Meet The Team
Behind The Virtual Classroom
Meet The Founder
Alicia L. Burchell, M .Ed.
Ali Burchell is the founder of The Virtual Classroom, a certified reading specialist, instructional coach, and published author with over 16 years of experience in education. As an AuDHD individual and a parent of two neurodiverse children, she deeply understands the complexities of diverse learning needs, both in the classroom and at home.
She launched The Virtual Classroom in response to the alarming literacy and math outcomes reported in each year in the NAEP Report Card. In 2022, it showed that 67% of 4th graders were reading below grade level and 64% were below grade level in math.
Ali set out to change those outcomes by:
- Delivering effective, research-proven instruction that helps all students
- Equipping parents with the tools and confidence to support learning at home
- Advocating for structured literacy and evidence-based practices in classrooms
Ali lives in Millerstown, PA with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not teaching or supporting families, she enjoys being at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or jet skiing across the lake.
Publications
Digital Learning in High-Needs Schools A Critical Approach to Technology Access and Equity in PreK-12
Chapter 13: Using Bitmoji and Google Classroom to Support Remote Literacy Instruction in High-Needs Schools
In this chapter, Grimes and Burchell explore how digital classrooms—powered by Bitmojis and Google Classroom—can engage students in rural communities and offer opportunities to improve outcomes both in remote and in-person learning environments.
Credentials & Certifications
Masters of Education
PK-12 Reading Specialist & Instructional Coaching
Bachelor of Science in Education
K-6 Elementary & Kindergarten Education
PA Certification Instructional Level II
• Elementary Education K-6
• Reading Specialist PK-12
• Instructional Coaching: Literacy Emphasis Endorsement
Meet the People Who Make It Happen
Molly Leader, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Specialist
Molly is a former Kindergarten and First Grade teacher and now a Reading Specialist with six years of experience. She supports students both virtually and in person at our New Bloomfield, PA Learning Center. Molly brings creativity and fun to every session, helping students stay engaged while building skills that last. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, fall weather, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Abby Leonard, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Specialist
Abby holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is Orton-Gillingham certified. She leads small groups, private sessions, and assessments at The Virtual Classroom. Abby’s calm, encouraging presence helps students feel confident and capable every step of the way. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with loved ones.
Mallory Fuentes, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Specialist
Mallory is a Special Education teacher with over 14 years of experience and a passion for supporting early learners. Her energy and enthusiasm make sessions engaging and empowering for students at all stages. At home, she enjoys time with her family (and pets—Yogi, Katniss, and Tiger Lily Woods), cooking, swimming, and fishing.
Courtney Cook, M.S.
Structured Literacy Specialist
Courtney is a National Board Certified Teacher with Reading Expert Certification and extensive training in Structured Literacy and dyslexia. With over a decade of experience in teaching and professional development, Courtney specializes in literacy instruction, adult education, and educator training. Some hobbies she enjoy are reading, crafting, and exploring new places.
Courtney Painton, EdD
Structured Literacy Specialist
Courtney brings over 10 years of experience working in early childhood, elementary, and higher education settings. She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Spanish, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an ESL and bilingual education specialization, and a doctorate degree in early childhood education. She is passionate about early learning and literacy and strives to cultivate confidence, self-efficacy, and a love for learning and reading. Outside of teaching, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and being around animals.
Meg Dixon, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Specialist
Meg has 13 years classroom teaching experience, with 10 years in first grade. She have a Master’s Degree in Reading Education and is a certified Reading Specialist K-12. She lives just outside of Pittsburgh with her husband, two kids, Golden Doodle, and two Siamese cats. She loves to run, exercise, read, and spend time outside on sunny days.
Michelle Beauvais, M.Ed, NBCT
Structured Literacy Specialist
Michelle has degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, along with a master’s degree in Reading Education. She is a certified Reading Specialist (PK–12) and a Nationally Board Certified Teacher with advanced training in Structured Literacy and dyslexia-informed instruction. Michelle loves helping students build confidence as readers and writers and enjoys breaking learning into clear, manageable steps. Outside of teaching, she enjoys learning new things, spending time with her family, and finding creative ways to connect learning to everyday life.
Samantha Holtackers, Ed.S
Structured Literacy Specialist
Samantha is a Special Education teacher with 8 years of experience supporting students in K–5 settings. She has worked with a variety of literacy programs and draws on the specialized knowledge gained through her Dyslexia certificate to help all learners develop the skills they need to become confident, proficient readers. She is passionate about a student-centered approach that is inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of each child. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, exploring nature, and cheering on their favorite team, the Georgia Bulldogs.
Dr. LisaRose Blanchette, EdD
Structured Literacy Specialist
LisaRose is a licensed Arizona educator (K–8) with a Structured English Immersion endorsement and extensive experience in classroom instruction, curriculum design, and educational leadership. Throughout her career, she has supported both students and educators in diverse K–12 settings, drawing on her years of teaching experience to implement effective, research-based strategies that promote meaningful learning and student success.
Erika Galvin, M.Ed.
Program Success Coach
With two decades of education experience, Erika specializes in structured literacy and coaching teachers to elevate their instructional practice. Erika’s extensive training allows her to support educators in making research-backed strategies accessible and effective. Erika also brings 12+ years of experience teaching multilingual learners across diverse settings. In her free time she enjoys learning, decorating, and spending time with her children.
Ej Tolentino
Executive and Operations Assistant
EJ brings experience in digital marketing and operations, where organization, clarity, and problem-solving were key. In transitioning to education support, he’s been able to leverage these strengths to keep systems running smoothly, coordinate schedules, and support both teachers and students, ensuring that learning always stays front and center. Outside of work, EJ enjoys gaming, playing D&D, and taking care of his cats.
Mary Eser
Executive and Operations Assistant
Mary brings a well-rounded background in design, project management, hospitality, and operations. With over 10 years of experience managing creative projects, streamlining processes, and supporting people-focused environments, she helps keep our virtual classroom running smoothly and welcoming for everyone. In her free time, Mary enjoys gardening, painting, and doing crafts for her daughter.
Each member of our team brings deep expertise, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping every child succeed.
Ready to Learn if We’re the Right Fit for Your Child?
8401 Spring Road Suite 2 New Bloomfield, PA 17068
[email protected]
(717) 470-2717
