Mobile Location
Julie Rentz
Founder and Executive Director, Mobile
Julie Rentz founded Read-Write The Learning Center in 2011. She has nearly 30 years of experience working with children with learning differences. Julie served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Julie was named an “Unsung Hero” in the International Dyslexia Association’s “Honor a Teacher Campaign.” Additionally, she is the founder of the Mobile Bay group of the Alabama International Dyslexia Association. She is also a member of the Association of Educational Therapists (AET) and the Learning Disability Association. Julie has made presentations on dyslexia for local groups, including schools, professional organizations and the Bay Area Speech and Hearing Association.
Julie received a Master of Education degree from the University of South Alabama. Julie has also completed extensive additional graduate work in screening for dyslexia. She is a certified Barton Tutor and earned the designation of Dyslexia Consultant and Tester. She is trained in various Orton-Gillingham based programs for academic language therapy including handwriting, creative writing, and math. In addition, Julie received training from the Institute of Multisensory Language Education, AIM-Pathways to Proficient Reading and Writing, Neuhaus Multisensory Grammar, and Neuhaus Reading Readiness.
Julie has a passion for struggling students. Identifying why a student is struggling with certain areas of school and helping parents understand those struggles is her professional specialty. Julie is a member of Dauphin Way Methodist Church. She enjoys living in Mobile because the people are so friendly. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting her children and grandchildren, cooking, gardening, biking and boating.
Genny Fain
Director
Genny Fain is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) and a Certified Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist who began her career with Read Write in 2016. She is also a board member of the International Dyslexia Association of Alabama (IDA). She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama in 2010. Genny is a certified Class B Elementary, K-6 teacher and previously taught fourth grade at J. Larry Newton School. Genny achieved her certification as an Orton-Gillingham dyslexia specialist and is also certified through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. Genny’s additional training includes being a Barton Reading and Spelling System Certified Tutor, Handwriting Without Tears, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Neuhaus Multisensory Grammar, Neuhaus Advanced Multisensory Grammar, Neuhaus Developing Accuracy and Fluency, Foundations in Sounds, Phonics First and Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). Genny’s favorite thing about working at Read-Write is the warm and welcoming atmosphere that allows her to get to know each student individually. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little boys, Wallace and Wells.
Jennifer Herrington
Assistant Director & Academy Facilitator
Jennifer Herrington is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT). She is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi where she received a dual degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-12). She holds a masters degree in Dyslexia Therapy from The University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to working at Read-Write, Jennifer served as a Special Education Teacher at Martin Bluff Elementary in Gautier, MS. Jennifer is a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). Her training includes Neuhaus Multisensory Grammar, Handwriting Without Tears, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Brainspring’s Phonics First, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Barton Reading and Spelling System. Jennifer enjoys working one-on-one with her students. Seeing children who were once struggling become more confident is her favorite part about teaching at Read-Write. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband, Trent, and two sons, Brooks and Rivers.
Martha Cook
Martha Cook joined the Read-Write team in 2011. An experienced teacher, Martha previously worked as an Alternative Instruction Program (AIP) Teacher and Reading Support Teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School. Martha’s training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training, Neuhaus Multisensory Grammar, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Neuhaus Written Composition, Handwriting Without Tears, Phonics First, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Lindamood-Bell programs including Cloud 9 Math, Seeing Stars, and LiPS. Martha is a member of the International Dyslexia Association. A University of Mississippi graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a Concentration in reading. Martha’s professional specialty is early intervention. She loves living close to the beach, and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, baking, sewing, and traveling.
Lucy Williams
Lucy Williams began teaching at Read Write in 2013. Lucy previously worked as a first grade assistant teacher at St. Ignatius Catholic School. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina- Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and is pursuing a Master of Education in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training, DuBard Association Method, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Neuhaus Multisensory Grammar, Neuhaus Written Composition, Handwriting Without Tears, Phonics First, Institute for Excelling in Writing (IEW) and the Shelton School Study Skills course. Lucy is also certified through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. Lucy is a member of the International Dyslexia Association. Her favorite thing about teaching at Read Write is working one-on-one with students to help them progress, improve, and become able to accomplish more in school.
Meg Finkbohner
Meg Finkbohner joined the Read-Write team in 2013. She is a Louisiana State University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Meg was a Resource Teacher at Wilmer Elementary School for eight years and holds a Class B Learning Disabilities certification. Her professional specialty is remedial reading, and her favorite thing about teaching at Read-Write The Learning Center is working with students individually. She enjoys watching them improve. Meg has received Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Neuhaus Written Composition and Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor training. Meg loves living in Mobile and being close to the beach and Mobile Bay. In her spare time, she likes to fish and hunt with her family.
