Louise Dechovitz serves as the Administrative Assistant for the SLD Support Project. She has extensive experience in literacy advocacy and education policy, including work with the Illinois Early Literacy Coalition and the Evidence Advocacy Center. She also serves on the Board of The Reading League Illinois and is a Stand for Children Illinois Fellow, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based language and literacy instruction and supporting the success of students and educators.
Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic Linguistics and Literature from Lawrence University. She is dedicated to helping educators and families access the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure that all children receive high-quality instruction.
Administrative Assistant
Louise Dechovitz
COntact Louise
Dr. Robin Thoma spent the first eighteen years of her career as a high school special teacher where she specialized in working with students with specific learning disabilities and autism. Following her time in the classroom, Robin worked at the university-level serving as interim Chairperson of the Education Department, Assistant Professor, and Licensing Advisor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and as an instructor at Indiana State University and Minot State University. Robin developed curricula in Mild Intervention and Intense Intervention programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana State University and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Learning Disability Association of America. Robin has spent her twenty-six year career advocating for students with special needs and helping train preservice teachers on inclusive practices. She is incredibly excited to support teachers across the state of Illinois by facilitating professional learning opportunities to improve academic outcomes for students with specific learning disabilities.
Project Manager
Robin Thoma, Ph.D.
COntact robin
With nearly three decades in education, Christie brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success for students with specific learning disabilities. Her journey began 29 years ago, focusing on literacy and fostering inclusive learning environments. She thrives on collaborating with fellow educators to enhance student outcomes, especially in schools facing challenges with their special education programs.
As Regional 3 Specialist for the Illinois SLD Support Project, Christie enjoys working directly with schools that need extra support on co-teaching and specially designed instruction. As a former school administrator, she also has a passion for helping administrators increase their knowledge in structured literacy and best practices in reading instruction. Christie holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University. In 2021, she earned her certification in Orton-Gillingham, which helps her better meet the needs of students with Dyslexia and support educators in all areas of reading instruction.
Always eager to learn, Christie remains committed to stay updated on the latest research and techniques to improve her skills in supporting students and educators alike. She strongly believes in education's power to change lives and is passionate about making a positive impact on students with learning disabilities.
Training Specialist
Christie Johnson, M.Ed.
COntact Christie
Amy Magers began her career as a school psychologist and has served students in both small, rural schools as well as a large urban school district in Illinois. Amy has served as a Special Education Administrator, so her educational focus is on meaningful educational evaluations, legal issues in Special Education, and ensuring students have access to a Free Appropriate Public Education. Always a school psychologist, she also has interests in creating robust MTSS systems, and data literacy.
Amy loves to help districts simplify data collection and analysis to ensure the right students get the right instruction at the right time. Her background as a psychologist and special education administrator allows for development of training for both the individual learner as well as district systems change.
Amy attended Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Psychology prior to receiving her Master’s and Specialist degree in School Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her administrative certification was obtained from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. When not working or reading, Amy loves to travel with her husband and daughter
MTSS ImplEmentation and Data Specialist
Amy Magers, SSP, Ed.M.
COntact AMY
In her 26 years as an Illinois educator, Shannon Smith has been privileged to work with students and teachers in various K-12 settings. She has worked as a classroom teacher, Librarian/Media Specialist, Instructional Technology Curriculum Liaison, and Director of Technology.
Committed to sharing her passion for instructional technology, Shannon joined the IL SLD Support Project as Lead Tech where she provides professional learning opportunities for educators and maintains the on-demand learning platform.
Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University. She is also a Google Certified Trainer.
Lead Tech
Shannon Smith, M.Ed.
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Aubrey Durkin has been working in education since 2009. She has taught or tutored students leveled pre-k to 12th grade. She completed an elementary math program through UIC in 2020 and has her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a math endorsement (5-8). In the past year, she continued mathematical education by completing Lord Math: Decoding Math courses as well as Orton Gillingham Math training.
Most of her career was spent in Calumet City working as an interventionist, parent liaison, and instructional coach. In her tenure there, she helped create intervention groupings and monitor outcomes to ensure success. During her time with the SLD Support Project, she has worked on providing professional development that highlights fact fluency and word problem strategies, and she has spent time coaching and co-planning with math best practices at the forefront in selected districts.
Aubrey spends her free time with her husband and four children, usually in the backyard playing Wiffle ball.
Content specialist
Math
Aubrey Durkin, M.Ed.
COntact Aubrey
Kellyn Sirach is the Reading Content Specialist for the Illinois SLD Support Project, where she leads statewide professional learning and provides free training and technical assistance to educators in the areas of literacy, dyslexia, and evidence-based reading instruction. A passionate advocate for translating research into practice, Kellyn works alongside educators across Illinois to build knowledge and systems that improve literacy outcomes for all students.
