with practice, empower the people who teach and support learners, and work toward literacy and justice for all.

EquiLit’s work extends far beyond schools and individual families, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities, organizations, and systems as a whole. When literacy improves, its advantages reach every corner of society.

Our work is rooted in the conviction that literacy is both equity and opportunity. When students access strong literacy instruction, they gain access to learning, a voice, and full participation in the world around them. Stronger literacy opens doors to higher education, diverse career opportunities, and deeper civic engagement. It also cultivates a more prepared workforce and builds stronger, more resilient communities.

This commitment to equity is embedded in our name and drives every aspect of our work, because we understand that improving literacy expands opportunity for everyone.