Jerrie Quina
Jerrie Quina has 30 years of teaching experience. Through the years, she has taught students from kindergarten through high school. Jerrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in ESL. Jerrie's favorite thing about teaching at Read-Write The Learning Center is seeing a student transform from struggling to successful. With that success comes greater student self-confidence. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training, Handwriting Without Tears, Neuhaus Written Composition Fundamentals, Neuhaus Multisensory Grammar, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Neuhaus Developing Fluency, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Phonics First. Jerrie is a member of the Alabama International Dyslexia Association and St. Ignatius Catholic Church. In her spare time, Jerrie loves to read, sew, hike and entertain her family and friends.
Laurie Crane
Laurie Crane has nearly 25 years of teaching experience. She joined the Read-Write team in 2012. Prior to teaching at Read Write, Laurie was a Reading Specialist and AIP Teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School. Laurie holds a Class B certification in Special Education PK-12. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Laurie is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training, Handwriting Without Tears, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Neuhaus Multisensory Grammar, and Neuhaus Written Composition. She loves getting to know each student individually and helping them find their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. “I see them become more confident and watch them succeed in anything they set their minds to do!” In her spare time, Laurie enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Lori Sharpe
Lori began teaching at Read-Write the Learning Center in 2020. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System and Phonics First. Lori’s favorite thing about Read-Write is getting to know and work with students one-on-one. She loves encouraging children to become their best self. She is very involved in the Strickland Youth Center Leadership program, Women’s Resource Center and Young Life Ministry. In her free time, she loves to run and go to the beach. She loves spending time with her husband and two kids, Brittney and Joseph.
Leslie Bullock
Leslie began teaching at Read-Write Learning Center in 2020. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Prior to joining Read Write, she taught in a school setting for several years. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training and Neuhaus Reading Readiness. Leslie’s favorite thing about Read-Write is getting to know and work with students one-on-one and address their specific needs. She is very involved in her church and volunteers at her children’s school. In her free time, she loves to go to the beach, travel with her family, and watch Hallmark movies and baking shows. She loves spending time with her husband and two kids, Emme Grace and Samuel.
Donna Muscat
Donna began teaching at Read-Write the Learning Center in 2021. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Prior to joining Read Write, she taught preschool, kindergarten and third grade in Mobile, AL for twenty-seven years. She was a Nappie Award Finalist for Best Preschool Teacher in 2019. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, Phonics First and Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW).
Alison Craft
Alison began teaching at Read-Write the Learning Center in 2020. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood with a dual certification in Early/ Elementary Education. Prior to joining Read Write, she taught kindergarten and first grade for twenty-two years. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling Systems Tutor Training, Phonics First, AMSTI, Nearpod Certified Educator, Talents Unlimited, Six Traits Writing, and Math PLT Leader. She is trained in LETRS for elementary educators and is currently working on LETRS for early childhood educators training. Alison’s favorite thing about Read-Write is having the opportunity to work one-on-one with students. In her free time she loves to read, watch football, and play with her dog. She loves spending time with her husband and kids, one who was a Read-Write student herself!
Traci Smith
Traci began teaching at Read-Write Learning Center in 2022. She graduated from the University of Mobile with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She also received her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mobile. Traci has 27 years of teaching experience. She is currently employed at Saraland Early Education Center as a Reading Intervention teacher. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training and Phonics First. Traci’s favorite thing about Read-Write is getting to know the friendly staff and knowing that she is playing a small part in a struggling student’s journey to become a better reader. She is very involved in her church in Saraland. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends. The beach is her favorite place to be. Traci and her husband have four children, Natalie, Madison, Colten and Karson, as well as two precious grandchildren, Carson and Tenley.
Katie Felis
Katie came back to teach at Read-Write the Learning Center in 2022. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Spring Hill with a BS in Elementary Education. She also graduated from Florida State with an MFA in Dance. Katie previously taught 5th grade Math, Science, and Religion at Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood, AL. That was where she was first introduced to the importance of helping students with dyslexia! Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training, Neuhaus Reading Readiness and Phonics First. Katie’s favorite thing about Read-Write is getting to help children read and enjoy reading as much as she does. She is involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and Mobile Ballet, and she volunteers at her children’s school. In her free time, she loves dancing, reading, exploring Mobile with her family and spending time with her kids. She and her husband have three precious children.