Kellyn currently serves as co-chair of the Illinois State Board of Education Dyslexia Handbook and is pursuing her doctorate in Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University. She is a founding member of the International Dyslexia Association Illinois charter-elect branch, a former board member of The Reading League Illinois, a Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship alumna, and a recipient of the International Literacy Association's 30 Under 30 award.
Through her leadership, professional learning, and advocacy efforts, Kellyn is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice and empowering educators with the knowledge, confidence, and tools necessary to ensure every student learns to read.
Content Specialist
Reading
Kellyn Sirach, MS.Ed, C-SLDI
COntact Kellyn
Jess Rodriguez is a Writing Specialist who is passionate about strengthening writing instruction and supporting educators in helping students become confident, capable writers. She designs and facilitates evidence-based professional learning that helps bring effective, practical writing strategies into the classroom, with a strong emphasis on explicit instruction and the science of learning. With a diverse background across multiple teaching roles, Jess brings a broad perspective to her work and a deep understanding of how students learn in different instructional settings. She is a doctoral student at Mount St. Joseph University, where she is deepening her expertise in literacy leadership and writing instruction. Her work is grounded in a passion for clear, intentional writing instruction that supports student growth across K–12 settings, and she enjoys collaborating with educators to bring strong writing instruction to life in ways that meaningfully support both teachers and students.
Content Specialist
Early Writing
Jess Rodriguez
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Josh brings 32 years of experience in education to his role as the Math Content Specialist for the Illinois SLD Support Project. He began his career as K-4 special education teacher and has also served as a first grade teacher, PreK-2 principal, and superintendent of a PK-12 unit school district. Throughout his academic training and his various roles as educator, Josh has had an intense interest in the development of foundational math and literacy skills in young students. He has experience in many facets of education as both a teacher and an administrator including assessment, data analysis, curriculum development, best practices in instruction, problem-solving, and conflict management. In his role with the SLD Support Project, Josh is thrilled to be leveraging his experiences to support educators statewide with evidence-based practices in math instruction.
Content specialist
Math
Josh Quick, Ed. S.
COntact josh
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 3
Amy Venhaus, Ed.S.
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REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 2
Amy Weltin, M.Ed.
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REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 2
Robert Allen M.Ed., M.A.
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REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 2
Matthew Layton, Ed.D.
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REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 1
Jodi Sierra, M.Ed.
Regional Specialists
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 4
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 5
Lauren Brewer, M.Ed.
Tari Jansen, M.Ed.
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REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 2
Alexis Trevino, M.Ed.
Laura Arnold, M.A., CCC-SLP/L
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 6
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Jodi Sierra serves as the Region 1 Specialist for the SLD Project, bringing 24 years of dedicated service in elementary education and leadership. Supporting diverse student populations, Jodi’s career spans critical roles such as classroom teacher, instructional specialist and elementary principal.
She began her journey as an elementary classroom teacher before earning her Master’s Degree in Reading, which advanced her career into specializing in high-impact reading interventions for struggling readers. Driven to support educators as well as students, Jodi transitioned into an instructional specialist position – mentoring teachers and enhancing pedagogical practices. To broaden her leadership scope, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, equipping her to step into the role as an elementary principal.
Grounded in a commitment to educational equity and excellence, Jodi’s passion lies in empowering both students and educators to unlock their full potential and achieve their highest goals.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 1
Jodi Sierra
COntact Jodi
Rob is an experienced leader in special education with more than fifteen years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs across K–12 settings. Rob brings expertise in special education administration, IEP development and oversight, instructional systems, data-informed decision-making, and staff development.
Throughout his career, Rob has worked as a special education teacher, case manager, and administrator, providing a practical, student-centered perspective on the systems that support students with disabilities. His experience includes implementing evidence-based practices, strengthening progress-monitoring and data systems, supporting MTSS and behavioral interventions, and leading professional learning for educators.
Rob is committed to helping schools develop equitable, effective, and legally sound practices that improve outcomes for students with specific learning disabilities. Rob holds a master’s degree in Education Administration, a master’s degree in Specialized Instruction, and is currently completing his doctorate at Loyola University Chicago.
Regional specialist
Region 2
Robert Allen M. Ed., M.A.
COntact Robert
Dr. Matthew Layton serves as a Regional Specialist for Region 2. He brings more than 20 years of experience in special education and administration, with expertise in specially designed instruction, data-based decision making, literacy, IDEA compliance, and high-quality IEP development.
His career spans classroom teaching, literacy coaching, school leadership, and district administration across Illinois, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. He began as a self-contained special education teacher in Baltimore before moving into school and district leadership. He currently serves as Board Secretary for The Reading League Illinois.
