Our Team

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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.  

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Katie Metz

Katie is delighted to be joining the team at Once Upon a Time Literacy Specialists! 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.

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Kaylee Fair

Kaylee is thrilled to be joining our team as she continues her passion of working with children of all ages.  She comes highly qualified as a former teacher in the Peoria Unified School District where she formed close bonds with her students, parents, and coworkers.  This Arizona 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 both Wilson Fundations and the writing program, Think SRSD (Self-Regulatory Strategy Development).  During her free time, Kaylee enjoys working out at Barre3, reading books of all genres, and spending time with her husband, Zander.  

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        Linda Borchert

Linda comes to us with a wealth of experience after having taught in the classroom 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 come to an end, her excitement and 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.

Kendra is delighted to grow in her literacy journey! A highly effective and certified teacher for the past eight years, she received her BA in History and her MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. She has experience teaching students of all ages, but specializes in working with students of all ability levels - in small groups and one-on-one; she loves to find what works best for each student and what excites them as a learner. She is currently working on her EBLI certification, but has additional experience with Spalding, Structured English Immersion (SEI), and Kagan Cooperative Learning. She grew up in Florida and Phoenix, and has been back in the Valley for six years. In her spare time, she reads and writes voraciously, practices yoga, plays with her dogs, and spends time with her family.

        Kendra Thompson

Kendra is delighted to grow in her literacy journey! A highly effective and certified teacher for the past eight years, she received her BA in History and her MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. She has experience teaching students of all ages, but specializes in working with students of all ability levels - in small groups and one-on-one; she loves to find what works best for each student and what excites them as a learner. She is currently working on her EBLI certification, but has additional experience with Spalding, Structured English Immersion (SEI), and Kagan Cooperative Learning. She grew up in Florida and Phoenix, and has been back in the Valley for six years. In her spare time, she reads and writes voraciously, practices yoga, plays with her dogs, and spends time with her family.