Medea Taylor
Medea began teaching at Read-Write Learning Center in 2022. She has a Master of Science, Speech Language Pathology and Bachelor of Science, Speech and Hearing degree from the University of South Alabama. She has over 20 years experience as a Speech Language Pathologist serving in a variety of locations. Her speciality is phonemic awareness and reading comprehension skills. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training. Medea’s favorite thing about Read-Write is working with the students and watching them make progress toward their goals. She also enjoys working alongside so many talented teachers and instructors. In her free time, Medea loves to read, travel and participate in local theater. She has three sons and one grandson, and she can’t imagine living anywhere else than by the Gulf of Mexico.
Claire Denton
Claire began teaching at Read-Write Learning Center in 2023. Claire grew up in Mobile, AL, but attended college in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Belmont University in December 2022 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training and Phonics First. Her professional speciality is helping students to realize their abilities and potential in all areas. Claire’s favorite thing about Read Write is being able to provide individualized instruction to a variety of students at different locations. She also loves working with a dynamic team of educators who are passionate about teaching and helping students to become independent readers. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and playing the piano. She also loves living close to the water and going fishing and hunting with her family.
Sue Buffkin
Sue is a certified teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama, an Master of Science degree in Elementary Education and Reading Certification N-12, from the University of South Alabama. She is also certified in ESL (English as a Second Language), K-12. Sue joined Read-Write The Learning Center in 2019. Working with students in a one-on-one setting leads to maximum results and progress. Sue especially enjoys the supportive and encouraging environment at Read-Write. In her free time, Sue can be found quilting and sewing, reading, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Carolyn Neese
Carolyn joined Read Write in November 2023. Carolyn has over 20 years of teaching experience, through homeschooling her own children as well as teaching in the Mobile County Public School System. She is currently teaching Cyprus Grove Academy. Her degree is in History, and she is successful in making learning relative to life. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training. Carolyn’s favorite thing about Read Write is spending time with children in a one setting and experiencing their love and eagerness for learning. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 11 children and 12 grandchildren.
Kristina McKean
Kristina joined the Read Write team in October 2023. She had a B.S. in Child Development from the University of Tennessee. She also graduated from Spring Hill College with a M.A.T. in Elementary Education. Kristina has taught K3, K4 and 4th grade and has spent lots of time substituting in Elementary and Middle School grade levels. She is an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, a community bible study, and the Festival of Flowers committee. In her spare time, Kristina loves spending time with her family and friends. She loves going to the beach during the summer and spending lots of time on the boat. She is also an avid reader and love learning new things and traveling. She has been married for 18 years and has three beautiful children. Kristina’s favorite thing about Read Write is the students! She loves being able to teach one-on-one and really focusing on the individual needs of each student. She also loves the teachers-it is an incredible environment and everyone feels like family!
Kandace Elmore
Kandace started teaching at Read Write Learning Center in 2023. She loves teaching reading. When asked what she loved about Read Write, she said, “I love the programs and seeing how well the student respond to them.” Kandace teaches our students at Jackson Academy in Jackson, AL. Her training includes Barton Reading and Spelling System Tutor Training. In her spare time, Kandace and her family enjoy spending time at the beach and their river camp.
Morgan Walker
Administrative Assistant
Morgan joined the Read Write team in October 2023. She is a counselor and has worked in clinical, academic, and non-profit settings with all ages. She has a BA in Psychology & Sociology from Birmingham Southern College. Morgan also has a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling and a MA in Theological Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. She is a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and volunteers with Joni and Friends Disability Ministry. In her spare time, Morgan enjoys hanging out with her family, cooking, doing a house purge and watching a great TV series with her husband. She and her husband have two precious daughters. Morgan’s favorite thing about Read Write is how much the staff cares for each student who walks through the door! The value Read Write puts on quality care for our community is inspiring to be around.
Katie Killion
Administrative Assistant
Katie is a graduate of The University of South Alabama and Springhill College. She worked at Waterman Steamship Corporation for 7 years and just recently retired from St. Mary’s Catholic School after 22 years. Katie has three children and three grandchildren. She loves spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, knitting, sewing, painting, reading and cooking. Her favorite thing about Read Write is getting to know to the students and working with a great group of professional students.
McRae Dugger
Outreach Coordinator
McRae joined Read Write in February 2024. She has been teaching for numerous years in Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade. McRae attended the University of Alabama studying Early Childhood Development. She went on to receive her masters degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mobile. McRae loves working with children and she stated, “I love watching a student light up when a concept ‘clicks.’ The joy and how proud they are is priceless!” Aside from working at Read Write, McRae is involved in Outback America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast, Magic Moments, and St. Ignatius Church. In her spare time, she enjoys running and going to be beach with her family. McRae and her husband, Davis, have three children and a precious chocolate lab.
