About
“Our goal is to support and elevate not just students, but their families as well. We take pride in witnessing students gain capabilities and increase their self-confidence.”
Jenica Semler
FOUNDER OF LITERACY ILLUMINATED LLC
Jen has a Bachelor's degree in English, a Master's degree in Elementary Education, a postgraduate certificate in Literacy/Reading Instruction, and extensive training in Structured Literacy, including the Orton-Gillingham approach. She is licensed in Virginia as an elementary teacher (Pre-K to 6th) and a Reading Specialist (K to 12), and is a trained Literacy Coach.
Jen has over 20 years of experience in education. She began her career by supporting students receiving special education, followed by twelve years as a classroom teacher in Title 1 public elementary schools of Northern Virginia, where she taught students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of needs. After receiving her Reading Specialist license, she served as a reading interventionist, administering literacy assessments and providing interventions for students at various reading levels, including multilingual learners and students in the special education eligibility process. She also has experience teaching small groups of 6th to 8th grade students in a specialized private school for neurodivergent children. Jen has worked in both structured literacy and balanced literacy environments.
In adulthood, Jen had to relearn how to walk on three occasions due to complications from sports surgery. She models this learned resilience, patience, faith and acceptance in her work with students. Literacy skills are crucial to a child’s academic and personal success. However, building those skills can sometimes be a challenge. Jen founded Literacy Illuminated to provide children with compassionate, thoughtful, and high-quality assistance in learning to read fluently, with strong comprehension, and for their own enjoyment.
Literacy Illuminated provides school-based instruction, parent support, and one-to-one, individualized learning for children who may be struggling academically, or those with learning differences. We also serve students just learning to read and children in need of extension and enrichment. Literacy Illuminated, LLC offers flexible, quiet meeting spaces for online or offline learning. We primarily serve families in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland.
Literacy Illuminated Locations
Arlington Clients can join us on 1101 Wilson Blvd., Rosslyn, VA photo credit: Artisphere
Artisphere building, Rosslyn
Brainspring Sound Wall - Consonants and Vowels
Parent-Specialist Coffee Bar & Information Desk
Motivational Decor
Supplies Corner
Meet the Team
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James B.
Area(s) of Specialty: Special Education, English and Literature
Available online or offline
James, M.Ed., has extensive experience teaching high school English and holds certifications in English, History, Social Sciences, and Special Education (K-12). He has an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Throughout his career, James has taught a wide range of subjects, including English 9, 10, 11, World History 1, US and VA History, US/VA Government, Developmental Reading, and Literacy Lab 3. Additionally, he has experience teaching Kindergarten, sixth grade, fifth grade, and middle school during summer sessions. James excels at guiding students from simplistic writing to well-organized essays and narratives. As an experienced English teacher, he helps students annotate and develop a deeper understanding of assigned texts. James resides in Herndon, Virginia, with his beloved wife and daughter.
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Madison C.
Area(s) of Specialty: Grades 1-3 Teacher Resident
Available online or offline
Madison is an enthusiastic second-grade teacher with experience in differentiating instruction for small groups and individual students. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham through IMSE and has LETRS training through Lexia. Madison has experience supporting multilingual learners and their families. Known for building strong relationships with her students, she enjoys beach vacations in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
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Kristen Peters
Area(s) of specialty: Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, Product Design
Kristen resides in Maryland and is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Kristen enjoys using her Cricut machine to create clothing and accessories for her two sons. Her family also enjoys camping trips in the mountains or by a lake.
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Dawn S.
Area(s) of specialty: Special Education, Reading and Math Remediation
Available for online instruction
Dawn is a creative, life-long learner who strives to support students and families with growth-mindset based strategies. She aims to provide accessibility and positive academic and social experiences for each child.
Dawn holds a BA in Special Education, an MEd. in Learning and Technology, and has additional training in Structured Literacy and dyslexia through the Nehaus Education Center. Dawn, a mother of five, serves as a Special Education teacher, as well as the Special Education Department Chair.
Get started today!
Fill out the form with your information and a brief message about your child(ren). Literacy Illuminated will get back to you within 24-48 hours.