About

My Mission

Create meaningful and innovative learning experiences for children that are tailored to their needs and interests.

Provide resources for teachers and families to help support beginning reading skills and a love for reading.

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About Me

Hi, I’m Sam—a credentialed K–6 public school reading specialist with over a decade of experience supporting young readers. I’m passionate about helping schools raise reading achievement and enjoy collaborating with educators, organizations, and families to create effective, research-based literacy practices. In addition to my classroom experience, I have eight years of private tutoring experience working with students across a range of needs. I use data to drive my structured systematic approach, which is tailored specifically for each child I work with.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Sonoma County and am proud to call it home.

I earned my BA in Human Development with minors in Early Childhood Education and Business from Sonoma State University, followed by a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University. After several years in the classroom, I returned to school to become a K–6 Reading Specialist. I currently work in a California public school, create literacy resources for teachers and families on Teachers Pay Teachers, and offer online tutoring and parent workshops focused on kindergarten readiness and early reading.

Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to innovative approaches that integrate literacy and social-emotional learning. Through Valley of the Moon Learning, my goal is to help children develop a love of reading and become confident, lifelong learners.

Education

California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (Cleared through BTSA) – San Francisco State University
BA in Human Development, minors in Early Childhood Education and Business – Sonoma State University

Certifications

CA Reading Certificate (Reading and Literacy Added Authorization)
CLAD Certificate
Orton-Gillingham trained (2021, 2023)

Additional Experience

Sonoma County Literacy Fellowship Coach
Passed RICA, CSET, and CBEST
CPR Certified
Curriculum creator on Teachers Pay Teachers
In-person and online tutoring
Parent workshops (Kindergarten Readiness & Beginning Reading)

If you’re a Sonoma County school, organization, or nonprofit interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect!

ValleyoftheMoonLearning@gmail.com

Click here to learn more about me, my credentials and experience on LinkedIn.