About Me


Working at a small inner city school in Minneapolis, I was fortunate to be part of the Reading First program, where I was exposed to the five Pillars of Reading. As this unfolded, so did my awareness that my youngest son was failing in school. We soon discovered he had severe dyslexia. Thus began my journey in OG. I was trained in the Sonday System and successfully taught small groups. My curiosity brought me to Sonday Reading Center, where Karen Sonday, Fellow OGA, hired me to tutor. I was to be trained by Orton Gillingham of Minnesota, IMSLEC. I went on to do all 4 Levels. During this process, I knew I had found my calling. 


Karen’s center grew and is now called Orton Gillingham Reading Specialists. We quickly became friends. Her mother also took me under her wing. Who can say they have two mentors that are both Fellows? Arlene Sonday was the founding president of the Academy. I have learned so much from the two of them. 


Years later, we decided we needed products that at the time weren’t available, so we made them. I loved this creative aspect of OG. We decided to call the company Laughing Ogre Press. 

OGRS is an acronym for Orton Gillingham Reading Specialists! I am now the sole proprietor of the company. 


I have joined Karen in her teacher training program as a lecturer and supervisor. It is a rewarding experience to help train the future of Orton Gillingham. 


I have recently moved from the hustle and bustle of city life to the woods of northern Minnesota. When I am not geeking out on the latest research on reading, you will probably find me on the dock watching the wildlife on the Upper Mississippi.