Board of Directors - IDA Ohio Valley

International Dyslexia Association Ohio Valley Branch

2026 Board Members

	President – Carmen Mendoza Carmen graduated with an undergraduate degree in both Elementary Education and Specific Learning Disabilities. Her Masters focus was in Reading/Literacy Education. In the mid 90’s, she added training in Orton Gillingham, Wilson, Executive Functioning, and many other impactful topics that relate to educating students with dyslexia and specific learning disabilities. She became involved in the Ohio Valley Branch of the IDA as a way to connect with the Cincinnati region and all those that are impacted by dyslexia. Carmen likes to help people and provide resources for students/ families with dyslexia.
	Cari Kelly – Vice President, Collective Impact Representative Cari is an experienced educator and trainer with over 20 years of supporting students with learning disabilities. Her current role is as a Reading Specialist at Springer School and Center in Cincinnati, as well as a Wilson Credentialed Trainer and Learning Disabilities Specialist. She provides structured literacy instruction and leads professional development for fellow educators. Prior to this role, Cari spent more than 15 years as a classroom teacher at Springer, known for creating engaging, multi-sensory lessons and building strong connections with families. She holds a Master’s in Reading from Xavier University, along with certifications in Elementary Education and Specific Learning Disabilities, and a K–12 Reading Endorsement. As a recognized instructional leader, she’s received teaching awards and presented at both state conferences. Cari is passionate about improving literacy education and supporting teacher training to help all learners succeed.
	Maria Aielli – Secretary Maria Aielli is a literacy specialist, instructional coach, and assistant professor in the Reading Science program at Mount Saint Joseph University. With a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Reading Science, Maria brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She served as a special education teacher for nine years, gaining valuable experience supporting diverse learners. Passionate about empowering educators, parents, and students, Maria is dedicated to sharing effective instructional practices that foster success in reading and literacy development.
	Sara Cooper – Conference Chair Sara is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 8 years of experience, primarily at Springer School and Center. She is deeply committed to continuing education and staying current with research to support students with Learning Disabilities. Sara attend University of South Carolina. Her leadership experience includes serving as her sorority’s Social and Risk Management Chair where she managed large-scale event logistics, overseeing budgets, securing licensing and insurance, coordinating transportation, and arranging venue and vendor contracts. Sara’s passion for education and organizational expertise equips her to plan and implement impactful programs for the Ohio Valley IDA community with the support of a dedicated committee.
	Jennifer Naegele – Membership Chair Jennifer is an instructor and coach at Mount St. Joseph University. She is a doctoral candidate in Reading Science with certification in Orton-Gillingham. She is an Acadience reading K-6 Mentor. She loves being a part of Ohio Valley Branch board because of her passion to support educators in early literacy.
	Christina Scheckel – Communications Team Leader, Website, Newsletter Chair Christina graduated with an undergraduate degree in Dietetics. Later in life, a career change led her to Mount Saint Joseph University for a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a K-12 Reading Endorsement. At MSJ, she had opportunities to add training in LTRS and Orton Gillingham. These have been valuable tools in helping children learn how to read. Christina currently works for Oak Hills School District in reading intervention for grades K-5. With a medical background, she is naturally gravitated to the quality research of IDA and their scientific approach to reading. Christina’s mom, brother, and a daughter all have dyslexia. Being a part of the Ohio Valley Branch of the IDA is a way to promote quality research and connect with other people that teach students with dyslexia. As Newsletter chair, it’s a fun way to use creative talents, share news about our branch, and help people get connected.
	Nikki Sullivan – Parent Educator Chair Nikki has dedicated her 25-year career as a speech-language pathologist to Springer School and Center, where she also serves as the team leader for the SLP team. She works primarily with middle school students and has extensive experience providing speech and language therapy to learners in grades 3 through 8. Nikki specializes in supporting students with Dyslexia and other learning disabilities, helping them develop strategies to improve their listening and reading comprehension skills. In her role, Nikki values the opportunity to collaborate with parents and guardians as part of each student’s academic team. She is committed to fostering the social, emotional, and academic success of the children she serves while empowering families to advocate effectively for their needs. As a parent of a child with ADHD, Nikki understands the challenges many families face. Her empathy and shared experiences enrich her partnerships with parents, creating a supportive environment for both students and their families.
