I’m certain that the first thing you will want to know is how I can help your child.  Every child is unique.  No two children have the same likes, dislikes, needs, or wants.

My primary goal is to close your child’s reading gap, improve their spelling, boost their confidence, and help them recognize their strengths. 

My credentials

• Certified in the Barton Reading & Spelling System
• Over 15 years experience teaching Handwriting Without Tears
• Trained Online Barton tutor
• Trained in Lindamood-Bell LiPS program
• Member of the International Dyslexia Association
• NYS certified teacher
• Master’s of Education in Elementary Education
• Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education
• Over 25 years of teaching experience

My experience working with my own dyslexic children

My son and one of my three daughters live with dyslexia. My son was a phenomenal Lego builder. In addition, he is the best artist of all his siblings. Yet, he struggled with reading and writing. His spelling was terrible. Figuring out left and right completely confused him. Remembering a sequence of events or tasks left him very bewildered. I constantly had to repeat myself and my directions to him.

My daughter was active and athletic at a very young age, but she couldn’t read until almost the beginning of second grade. And even then, she read mostly from words she memorized. Phonics was an impossible struggle for her. She also had atrocious spelling. She dealt with the same left and right confusion and remembering a sequence as her brother.

I began using All About Spelling in our homeschool which is an Orton-Gillingham based spelling program created by Marie Rippel. This gave my children the multisensory and sequential method that they needed to learn to spell. If I had known more at the time, I would have probably invested in the Barton Reading and Spelling System for them.

The good news is that my daughter is now a paramedic/combat medic in the US Army. She still struggles on occasion, but she never became discouraged with learning. My son has achieved success in a very academically rigorous position in the US Navy. After serving for 6 years, he’s now a veteran with his sights set on an engineering degree. 

Children with dyslexia can and do go on to very successful careers.

I want all children to reach their fullest potential as my children have. It is my passion to help as many people as possible overcome their reading, writing, and spelling struggles. Contact me, and let me know how I can help you and your child.

Contact Jennifer

The inability to read, or having significant difficulty reading, has a pervasive effect not only on the individual, but on those that love them. I am motivated by my own family’s struggles, as my daughter is dyslexic, but wasn’t diagnosed until age 12. I know the tears, the fears and the battles. It doesn’t have to be that way, and I am here to help. With over 25 years of teaching experience and four years as a full time reading specialist at WNY Dyslexia Specialists, I am a dedicated professional who will help your loved one learn how to read, write and spell with confidence.
I am certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System at the advanced level and have experience at all ten levels. In addition, I have taught many students using the Foundation In Sounds program. We are now working with David Kilpatrick’s Equipped for Reading Success program in addition to Barton and FIS, and have observed the benefits it has for our students. I am a NYS certified teacher, with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Buffalo State College.

Michelle completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Buffalo State College. She has home schooled her children for over 15 years.

She has also taught pre-school through high school aged students in various settings.

She appreciates many aspects of working at Western New York Dyslexia Specialists. It’s a great center to work at because the center uses the Barton Reading and Spelling System and Foundation in Sounds. Both programs are thorough and engaging. She loves using all the games to review concepts and solidify lessons. The staff is knowledgeable and supportive.

Training videos and Facebook live feeds from Susan Barton provide new strategies for tutors to use with their students. Michelle is most excited about helping students close their reading gap and become more proficient writers and spellers, too.

Hello! My name is Alissa Snyder and I am so excited to be a part of this reading team. I am a certified elementary and special education teacher with a love of teaching middle school aged students. I moved to WNY 3 years ago to pursue my Master’s degree at Buffalo State and I have fallen in love with WNY. I look forward to working with your child!

I am the Digital Project Manager and a Reading Therapist for WNY Dyslexia Specialists. I am also an adjunct lecturer in the College Writing Program at Buffalo State College. I love to read poetry and write about film. Ask me about the love of my life: my mini dachshund Petra Peanut Butter! I am extremely fulfilled when working with our students and enjoy closely working beside Jennifer Hoffman, our visionary, on new and special projects.

Lindsey is a Certified Special Education Teaching Assistant with a BA in Anthropology. She also pursuing her Masters in Education. Lindsey is a mother to four wonderful children, is an avid crafter and DIY-er, who owns too many books.

I obtained my Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology at the University at Buffalo. I am also a certified Teacher of English as a Foreign Language.  I have two children that I have been homeschooling for 8 years. My youngest is autistic as well as dyslexic.  My eldest child is severely dyslexic and is a former student of WNY Dyslexia Specialists. Barton tutoring has been essential to my children’s success. I am also dyslexic, so I have a unique view when it comes to your child’s struggles and needs.

Hello, my name is Ann Maurer and I am a reading specialist at WNY Dyslexia Specialists. I have been a first and second grade teacher for over 17 years in the Amherst School district. I have a Business degree from University of Dayton and a teaching certificate and master’s degree from Canisius College. I live in Cheektowaga with my husband and two grown sons.

Hello! My name is Julie Schihl and I’m very excited to be working with your children. I am a certified Elementary Education teacher with 15 years of experience. I am currently a 6th grade ELA teacher with the Buffalo Public Schools. I live in North Tonawanda and have daughters. My favorite hobbies are reading and spending time with family and friends!

I am the payroll manager for WNY Dyslexia Specialists. I assist my wife Jennifer Lynn Hoffman not only in payroll, but anything else that she may have a need in, if just someone to bounce an idea off of. I have worn many hats in the history of WNY Dyslexia Specialists, from Office Assistant, to Web Master, I help Jennifer and the rest of the staff in whatever they may need. I look forward to helping WNY Dyslexia Specialists to teach children and adults across Western New York to read, write, and spell with confidence!

Hello, I’m Mason Gaugler and the IT specialist at WNY Dyslexia Specialists. I am currently enrolled at Buffalo State College as a Computer Informational Science major. I enjoy creating videos, audio/music making, hanging out with friends and anything to do with cars!

I’d like to thank everyone at WNY Dyslexia Specialists for providing me this learning opportunity in the world of computer science and business, and I look forward to working with everyone on new projects in the future.