The Reading League Ohio
We believe that all children can learn to read and all teachers can learn to teach them. Yet, after decades of education policy changes and increased testing, much of reading education is failing millions of children in acquiring life’s most important education endeavor towards knowledge and fulfillment. Only a third of students in the U.S. achieve reading proficiency. Low literacy levels contribute to poor physical health, mental health, employment opportunities, and quality of life. Students who struggle to read often feel alone, as do the educators and parents who experience frustration when they cannot find adequate information and guidance.
Meet Our Executive Committee
As an assistant professor at Marietta College, Michelle Elia helps prepare pre-service teachers to teach reading using evidence-based language and literacy practices. Elia was previously one of two Ohio Literacy Leads, a role that allowed her to train district administrators, teachers, and regional consultants across Ohio in the science of reading. Elia is a nationally recognized literacy professional development provider, training educators in literacy assessments and instruction within an MTSS framework grounded in reading science. She serves as a school board member of her local district and president of The Reading League Ohio. A lifelong learner, Elia is pursuing her doctorate in Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University. Michelle is passionate about ensuring all students learn to read using evidence-based literacy practices that are inclusive of all students. When she is not talking about reading, her favorite job is being a mom to three active teenagers.
Jennifer Walker is an Adolescent Literacy Specialist for the Ohio Department of Education, focusing on literacy in grades 4-12. With 27 years of experience, she has held roles as Curriculum Director and PK-8 Principal in Youngstown, where she secured a 1.96 million grant for literacy initiatives. A former middle and high school English teacher, Jennifer was named Ohio Teacher of the Year in 2010. She holds National Board Certification and serves as an adjunct instructor at Youngstown State University.
Rebecca Tolson, Ph.D., CALT-QI: Rebecca Tolson, Ph.D., CALT-QI: Rebecca Tolson is the Director of the Center for Structured Literacy at the University of Akron and a national literacy/ dyslexia consultant and speaker. She has a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Akron and is a Certified Dyslexia Therapist and Qualified Instructor. Rebecca is an experienced educator with over three decades of teaching experience in the classroom and private tutoring using a Structured Literacy approach to teach students with learning differences. Rebecca served as Vice President of Literacy
Initiatives at the Neuhaus Education Center, a national non-profit organization specializing in teacher professional development. She co-authored three Ohio laws related to dyslexia and was appointed to the Ohio Dyslexia Committee (ODC) in 2020. Rebecca serves as the current chair of the ODC, overseeing the implementation phase of the Ohio Dyslexia Guidebook.
Initiatives at the Neuhaus Education Center, a national non-profit organization specializing in teacher professional development. She co-authored three Ohio laws related to dyslexia and was appointed to the Ohio Dyslexia Committee (ODC) in 2020. Rebecca serves as the current chair of the ODC, overseeing the implementation phase of the Ohio Dyslexia Guidebook.
Tammy Sabrin, a former kindergarten teacher at Canfield Local Schools, holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and an M.Ed. in Literacy, Curriculum, and Instruction from Youngstown State University. A former National LETRS Facilitator and current National Literacy Advisor at 95 Percent Group LLC, she is dedicated to promoting evidence-based literacy practices and systemic educational change. Tammy lives in Poland, Ohio, with her husband Jeff and their three children, Nick, Dom, and Ava.
Amber Clay-Mowry is the Director of Leadership & Learning at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC). Her educational roles have included positions as an Ohio Adolescent Literacy Specialist, teacher, instructional coach, and district administrator. She holds master’s degrees in English Education, Curriculum, and Leadership, as well as a B.A. in English & Spanish. Amber is also a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for all students, emphasizing empowerment for educators and collaborative learning with teachers and leaders.
Meet Our Board Members
David Brobeck, PhD, is a Research Associate at the University of Cincinnati Systems Development & Improvement Center (UCSDI). A 49-year educator, he was raised in the shadows of the Western Pennsylvania steel mills by his educator parents. He holds a BA from California Lutheran University and a master’s and doctorate from Kent State University. He is one of twelve developers of the Ohio Reading and Literacy Standards (2024) where he focused on the new standards for writing. David’s wife Gretchen is a retired kindergarten teacher. They are parents to four daughters and grandparents of nine (seven girls, two boys).
Vicki Deel-Lezon is a lifelong resident of Vermilion, where she lives with her husband, Todd, and daughter, Emily. Her journey into her current role as a Parent Mentor of Ohio, serving six school districts, was shaped by her experience as the mother of a child with multiple disabilities. After a 24-year career in banking, Vicki transitioned into her 21-year role helping hundreds of families navigate the special education process. Her advocacy for her daughter’s research-based reading instruction revealed that many children she encountered were also reading below grade level, and she became passionate about ensuring all students had the opportunity to develop strong reading skills. This led Vicki to further study the Science of Reading and share her knowledge with families and school districts to raise the bar for student achievement. Vicki holds an Associate’s degree in Banking and Finance from Lorain County Community College (LCCC) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Ashland University. Over the years, she has served on several community boards, and currently serves on the boards of the Vermilion Education Foundation and Vermilion Community Services.
Juakita Bowens, M.Ed, serves as the Coordinator of Structured Literacy at Newark City Schools. During her 21 years of education, she has held several positions which include Regional Early Literacy Specialist, Building Literacy Coach, Title 1 Teacher, Preschool Teacher, and 1st Grade Teacher. A key focus for Bowens is supporting Ohio’s literacy efforts in early prevention and evidence-based strategies to ensure that each student, every teacher, and all families are equipped with the knowledge needed to ensure reading proficiency for all students. In her spare time, Juakita enjoys spending time with family and going to the gym.