Dr. Layton holds an Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation from Purdue University Global, an Ed.S. in Literacy and School Administration/Supervision, an M.A. in Special Education from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and a B.S. in Organizational Management from Washington Adventist University. He holds Illinois endorsements as a Director of Special Education, LBS I, Reading Specialist, General Administrator, and Superintendent.
Outside of work, he is an avid traveler, cook, and gardener, and a regular at Orangetheory Fitness.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 2
Matthew Layton, Ed.D.
COntact Matthew
Alexis Trevino is a Region 2 Specialist serving the educators in the counties around the Chicagoland area. She is passionate about helping educators connect research to practice and implement evidence-based instructional strategies that make a meaningful difference for students. She enjoys collaborating with educators and making evidence-based practices practical, accessible, and actionable.
Alexis has previously worked as a teacher, literacy coach and district administrator, bringing a diverse range of experiences in education and instructional leadership. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Reading, as well as certifications for Principal and LBS 1. She is also a Dyslexia Training Designee and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 2
Alexis Trevino, M.Ed.
COntact Alexis
Amy has been with the SLD Support Project since July of 2024. She is a Region 2 Specialist serving the educators and parents in the counties around the Chicagoland area. She loves to develop and deliver PD to support educators and parents that work with students with learning disabilities. She first joined the field of education over 30 years ago as a special education teacher. In her years as a district employee for four different districts, she taught multiple grade levels ranging from Pre-K to 12. In addition to working in the classroom, Amy was also an assistant principal at two dual-language elementary schools, a special education coordinator, and an IEP coordinator.
During her 10 year hiatus staying home with her children, she worked as a preschool teacher part-time, provided tutoring to students that struggled in reading and math, and served on her local school board where she advocated for the educational needs of all students. When Amy returned to public schools, she jumped in at the high school level. Here, she co-taught with general education high school teachers as well as taught multiple different self-contained subjects for students with learning disabilities and social-emotional needs. During her high school experience, she developed a passion for exploring the executive functioning needs of children and adolescents. This passion has extended into her current professional developments as she enjoys sharing her knowledge in this area in order to support all students.
When not working, Amy enjoys traveling with her husband and friends and attending the athletic events of her young adult children.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 2
Amy Weltin
COntact Amy
Amy Venhaus is the Region 3 Specialist for the SLD Project. A seasoned educational leader with more than 18 years of experience in public education, Amy is dedicated to empowering educators and school leaders. Her experience as a classroom teacher, Media Specialist, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director, and Curriculum Coordinator has equipped her with a comprehensive perspective on systems-level improvement across diverse educational settings. Throughout her career, Amy has led and supported initiatives focused on improving student achievement and strengthening instructional practices. As a co-writer of the successful application that earned her former school the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award, she demonstrated her commitment to educational excellence and meaningful school improvement.
Amy is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction through McKendree University. She also serves as a board member for the Silver Creek CEO program, supporting opportunities that connect students with real-world learning. Amy is passionate about creating collaborative educational environments where educators feel empowered, leaders are equipped to succeed, and every student has the opportunity to thrive.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 3
Amy Venhaus, Ed.S.
COntact Amy
Lauren is a Regional Specialist for the Illinois Specific Learning Disability Support Project, supporting East Central Illinois. As a regional specialist with the program, Lauren develops and delivers professional development to teachers across the state of Illinois, both virtually and face to face. She is committed to help teachers across Illinois implement socially just, evidence-based practices to close the achievement gap for students with learning disabilities and promote student independence. Lauren's expertise includes helping support schools implement best practices in reading, writing, and math by focusing on co-teaching, instructional coaching, and executive functioning.
Previously, Lauren worked in public schools as a special education teacher, case manager, instructional coach, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainer. In these roles, she was able to help increase the knowledge and skills of K-12 educational teams through collaboration, training and technical assistance, supported by evidence-based practices in order to enhance the quality of life for students with disabilities.
Lauren attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in English Secondary Education prior to receiving her Master’s degree in Special Education, LBS1 at the University of Illinois. She is also a LETRS Local Certified Facilitator and MAX Teaching Trainer.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 4
Lauren Brewer
COntact Lauren
Tari Jansen is a Regional Specialist with the Illinois SLD Support Project, where she partners with educators, school leaders, and regional organizations to strengthen instruction and improve outcomes for students with learning disabilities.
With nearly 30 years of experience in public education, Tari has served as a special education teacher, behavior specialist, special education coordinator, special education director, and elementary principal. Her experience spans PreK–12 settings, with much of her work centered on supporting elementary educators, students with high-incidence disabilities, and effective systems of intervention.