	Ambor Moy – Products Chair Ambor is a dyslexic parent of three school-age children, all of whom are also dyslexic. She is a primary educator currently completing her studies at Mount St. Joseph University, where she is earning a dual licensure in Primary and Special Education. Her graduate program also includes Reading Science and Dyslexia certification. Ambor has experience advocating at the state level and has partnered with a small school district to support students with reading difficulties. Prior to relocating to Ohio in 2019, she was an active member of Washington, D.C.’s Decoding Dyslexia parent group. Two of her children have IEPs, and one has a 504 plan. Her journey has given her a unique perspective as both an educator and a parent, equipping her to navigate the challenges of supporting students with dyslexia from multiple angles.
	Sam Tolbert – Publicity & Social Media Chair Sam is a tutor and service provider for Bright Minds Solutions. Through this role she supports students on Jon Peterson Autism and Indiana Scholarship programs. She worked at Springer School and is a Wilson certified practitioner. Sam is committed to helping students and families with difficulties learning to read.
	Anne Leeman – Scholarship Chair Anne is a dedicated advocate for dyslexia awareness and education, brings both personal and professional experience to her work. As a mother of two children with dyslexia—and being dyslexic herself—Anne’s journey began in 2003 when she sought resources to support her family. She discovered the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), where she gained extensive training in the Orton-Gillingham approach and the Wilson Reading System (WRS). Anne has worked as a WRS tutor in public schools and private settings, helping individuals of all ages, including adults, improve their literacy skills. Passionate about making professional, structured literacy interventions widely accessible, Anne co-founded and currently directs L.Y.N.C. Works, a nonprofit organization. L.Y.N.C.—”Love Your Neighbor in Community”—connects struggling readers with qualified tutors, fostering mutual growth and well-being.
	Beth Canarie – Legislation Chair Beth is a dyslexia tutor for elementary and middle school aged students. She is a certified in Orton-Gillingham and was a special education teacher at Summit Country Day School. Beth is dedicated to advancing evidence-based practices and policy. She looks forward to educating our branch on legislative matters important to helping students in reading.
	Karen Gieger – Nominations Chair Karen is a middle school math and Just Words teacher at Springer School and Center. She has 28 years of experience inspiring young learners. Karen holds a master’s degree in Reading Education from Xavier university, is a Junior High curriculum co-creator, and is a lifelong science enthusiast. Karen is passionate about shaping future educators and empowering students.
	Nora Gokhan – Advisory Board Nora is an intervention specialist at Campbell Ridge Elementary School in Northern Kentucky. When she started her teaching career in Cincinnati, she was placed with reading specialists who were very knowledgeable about dyslexia and teaching reading. They encouraged Nora to apply for a scholarship with the Ohio Valley Branch of IDA and she was awarded a scholarship for initial Orton-Gillingham training through the Masonic Learning Center which is now called The Children’s Dyslexia Center. Nora completed the course and practicum in June of 2002 and has been a member of this branch ever since. Nora is dyslexic and remembers how hard reading and spelling were as a child. She loves working with children and spreading awareness about dyslexia.
	Al Early – Advisory Board Shortly after retirement in 2013, Al was invited to become a member of the Ohio Valley Branch of IDA. It was an excellent opportunity to complement his newly founded educational consulting business, which focuses on special education and reading challenges like those faced by many students throughout his 45-year career in education. He has been a member of the chapter since 2013. Al’s professional background includes 7 years of experience as a history and government teacher, along with 38 years in various administrative roles, including principal of 4 high schools, as a district director of special education, and as president of a non-public high school. Additionally, since enrolling in a school law course in 1974, he has kept well-informed regarding changes to education law, driven by both professional necessity and personal interest. Now, in addition to monitoring emerging legislation and litigation related to education, he occasionally engages directly with legislators to seek clarification on pending legislation and at times to offer input. All of this supports efforts to keep chapter members updated on new and proposed Ohio and Federal education laws, particularly those concerning literacy and promote good literacy at the Ohio State level.