Hi, I’m Nicole.
I’m a special education teacher, Orton-Gillingham teacher, and private academic tutor with more than a decade of experience helping students become more confident capable, and independent learners.
Since beginning my teaching career in 2014, I’ve worked closely with students who learn differently and have seen firsthand that academic struggles are rarely as simple as needing to “try harder”. Sometimes, a student needs explicit, systematic instruction to strengthen foundational reading and writing skills. Other times, they understand the material but struggle to organize their work, manage their time, or know where to begin.
My approach starts with understanding the individual student. Through personalized literacy instruction and executive function support, I help students develop the skills and strategies they need to make meaningful progress - both in and beyond the classroom.
A Personalized Approach to Learning
No two students learn in exactly the same way, which is why I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to academic support.
I take the time to understand each student’s strengths, challenges, and learning styles before developing instruction tailored to their individual needs. Whether we’re building foundational literacy skills or creating systems for organization and time management, my goal is to give students practical strategies they can understand, use, and eventually apply independently.
Just as importantly, I want students to feel successful. Confidence and academic growth are closely connected, and I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and recognizing their own progress.
My Background
I have worked in special education since 2014 and began working privately with students and families in 2022.
My literacy expertise includes completing an intensive, two-year Orton-Gillingham teacher training program through Fairleigh Dickinson University, with more than 200 hours of specialized training in structured, multisensory literacy instruction. I hold an Orton-Gillingham Teacher certificate through FDU’s Dyslexia Specialist Training Course.
Throughout my career in special education, I have also spent years teaching study skills and helping students navigate the everyday challenges of staying organized, managing their time, planning ahead, and knowing how to get started. This experience has shaped my approach to executive function coaching, where I help students build practical, individualized systems that support greater confidence and independence.
My classroom experience, literacy training, and work with individual students have shaped my belief that the most effective academic support is both evidence-based and deeply personalized.
Credentials
10+ Years in Special Education
Supporting students with diverse learning needs since 2014
Orton-Gillingham Teacher
Completed 200+ hours of intensive training through Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Dyslexia Specialist Training Course
Master’s in Educational Leadership
Graduate degree from Seton Hall University
Executive Function & Study Skills
Years of experience teaching organization, planning, time management, and independent reading strategies
Private Academic Tutor & Coach
Providing individualized literacy and academic support to students and families since 2022
