Meet our Dedicated Learning Specialists
At Spectrum School all of our teachers are experienced professional educators who have dedicated their careers to effective reading, writing, and math instruction for students with diverse learning styles. They have classroom teaching experience, advanced degrees in education, and are well versed in methods specific to supporting students with learning differences. Our specialists hold advanced training in Orton Gillingham Reading Instruction, which is the gold standard for teaching students with Dyslexia and struggling readers, as well as extensive training in teaching writing and math. All of our teachers are background checked and vaccinated for Covid, and Learning Specialists working in person can wear masks if requested.
In Person: Boulder Metro Area
Virtual sessions available anywhere
Jordan Burns, Founder
Education:
M.S. in Literacy with Dyslexia Endorsement, Univ. of Central Arkansas, 2024
Professional Certificate in Educational Therapy, University of CA Riverside, 2020
B.A. in Psychology and Education, Gonzaga University, 2011
IMSE Orton Gillingham Training 2019
Experience:
Educational Therapist specializing in Dyslexia, 2019 - present
2nd/3rd grade Teacher, Aurora School Oakland, CA 2018-2020
1st/2nd grade Teacher, Helios New School, Sunnyvale CA 2015-2018
I started Spectrum School because I am passionate about supporting students who learn differently.
As a classroom teacher, it broke my heart to see students struggle with frustration and low self esteem because they couldn't access the classroom curriculum, and I became dedicated to learning how how to support these students. I got a Certificate in Educational Therapy through the University of California Riverside, trained in Orton Gillingham through IMSE, and pursued my Masters in Literacy and Dyslexia through the International Dyslexia Association Accredited program at the University of Central Arkansas.
The other Learning Specialists on the team and I have devoted our careers to effectively teaching students with learning differences, and approach our work with genuine enthusiasm, expertise, and warmth.
Providing your child with the tools they need to succeed academically is a gift that will last them a lifetime. Speak to us today about setting your child up with a learning specialist who can help them thrive.
Alexandra Ashworth
Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive Plus & Morphology Plus trained; Wilson Reading System certified
Background in Child & Adolescent Development with extensive experience supporting students with dyslexia, neurodivergence, and Tier 3 MTSS needs
Graduate-level training in Educational Theatre and Arts-Integrated Curriculum (NYU); currently pursuing an M.A. in Literacy Education with Reading Specialist endorsement (PreK–12)
Alexandra Ashworth is a passionate educator, literacy interventionist, puppeteer, and arts-integrated educator who strives to create educational environments that empower, embrace, and promote student voice! Working with students across the United States from the urban streets of New York City to the rural hills of Appalachia, Alexandra has taught Multi-Lingual Learners in a wide variety of languages alongside working closely with students who have Tier 3 MTSS needs, neurodivergence, and dyslexia. With a background in Child and Adolescent Development and Family Studies, one of Alexandra’s greatest loves is being a collaborative partner with Student families to not only empower students within their learning, but their families as well! Alexandra has been certified and trained in Orton Gillingham Comprehensive Plus training, Orton Gillingham Morphology Plus Training, as well as Wilson Reading Systems. A lover of bringing literature, writing, and reading to life in playful and creative ways, Alexandra studied at the Graduate level at NYU within Educational Theatre and Arts-Integrated Curriculum and is Currently Pursuing a Masters in Literacy Education with Pre-K through 12th grade Reading Specialist Endorsement and Certification. She couldn’t be more thrilled to get to know your student and foster confidence within their identity as a learner, reader, and writer!
Samantha Galloway
Over 10 years of experience teaching Special Education
Specialized in Orton-Gillingham–based literacy instruction for the past 2 years
Extensive experience supporting students with literacy challenges and learning differences
My favorite part about teaching is being a witness when a student has that “AHA” moment. Their face lights up in a way that always leaves a lasting impression. I’ve had the blessing of teaching in some capacity for almost 20 years now. I’ve worked with ages as young as preschool, as old as seventh grade, and all the grades in between. For the past five years, I had the privilege of owning and operating my own one-room schoolhouse. It was this opportunity that allowed me to see the importance of one-on-one teaching moments. I look forward to working with many more students in this capacity.
Virtual Only:
Brenna Blazis
B.A. in Special Education & Elementary Education; Georgia-certified in Elementary and Special Education (P–12)
12+ years of experience teaching in inclusive and self-contained settings in the U.S. and abroad
Curriculum writer and teacher trainer with the Peace Corps (Liberia & Dominican Republic); trained in research-based literacy and language programs
Brenna Blazis is a passionate educator who loves to utilize her experiences and tools to develop successful lifelong learners. Brenna will work alongside your child's strengths and interests to create engaging virtual lessons to address their learning needs to build all content area skills.
Her career in education stemmed from her own successes and struggles in elementary and middle school. To better serve the needs of all students regardless of setting, Brenna received my bachelor's degree in Special and Elementary Education from the University of Evansville.
As a continual learner, she has refined her practices through programs like Reaching All Reader, PilotEd Curriculum Fellowship, Rollins Center for Language, and more. Brenna worked in different capacities within education over the last 12 years in both the United States and abroad.She especially loved sharing her passion for quality education for all, as a curriculum writer and teacher trainer with the Peace Corps Liberia and the Dominican Republic. In the United States, Brenna holds multiple teaching certificates from the state of Georgia in both elementary and special education P-12. In the US, Brenna has taught all subjects in various inclusive and self-contained special education settings. As an educator, she works with her students to build not only social, emotional, and academic skills but also self-advocacy.
Brenna's lessons are rooted in self-advocacy, a growth mindset, and research-based practices to best meet the needs of each learner. Over her time with Spectrum School, she has developed a skill set to work with older learners, especially on spelling, reading, writing composition, math, and organizational skills. Brenna currently has availability to work with students during the day. Brenna is excited to work with your child to build their skills together through virtual lessons!
Charles
20+ years of experience in public schools supporting students across all grade levels
Advanced training in education and psychology; extensive experience supporting academic, organizational, and behavioral skill development
Experience training educators and developing school-wide programs to support student learning
Charles is an experienced educator with more than 20 years in public schools, directly supporting students’ learning and development. With advanced training in education and psychology, he has worked in schools at every grade level and has helped hundreds of students grow academically and build confidence in their abilities.
Charles specializes in helping students strengthen core academic skills, improve organization and study habits, and develop strategies for managing attention, motivation, and behavior. His approach is positive, individualized, and focused on helping each student experience success in the learning process.
In addition to teaching and supporting students directly, Charles has trained educators, developed classroom programs, and helped design systems to support student learning across schools. He brings that same knowledge and care to every tutoring session—creating a supportive, encouraging environment where students can thrive.