Our Team
Jennifer Yenerich
As the owner of Once Upon a Time Literacy Specialists, Jennifer’s dedication and commitment to supporting struggling readers is evident in the knowledge and expertise she brings to each session. Jennifer graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She spent 16 years in the public schools as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher, as well as a reading interventionist. She has been working in private practice for 3 years and loves the success stories that come from working with students one-on-one. Jennifer is married to her supportive husband, Jay, and has three teenage children. Jennifer sees students in Peoria.
Katie Metz
Katie's love of reading and teaching students individually shines through to every tutoring session. She graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement. She spent 7 years teaching full time and 2 years as a substitute teacher. Katie has experience working with students in many grade levels and varying abilities. She is trained in Spalding and EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction). Katie has been married 16 years to her husband Chad, and they have 5 amazing kids. Some of her favorites include reading, gardening, exercising, and visiting the beach. Katie serves students in the San Tan Valley and Queen Creek area.
Kaylee Fair
Kaylee's passion for working with children of all ages is why she loves tutoring. She comes highly qualified as a former teacher in the Peoria Unified School District where she formed close bonds with students, parents, and coworkers. This AZ native is a proud graduate of Northern Arizona University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Kaylee is certified in EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction). She is also trained in Wilson Fundations and the writing program, Think SRSD (Self-Regulatory Strategy Development). During her free time, she enjoys working out at Barre3, reading books, and spending time with her husband, Zander. Kaylee is located in Surprise.
Linda Borchert
Linda has a wealth of experience after teaching for 27 years, 17 of those in first grade. Being a catalyst in her students’ journeys to becoming skilled readers is what Linda loved most about her years in this pivotal grade. Although her time in the classroom has ended, her dedication to children shines through as she continues sharpening her skills through Orton-Gillingham training and EBLI certification. Other trainings include Wilson and Spalding. Linda has a BS from Sonoma University and an early childhood education degree from ASU West. She has been married to Brian for 28 years and they have one son. When she isn’t busy camping or doing puzzles, she enjoys spending time with her sweet grandaughter. Linda is located in Peoria.
Nicole Miller
Nicole received her Post Baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education from San Diego State University with endorsements in ESL and Early Childhood Education. She aslo holds a Speech Language Pathology Assistant certification. Nicole was a classroom teacher for 17 years teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade in public, charter, and private schools. She has tutored students of various ages for the last 6 years. Nicole has a passion for helping struggling students find success. Nicole tutors students in Peoria.
LaNell Peck
LaNell has enjoyed teaching students for 17 years. She graduated with a degree in Psychology and later got her certification in Elementary Education with an SEI endorsement. LaNell was a stay at home mom until her youngest of 4 daughters started Preschool. She began subbing every day at her daughters' school and loved it! She has taught Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grade. Most recently, she was an Early Language Learning Instructor for K-4. LaNell is trained in Spalding, Logic of English (LOE), UFLI, and EBLI. LaNell has been married to her husband, Trevor, for 34 years. They have 4 daughters, 4 son-in-laws, one grandson, and another on the way. Since all of her children have moved out of state, her favorite thing to do is visit them! LaNell is located in Peoria.
Molly Bentley
Molly has spent 25 years in various educational settings. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She started as a paraprofessional with Special Education students. For two years, Molly was the fifth-grade classroom teacher and fifth-eighth grade creative writing teacher. Following a move to New Hampshire, Molly worked as a Title I reading and math teacher and also taught Kindergarten for a year. She began homeschooling her three children for fifteen years. She has enjoyed teaching reading online while maintaining her teaching license. She has gained training in the Science of Reading and EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction). Molly and her husband have been married for twenty-five years, have three children, and two rabbits. Molly looks forward to creating a calm and upbeat virtual environment where students can gain confidence as they grow reading skills.
Meagan Darbous
Meagan graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University, with endorsements in Art and SEI. She has literacy training in EBLI and the Science of Reading. Meagan has been in education for 15 years as an elementary school teacher in grades 3, 4, and 5, as well as K-8 art, and as a K-12 substitute teacher. She is passionate about helping her students discover the joy of reading and has expertise in helping struggling students gain the skills needed to become proficient, lifelong readers. In her free time, Meagan enjoys traveling, reading books of all kinds, dance classes, and spending time with her husband and son. Meagan sees students in North Glendale, Peoria.
Tovah Weisel
Tovah earned a BA from Binghamton University, a MA in Secondary English Education from Teachers College (Columbia University), and a MSE in Literacy Education from The College of New Rochelle. She is New York State certified in English Language Arts grades 7-12 and Literacy birth-grade 12 as well as EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction) trained. Tovah has been in education for more than 20 years, educating students both in the classroom and virtually. Through it all, her number one goal has been to help her students, no matter the age and no matter the reading level, find the fun and enjoyment in reading. Tovah herself is a passionate reader and is raising a family of passionate readers too. She and her husband have two young children who love reading…especially bedtime stories! Tovah is located in Westchester, NY but she is available to see students virtually.