Tari designs and facilitates professional learning, coaching, consultation, and resources related to explicit instruction, specially designed instruction, academic intervention, instructional coaching, data-based decision-making, progress monitoring, IEP development, literacy, language development, and inclusive practices.
She is especially passionate about helping educators translate research into practical classroom practice through clear instruction, purposeful practice, active engagement, and responsive use of data. Tari believes meaningful professional learning extends beyond a single training and is strengthened through implementation, reflection, feedback, and continued support.
Regional specialist
Region 5
Tari Jansen
COntact Tari
Laura Arnold is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Region 6 Specialist for the SLD Support Project with over 15 years of experience dedicated to supporting diverse learners. Expert in screening, diagnosing, and designing evidence-based interventions, Laura bridges clinical expertise with educational leadership.
Recently, she co-developed the project's Science of Learning Microcredential and leads targeted professional development for educators and paraprofessionals alike. Her work is anchored in the belief that equipping educators with evidence-based practices is the key to unlocking optimal outcomes for students of all abilities. Laura holds a Special Education Director Endorsement, degrees from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale and Saint Louis University, and is currently pursuing a Clinical Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology at Mass General Brigham Institute of Health Professions. She is deeply passionate about driving equitable, high-quality outcomes for students of all abilities.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 6
Laura Arnold, M.A., CCC-SLP/L
COntact Laura
Janet just finished her 25th year in the field of special education. She started her career as a special education teacher for students in primary and intermediate grades with experience in an itinerant position providing services for students within private school settings. She later moved to Southern Illinois and began providing services for students at the high school setting with all learning needs, focusing on a more functional curriculum. After a total of 14 years of teaching, she transitioned to a special education administrator for Tri-County Special Education and Williamson County Education Services and has served in this capacity for eleven years.
Janet holds a B.S. in Education from Eastern Illinois University and a M.A. in Educational Administration from University of Illinois.
REGIONAL SPECIALIST
REGION 6
Example
COntact Janet
Jeremy Doughty has worked with students with disabilities since 1998 when he began at Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (EIASE) in a program for students with emotional disabilities. After acquiring his LBS1, Jeremy taught seventh graders for Charleston CUSD#1. As a cross-categorical teacher, Jeremy instructed reading, math and writing, and then partnered with general education teachers for other academic instruction through co-teaching.
In 2009, Jeremy returned to EIASE as an Associate Director, and consulted with school districts on special education issues, programming, professional development and mediation as well as supervising school psychologists, school social workers, and the EIASE Autism team. For the past seven years, Jeremy has been an Assistant Director for EIASE. Professional and Staff Development and Programming have been his main focus in this position. His passion has been helping employees attain higher education through partnerships with universities for teacher development and closing the gap on shortage areas within EIASE.
Jeremy is involved in his community by serving on his local county board, public health board, and the local education credit union board. He serves at his local church and volunteers through Compassion Services International for humanitarian work worldwide. He has traveled to forty-three countries.
GRANT PARTNER
Jeremy Doughty
COntact Jeremy
Dr. Kathryn Havercroft is a Professor and Department Chair for the Department of Special Education at Eastern Illinois University. She earned her doctoral degree from Indiana University and has focused much of her work in the area of School-wide Positive Behavior Supports (SWPBS), along with mental health supports for children and young adults. Additionally, she is interested in programming and curricular decisions for students with low incidence disabilities and transition services.
GRANT PARTNER
Kathryn Havercroft, Ph.D.
COntact Katheryn
Melissa Jones-Bromenshenkel is currently a professor and graduate coordinator in the Department of Special Education at Eastern Illinois University. Prior to this, Missy taught children with various types of disabilities at Cumberland Elementary and Middle School where she implemented a co-teaching model and coached Special Olympics. Dr. Jones is currently a partner, along with Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (EIASE), on the SLD Support Project grant through which she serves as the Chair of the Dyslexia Handbook Work Group. She is also the Principal Investigator on the C2C (College to Classroom) Grant which provides induction supports to new special educators.
Dr. Jones is a member of the American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) Executive Board, serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Illinois Teacher Education Division (ITED) of CEC, and is on the Advisory Group for the Illinois Elevating Special Educators (IESE) Grant. In addition to working towards preparing quality teachers, Missy strives to ensure that all children receive effective educational services by volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a family advocate, and an Educational Surrogate.
GRANT PARTNER
Missy Jones, Ph.D.
COntact Missy
Tony Reeley has been the Executive Director of Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education in Charleston since 2010. Tony is in his 24th year in special education, serving in central Illinois districts as a teacher, dean of students, and Associate Director prior to his current position. Tony's graduate work consists of a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University, where he currently teaches courses in the Educational Leadership Program.
GRANT PARTNER
Tony Reely, Ed.S.
COntact Tony
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