Meet Our Structured Literacy Specialists

Behind The Virtual Classroom

We’re a small team of certified educators who specialize in helping struggling readers thrive. Every member of our team holds advanced degrees in education, along with extensive training in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy.

We’re not a big tutoring company that hires college students or follows a one-size-fits-all script. We’re veteran teachers who know how to connect with kids, figure out what’s really going on, and build the skills and confidence they need to grow.

We care deeply about the work we do and it shows in the relationships we build, the results we get, and the joy we see when things finally click.

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:

Styled Bullet List

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 | Certified Reading 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 | Certified Orton-Gillingham Instructor

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.

Jennifer Maia, M.Ed.

Structured Literacy Specialist | Certified Reading Specialist

Jennifer brings 20 years of experience and a passion for early literacy. She’s a certified Reading Specialist with a master’s degree in Literacy and currently teaches Kindergarten. Her nurturing, student-centered approach helps young learners feel safe, supported, and ready to grow. Jennifer loves hiking in the White Mountains and spending time with her family—including her turtle and Shih Tzu.

Mallory Fuentes, M.Ed.

Structured Literacy Specialist | Certified Special Education Teacher

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 | Certified Reading Expert

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.

Kathleen Doherty, M.Ed.

Structured Literacy Specialist | Certified Reading Specialist

With 22 years of experience in education, Kathi is a passionate literacy educator dedicated to helping every student become a confident, lifelong reader. Holding one master’s degree as a reading specialist and another in general education, she blends instruction with warmth and high expectations. Kathi believes that meaningful challenge and strong relationships are the foundation for deep learning. When she’s not teaching, Kathi loves to spend time at the barn working with and caring for horses, trying out new recipes, and depending on the season, snowmobiling or boating with her family.

Chrishaun McCray, M.Ed.

Structured Literacy Specialist | Education Specialist

Chrishaun, an Education Specialist in Instructional Technology and Media Design with an endorsement in Online Teaching, is a veteran educator with 13 years in the classroom, specializing in reading and helping learners unlock the power of words. She's a proud mom to a teenage son and a devoted human to her furbaby who keeps life lively at home. She's fueled by a love of sci-fi and fantasy, where imagination, world-building, and big ideas take center stage. Whether she's decoding text or diving into new galaxies, she believes great stories, on the page or in real life, have the power to change us.

Courtney Painton, EdD

Structured Literacy Specialist | Certified Reading 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 | Certified Reading 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.

Erika Galvin, M.Ed.

Program Success Coach | Structured Literacy Specialist

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.