Dyslexic Edge Network Tutors

Dyslexic Edge Tutor Certification

• Our tutors go through a two year training program to learn our propriety curriculum based on the best practices for structured literacy.  Our program meets or exceeds the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards

• Our two year training program includes:

  • 18 hours of coursework

  • Over 90 hours of practicum work.  This work is done with one student over the two-year period

  • 6 observations

  • A final video submission recording of a lesson plan created by the tutor tailored to their student’s needs

Our Tutors

• Our tutors are able to join our network once they have completed unit one of our five unit curriculum with their practicum student and are approved to do so by our Training Team

Kim Amatucci

Kim Amatucci joined Sliding Doors in 2017 and is currently the site manager of the after-school program at St. Bernadette Catholic School.  Kim began her professional career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, specializing in neurological and orthopedic disorders.  She became interested in the Sliding Doors program following the dyslexia diagnoses of her two older children.  She understands the educational struggles of dyslexic students firsthand and trained to become a Sliding Doors tutor in order to help young children achieve their potential in an environment that welcomes their unique and diverse learning styles.  Kim has a clientele list that focuses on early elementary school through middle school-aged children.  Kim brings enthusiasm and compassion to every child she works with and sincerely believes in the importance of empowerment.

Melissa Gilligan

I am from Southwest Virginia and moved across the state to Northern Virginia with my husband and two daughters in 2015.  Before becoming an educator, I worked as an assistant in a cyber security firm.  As my oldest started school, I started volunteering in the schools and realized my passion for working with children. 

 I received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and have been working in the Catholic school system since moving here in 2015.  This is my 5th year teaching first grade. I joined Sliding Doors in 2019 after watching it change the lives of some of my students.  When I am not teaching, I love to read myself, and enjoy spending time with my family.

Stephanie Krolicki

As a graduate from Mount Saint Mary's University, I learned to embrace the core values of commitment, dedication to excellence and, a desire to serve others. After graduation, I enjoyed a fascinating career helping protect investors as an Analyst and Investigator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). When our son began elementary school, I was able to volunteer for various activities. I felt a new calling, passion and opportunity to serve develop. In 2006, I pursued a teaching certification through the Virginia Catholic Education Association. I had the joy and privilege of teaching in the classroom and, later as a learning resource teacher for 13 years. I recently completed a 2-year tutor certification program through Sliding Doors. I thoroughly enjoy tutoring students in the Sliding Doors program, where I see them grow in confidence and competence.

Barb Peckl


Originally, from New York City, I was a marketing director in New York and London before pursuing a career in education.  Although I enjoyed working in publishing, being an educator has always been my passion. After the birth of my children. I returned to school to receive my VCEA teaching license from UVA and have been an elementary teacher since 2007. I have an Advanced Catechist certification in Religion and completed the Sliding Doors/SDSquared certification in January of 2020. Since then, I have worked as a tutor in the SDSquared Network. In my spare time, I  love to travel, especially to New York to visit family, watch the History Channel, and read!

Carly Swanson

I started volunteering with Sliding Doors in 2018 and became a Sliding Doors tutor in 2019. I am a first grade teacher and a graduate student at George Mason University working to earn a masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration on literacy. I became interested in the Sliding Doors program because I am dyslexic and ADHD. My knowledge of what it's like to be a student with dyslexia helps me relate to the students I teach. I want to make sure that students have the opportunity to be successful and know all the gifts that dyslexia can give them. I'm always looking for ways to give back to the dyslexic community. I would not have made it to the point where I am today without awesome tutors and mentors like Sliding Doors provides to so many students.

Krista Sharp

When researching tutoring options for my children, Sliding Doors caught my eye. I was intrigued with their approach of combining STEM activities with their Orton Gillingham-based curriculum. After my daughter completed the program and I saw how it improved her reading and transformed her confidence, I jumped at the opportunity to participate in tutor training. I hold a B.S. in Environmental Earth Science from the University of Mary Washington and an M.S. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University. I completed my Sliding Doors practicum in the summer of 2021. I currently work as a proposal writer and editor for a small cybersecurity company and teach an Environmental Science course at Northern Virginia Community College. I love all things outdoors, and my hobbies include hiking with my family, biking, and paddling.

Tiffany Brutus

Tiffany Brutus earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from James Madison University and is now a Ph.D. candidate within JMU's School of Strategic Leadership Studies at JMU. She has over 16 years of program development and academic support services at the Higher Education level. In addition, Tiffany serves on the board of directors for the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center, as well as, on her local public school district's Special Education Advisory Committee. Tiffany was introduced to Sliding Doors through her search for support for her daughter, Amber who is Dyslexic. Despite being outside of the northern Virginia area, Amber is a proud graduate program, and Tiffany was inspired to become a Sliding Doors tutor expanding our reach to help as many kids as possible.

Elizabeth Ndawi Elee

Hailing from northeast Ohio, Elizabeth works in healthcare technology as an analyst, strategist, and software trainer. She has embraced education-related volunteer roles during her 10+ years in Northern Virginia: teaching basic computer skills to adult ESL students, educating tenants on sustainable/home-efficiency practices in their homes, and tutoring children. Elizabeth has worked in hospitals, nonprofits, and corporations for most of her professional life. In her free time, she cycles with her son, reads copiously, and hikes. Elizabeth holds a master’s degree in information systems, and dual bachelor’s degrees in human psychology and English literature. Elizabeth subscribes whole-heartedly to that old West African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child, and she is eager to join your child’s learning village. 

Diane Ramos

Originally from Connecticut, Diane began her professional career in the New York metro area before calling Northern Virginia home. She’s worked in corporations, government, and non-profits in professional development, training, and project management for most of her professional life. She holds a BBA in Marketing/Business from Western Connecticut State University. Diane became interested in Sliding Doors after her two children were diagnosed withe ADHD/visual and auditory processing disorders. She understands the educational struggles of students with unique learning differences firsthand. Diane loves to see her students progress from reading avoiders and blossing into eager readers - wanting to share or read excerpts from a new favorite book. Her volunteering with children began years ago as a reading mentor, Cub/Girl Scout leaders, and various PTA and local community roles. In addition to spending time with her family, Diane’s hobbies include travel, history, and food - eating, cooking and baking, especially perfecting her bread and pizza crust techniques.