Co-Founder and Executive Director

Ashley is an experienced reading teacher. She holds a B.A. from Wake Forest University and an M.S.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas. She has undergone 60 hours of Orton-Gillingham training under the guidance of Dr. Fran Bowman. Ashley holds a Maryland State Department of Education Professional Eligibility Certificate with the endorsement area of Special Education. Ashley recently completed the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) exam. Ashley’s skills as a reading tutor shine through her compassionate guidance and dedication to her students, seamlessly balancing her role as Executive Director of Open Doors with her commitment to nurturing literacy and academic success.

Co-Fouder and Associate Director

Julie has over fifteen years of teaching experience. She specializes in educating middle and elementary-aged children with learning differences. Julie completed her undergraduate studies at Franklin and Marshall College and her graduate degree at Washington College. She has undergone 60 hours of Orton-Gillingham training under the guidance of Fellow Dr. Fran Bowman. Additionally, Julie holds her certification in Handwriting Without Tears, is trained in The Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V). Julie is not just a teacher; she's a mentor, inspiring her students to achieve greatness through their educational journey. With a commitment to excellence, Julie fosters a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.

Literacy Professional

Emily's instructional approach is characterized by her passion, energy, and enthusiasm. With a decade of teaching experience, she has worked with a diverse range of students from preschool through middle school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education Studies. Emily has undergone 60 hours of Orton-Gillingham training under the guidance of Dr. Fran Bowman. Additionally, she has received formal training in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech (LiPS®) from Lindamood-Bell and has experience using The Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V). Emily is an exceptional instructor whose patient guidance and personalized approach ignite a love for reading in her students.

Literacy Professional

Linda is an incredibly kind, caring, and patient teacher who has dedicated her career to helping students succeed. She is a certified reading teacher with a deep understanding of early childhood and special education. Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Wheelock College, as well as a Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on reading from the University of Maryland. Additionally, she has completed the Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham course, further enhancing her expertise in literacy instruction. Throughout her career, Linda has taught special education, second grade, and gifted and talented students, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all learners. She also served as the Reading Specialist at Centreville Elementary School for 23 years and is certified in LETRS, a program supporting foundational literacy development. With over 42 years of teaching experience, Linda's passion for education and her unwavering patience and empathy make her an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond for her students.

Literacy Professional

Dawn is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley College, and has continuously built on her expertise through specialized training. Dawn has an American Montessori Society Teacher Certificate from The Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. In addition, she has completed trainings in Handwriting Without Tears, The Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V), LiPS® and On Cloud Nine® and has undergone 60 hours of Orton-Gillingham training conducted by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, under the guidance of Fellow Dr. Fran Bowman. Beyond her professional achievements, Dawn is also a proud mother of two daughters, further underscoring her deep commitment to supporting the growth and development of children. She has a remarkable ability to form strong, lasting connections with her students, creating a positive and encouraging learning environment where all can thrive. Dawn’s passion for teaching and her ongoing dedication to improving local literacy rates make her an essential member of the Open Doors Partners in Education team.

Literacy Professional

Libby Rice holds a BA from Kenyon College and has had a long and fulfilling career rooted in her passion for community involvement. She began her journey at Echo Hill Camp, where she discovered her love for working with children. In 1972, she played a pivotal role in helping to establish Echo Hill Outdoor School, further deepening her commitment to fostering young minds. Over the years, Libby has been deeply engaged in her community, raising three children who attended Kent County Public Schools, and helping to coach both recreational and high school lacrosse and field hockey teams. In 1997, she returned to school to pursue a nursing career and worked at Kent & Queen Anne’s Hospital, in cardiac rehabilitation. There, she supervised exercise programs, conducted health workshops, and hosted wellness classes. Libby’s dedication to education never wavered. In 2024, she completed 60 hours of an IDA-Accredited Orton-Gillingham "Plus" Phonological Awareness and Reading Fluency Strategies course created by Dr. Fran Bowman. This latest endeavor reflects her continued passion for teaching, which has been a constant thread throughout her life. Now, Libby is excited to volunteer with Open Doors, focusing on helping her students strengthen their literacy skills and empowering them to succeed.

Literacy Professional

Heidi is an experienced educator with over 30 years in the classroom, including 22 years at Radcliffe Creek School. Throughout her career, Heidi has specialized in working with students who have diverse learning needs, creating personalized learning experiences that foster both academic growth and self-confidence. Heidi completed her undergraduate studies at Georgia Southern University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Middle Grades Education and concentrations in Science and Art. She is Orton-Gillingham trained under the guidance of Fellow Dr. Fran Bowman and has undergone additional training in Visualizing and Verbalizing®(V/V). Heidi has also pursued professional development in Mind, Brain, and Education Science through the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning at Kent School, incorporating the latest research on cognitive development into her teaching approach. Heidi’s teaching career includes extensive experience with students of all ages and abilities across a wide range of subjects. She held a Standard Professional Maryland Teaching Certificate in Elementary and Middle Grades, with endorsements in Special Education and Reading. At Open Doors, Heidi thrives in the one-on-one teaching environment, where she has the freedom to customize instruction to meet the specific needs of each student. Her dedication to individualized learning allows her to inspire and support students on their educational journeys, helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Literacy Professional

Rachel Hopkins, a native of Kent and Queen Anne's Counties, graduated from Queen Anne's County High School in 2002. She attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate degree and received a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. In 2007, Rachel accepted a position with Kent County Public Schools. During her tenure as a classroom teacher, she taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Rachel has worked as a Title I Interventionist for the past four years. Title I is a federally funded program that aims to remove barriers preventing students from accessing equitable education. Rachel has completed 60 hours of an IDA-Accredited course, Orton-Gillingham "Plus" Phonological Awareness and Reading Fluency Strategies, created by Dr. Fran Bowman. In addition, she has also taken the IMSE Comprehensive and Morphology courses and has formal training in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech (LiPS®). Rachel is committed to tailoring her instruction to address the unique needs of each student. Her passion for personalized learning empowers her to guide and motivate students, helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed both academically and beyond.