Unpacking Comprehension

 

Dr. Ola Ozernov-Palchik is a Research Assistant Professor at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development and core faculty at the AI & Education Initiative. She is also a Research Scientist at MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research. Dr. Ozernov-
Palchik’s multi-disciplinary research centers on the cognitive neuroscience of language and literacy development, with a strong emphasis on translational work aimed at advancing learning
for all students and promoting educational equity. Her work has produced over two dozen scientific publications on the topic of literacy, and she was awarded the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Young Investigator Award. Her recent line of research includes harnessing and advancing AI to create effective, personalized, and scalable tools for literacy.

 

Dr. Hugh W. Catts is Professor of the School of Communication Science and Disorders at Florida State University. His research interests include the early identification and prevention of reading disabilities. He is a past board member of the International Dyslexia Association and past board member and President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading. He has received the Samuel T. Orton Award from the International Dyslexia Association and the Honors of the Association from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for his career contributions in each of these disciplines. His current research concerns the early identification of reading and language disabilities and the nature and assessment of reading comprehension problems.

 

Dr. Bonnie Singer has been dedicated to clinical service, teaching, research, publishing, and professional education for over 35 years.  With a primary interest in how language and cognition support and constrain academic performance, Dr. Singer is particularly passionate about working with students who struggle with executive functions and writing.  As the Founder and CEO of Architects For Learning, she led an interdisciplinary staff serving K-college students in the Boston area for 30 years.  She also founded Vivido, which develops high quality professional learning for SLPs, educators, and schools in evidence-based instructional methods for language, literacy, and learning.  Dr. Singer is a board-certified specialist in child language.  She was recognized by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association in 2023 for Outstanding Contributions in Clinical Achievement.  In 2024, Vivido merged with Wilson Language Training. Dr. Singer currently serves as Head of Writing Science & Instruction at Wilson.  Her research and numerous publications focus on the relationship between spoken and written language, spatial processing, executive functions, cognition, and self-regulated learning.  

 

Christine Shea is a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience teaching English and Language Arts at The Summit School. Since her retirement from full-time classroom teaching in 2020, she has served as Language Arts Coordinator. Chris provides integral support to teachers in curriculum planning, assessment, and differentiation. Her extensive expertise and commitment to supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences make her an invaluable resource and teacher leader at The Summit School.

 

 

 

 

 

Dorothy Flint is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 13 years of dedicated service at The Summit School. In her current role as the Oral Language Coordinator, she plays a pivotal part in enhancing oral language development for students as part of the foundation of reading and writing skills. Previously, Dorothy served as the Lower School Language Arts Coordinator, where she supported best instructional practices across multiple grade levels. With extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech and language disorders, Dorothy is committed to helping students develop the skills needed to succeed academically and socially. Her expertise in speech and language development, coupled with her comprehensive experience in educational environments, makes Dorothy a vital  resource for students, families, and educators at The Summit School.

 

Dr. Joan Mele-McCarthy, CCC-SLP is the Executive Director at The Summit School in Edgewater, MD, an independent school serving children with dyslexia and other learning differences.  Prior to this position, Dr. Mele-McCarthy served as Senior Policy Advisor and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) in the U.S. Department of Education (ED).  She has worked in public schools, university settings, and private practice.  She has served on numerous boards related to her work.  Currently she serves on the Maryland State Board of Education and she is the Director of Practitioner Programs for The Dyslexia Foundation. Her work includes presentation of peer reviewed research-to-practice papers and presentations on dyslexia, executive functions, and oral language foundations for academic achievement. Her publications include articles and book chapters related to policy for federal education legislation, students with disabilities, and English Learners with disabilities. Dr. Mele-McCarthy is also a Research Affiliate with the Department of Human Development & Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park.