Our Team
Directors
Kari Hayden, Founder, Director of Business & Marketing
Kari Hayden, the founder of TLC has first hand knowledge of how dyslexia can affect a child. Having children herself that have struggled with dyslexia she began a mission to not just help her children, but all the children in our area by creating TLC. A registered nurse for 25 years and the owner as well as fitness instructor of Palm Studio, Kari brings an extensive wealth of information to the center. She decided to transfer her clinical knowledge of healthcare into a more holistic expression guided by her tutors as she created TLC to help children with dyslexia. It is Kari’s belief that kindness matters above all else and it is her intention that students leave feeling inspired and loved. She is happily married to her husband Dave, of 20 years and has 3 children.
Tammy Tieu, Founder, Director of Education and Client Services
Tammy Tieu is the co-director of TLC (The Literacy Center for Dyslexia). This non-profit organization was born out of the great need for specially trained dyslexia interventionists and practitioners to service students who have language-based learning disabilities, specifically dyslexia. TLC strives to make tutoring affordable for all families as well as support teachers who wish to pursue certifications in dyslexia therapy and intervention. Born and raised in North Smithfield, RI, Tammy attended Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education.
She has always had a heart for children and a passion for teaching. She taught for 15 years in Massachusetts at a school that trained its teachers to implement an intervention for students with dyslexia called the Wilson Reading System. Tammy moved with her husband and 4 children to Florida in 2008. After a 5-year hiatus from teaching, she taught first grade at The Island School in Boca Grande. The Island School also uses Wilson Reading, which once again sparked Tammy’s passion for assisting struggling readers. When she realized how great the need was, she made the decision to leave The Island School in 2019 and start a tutoring business specializing in dyslexia intervention. Tammy is proud to be a Wilson Certified Dyslexia Practitioner and is excited about the grand opening of TLC in October of 2021.
Staff
Bethany Taulbee
Tutor & Yoga Therapist
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Bethany Taulbee is passionate about bringing healing and oneness to the world through teaching. As a former preschool teacher, and a mother of an adult son who is on the autism spectrum, Bethany has a unique perspective on working with several ages and diverse needs. Her 14 years in early childhood education brought out her inner child and through a journey of healing and self love, led her to a personal yoga practice. After practicing for years, Bethany decided to take her yogi path further by becoming a certified yoga instructor and has her Master Level Reiki training (Energetic Healing). Bethany is also certified and is working towards additional certifications towards the Wilson Method for tutoring children with Dyslexia. She specializes in combining mindfulness with the academic experience by using multisensory methods to enhance learning and decrease stress. Her focus is on the rhythm and flow of the mind, body, and spirit connection. Bethany’s long term goals involve reaching towards becoming a Yoga Therapist and completing all Wilson Levels which will enhance the tutoring experience for her students. Bethany seeks to share her gifts with others by planting seeds of love to grow through self-care and community collaboration.
Dena Kittelson
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
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Dena Kittelson is a nationally certified and state licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Dena graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida. During her professional career, Dena has worked in exceptional education with children ranging from pre-k to high school across several school districts in Florida. Dena has experience working with Language-Based Literacy Disorders, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Articulation/Phonological Disorders, Fluency Disorders, and Developmental Delays. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and their families.
Anne Edwards
Lead Teacher/Instructor
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Anne Edwards, Tutor and Board Member of TLC has been teaching reading for over 15 years. She is currently certified in Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education and endorsed in Reading, Gifted Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages. She has been a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner since 2015.
Cheridan Smith
Teacher & Tutor
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Cheridan Smith is passionate about the education of the present and future generations. She believes that education is the idea of learning to think for yourself. Cheridan wants to help her clients learn the tools and the means to live their best and most intelligent life. Cheridan has been teaching since her teenage life. She taught English in Mexico throughout middle and highschool. Upon graduating college she continued teaching ESOL and language arts in Florida. She is furthering her education with the Wilson program and continuing learning in all core subjects.
Judy Still
Small Group Facilitator
