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

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 new tutor here. I am a certified elementary teacher with a lot of my experience in special education. I moved to the Amherst area a year ago and I have greatly enjoyed my time. I look forward to working with everyone here.

I am the new Digital Project Manager and a Reading Therapist for WNY Dyslexia Specialists. I am a recent graduate of Buffalo State College where I got my M.A. degree in English Literature. I love to read poetry and write about film. Ask me about the love of my life: my mini dachshund Petra Peanut Butter! I look forward to working with students and 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!

Ken is the Payroll Manager for WNY Dyslexia Specialists.  As the husband to Founder and Director, Jennifer Lynn Hoffman, Ken has been involved with WNY Dyslexia Specialists from the beginning, wearing many hats.  Ken supports the team with computer issues, is the webmaster, and now Payroll Manager helping lead the charge into the next phase of the history of WNY Dyslexia Specialists.

Ken enjoys traveling with Jennifer, and meeting new and old friends for get-togethers.

Ken is very excited to further enhance WNY Dyslexia Specialists, and supports Jennifer and the team as they become leaders in the dyslexia community!

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.