About Us
The Reading League Kentucky
The Reading League Kentucky’s goal is to support The National Reading League’s mission to advance the awareness, understanding and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction throughout the state of Kentucky. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment that will help build educators’ confidence and proficiency in all areas of literacy. We seek to provide readily accessible training, resources and support for teachers, administrators, legislators, parents and the broader educational community.
Meet Our Team
Meet Melissa Cupp
Melissa is the co-founder of TRL-KY and a passionate advocate of structured literacy instruction for ALL. She recently joined the Kentucky Department of Education’s Division of Early Literacy as a State Literacy Coaching Specialist (SLCS). She is part of a team of coaches in Central Kentucky who partner with schools to improve the implementation of tier one instruction through evidence-based literacy practices using high quality instructional materials. Previously, Melissa spent 24 years in the classroom teaching grades K-3 where her mission was to teach every child to become a proficient reader, including multilingual learners, students with speech and language disorders and those with dyslexia and/or other learning challenges. She is excited to expand this mission through her current role. Melissa holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Education NK-8 from Roanoke College and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Reading Education from The University of Virginia. She holds a Literacy Specialist Endorsement for students in all grades and is trained in MARS (Multisensory Approach to Reading Success) and LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling).
Meet Kim Henderson
Kim Henderson has over a decade in education within Warren County Public Schools in which she has served in various roles. Beginning as a classroom teacher where she taught both primary and intermediate grades, then transitioning to a Curriculum Coordinator, where she served as the school Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Assistant Principal, District Instructional Coach, and now Assistant Director of Elementary Instruction with a vision to greater impact Warren County Public Schools.
Kim is a proud alumna of Western Kentucky University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Masters Degree in Teacher Leadership, and her Rank 1 in School Leadership. She has also earned certificates in Instructional Technology, Gifted and Talented Education, Principal Certification, and is also certified in LETRS for Educators and Administrators. She is currently working to complete her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Kim is passionate about providing every child a quality education, and teaching students to learn to read. She believe every child deserves a strong foundation during their elementary years, and has committed herself to advancing innovative strategies and literacy programs that challenge and empower young minds. She has a desire to foster excellence in every endeavor and is dedicated to driving impactful change.
Meet Amanda Berringer
Amanda Berringer is a full-time educator with over 23 years of experience in special education and reading intervention in grades K-8. She completed her BA degree in English, BA in Theatre, and AA in Speech-Communications at Thomas More University and holds a Master’s of Arts in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University. Amanda has completed LETRS training (LanguageEssentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), Orton-Gillingham training, and is a certified UFLI trainer. She is a Golden Apple Award recipient and the 2019 A.D. Albright Teacher of the Year. Amanda is proud of her school’s continued partnership with The Reading League. She enjoys working with children, families, and colleagues to advance the mission of literacy for all through evidence-aligned instruction.
Meet Laura Burns
Laura Burns is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and has practiced as a speech-language pathologist for the past 23 years. She has been employed with Warren County Public Schools since 2006. She participated in the Kentucky Advocacy Network (iKAN) for leadership and advocacy. Laura found her passion working with struggling readers and advocating for structured, evidence based literacy instruction after her youngest son was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2017. She has since been certified in Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars Training for Phonemic Awareness, Reading, and Spelling and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). She is also trained in Wrightslaw on Special Education Law and Procedures.
Meet Laura Holsclaw
Laura is an elementary reading intervention teacher in Louisville, KY and has been teaching since 2006, the majority of those years in 1st grade.
Laura is a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist through CERI (Center for Effective Reading Instruction). She has completed LETRS training (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) in 2021 and previously served as a part-time facilitator with Elevate/GRREC.
Laura is an EBLI Certified Instructor (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction) and in 2022 became an IMSE Orton-Gillingham Certified Teacher.
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisville (Elementary Education and Learning/Behavioral Disorders) and a Master of Science degree from Walden University (Elementary Reading & Literacy). She completed the Bellarmine Literacy Project and earned her Rank I from Elevate/GRREC. Laura has earned the endorsements “Literacy Specialist” (all grades) and “Teaching Reading” (P-12).
Laura has a special interest in the Speech-to-Print instructional approach within the Science of Reading.
Meet Kim Aguilar
Kim Aguilar has over 20 years of experience in education. She began her career as an elementary teacher. She has served as a reading interventionist, instructional coach, assistant principal and princial. She earned a Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She obtained her LETRS for Educators Certification in 2024. In her current role she supports districts in their review, selection and implementation of high quality instructional materials.
As a parent and educator, she is passionate about literacy and building a community of awareness among stakeholders across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Meet Samantha Richards
Samantha Richards has dedicated her 23‑year career in education to helping children learn to read and write, bringing both passion and expertise to her work. She recently joined the Division of Early Literacy as a State Literacy Coaching Specialist, where she will share evidence‑based strategies and scientifically aligned instructional practices with K–3 classroom educators to improve literacy instruction. Before joining the Division of Early Literacy, Samantha taught in Boone County Schools for 22 years as a kindergarten teacher.
Samantha earned her undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Special Education, from Eastern Kentucky University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. She is also National Board Certified in Literacy: Reading–Language Arts–Early and Middle Childhood. In addition, she is trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) and is now enrolled in the LETRS for Administrators Course of Study.
Through her work as a State Literacy Coaching Specialist and in her role as the Secretary of The Reading League Kentucky, she is committed to partnering with Kentucky educators and investing in their growth. She supports better student outcomes by sharing evidence‑based, research‑aligned practices that promote greater equity for all learners.
Meet Whitney Hamilton
Meet Mary Littlepage
Mary taught kindergarten and second grade for fifteen years before she stepped out of the classroom as a teacher and into the classroom as a full time student in a PhD program. She has a masters degree from the University of Kentucky in Research Methods in Education and is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher with an emphasis in literacy. She is passionate about teaching children to read and bridging the gap between research and practice. She hopes to fulfill that value in both her own research and in her role with the Reading League.
Meet Leigh Turner
Leigh has over 21 years of experience in education. She taught almost every elementary grade-level before making her way as an interventionist, Gifted/Talented Coordinator and Instructional Coach. She has certification in LETRS for Educators and Administrators and is also a LETRS Local Certified Facilitator. In her current role at the Kentucky Department of Education, Leigh supports districts to better understand and implement the Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing.
Meet Caitlin Conley
Caitlin Conley has worked in education for over 15 years as an elementary teacher and a developmental and behavior specialist. She currently serves as a first grade teacher in Richmond, Kentucky. Caitlin holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a Rank I in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.
Throughout her career, Caitlin has worked closely with parents and caregivers, supporting them as active partners in their children’s learning. She is deeply passionate about empowering families with knowledge and practical tools to help their children learn and grow.
Caitlin is especially committed to educating parents and educators about the importance of evidence-based reading instruction. This passion became deeply personal when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia, further strengthening her advocacy for structured literacy and effective reading practices. As a Parent Advocate, Caitlin is dedicated to ensuring families have access to accurate information, support, and resources so every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader.
Meet Courtney Parrish
Courtney Parrish is a fourth-grade literacy teacher in Berea, KY, currently in her sixth year of teaching reading. Born in the mountains of East Tennessee, Courtney knows the importance of education, especially in rural areas. She loves helping students discover their confidence as readers and writers. As one of the Parent Advocates, Courtney partners with families to support literacy practices at home. She is passionate about meeting students and families where they are, regardless of their background. She believes that when families feel empowered and included, students thrive. Aside from education, Courtney is an avid naturalist and environmentalist. She loves learning about the world around her so she can do her part in sustaining it.
Meet Crystin Moore
Crystin is in her 17th year in education and currently serves as the District Elementary Literacy and Social Studies (Grades K–6) Instructional Coach in Barren County Schools. She began her career teaching high school before moving to elementary, where her love for literacy instruction grew. Crystin holds a BA in Secondary Education (English and History) and MAs in Elementary Education and Teacher Leadership. She is proud to serve as a Regional Representative for The Reading League in Kentucky and is excited to build awareness around the mission and the science of reading with teachers and families in her region. She lives in Bowling Green with her husband, Eric, an instructor at WKU.
Meet Amanda Jones
Amanda Jones is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University holding a Masters Degree in Elementary Education with a Literacy Specialist endorsement. She has completed Orton-Gillingham training, LETRS training (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and is a certified UFLI trainer. Amanda is an active teacher, serving as a Reading Interventionist in Kenton County. She is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. She works closely with teachers, students, and parents to help struggling readers achieve academic success.
Meet Hack Hudson
Hack Hudson is an elementary school teacher turned K-12 librarian with an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Morehead State University and Master in Library Science from Eastern Kentucky University. Hack spent over 20 years in the classrooms and school libraries of Breathitt County Schools before going to work in the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department at the district level. Hack recently joined Kentucky Department of Education’s Division of Early Literacy as a State Literacy Coaching Specialist (SLCS). His work focuses on supporting K-3 teachers in improving implementation of tier one instruction through evidence-based literacy practices and consistent, coordinated implementation of high-quality instructional resources. He is part of a team of coaches in southeastern Kentucky who partner with schools to lead systemic change in instruction aimed at improving literacy outcomes while advocating for instruction based on the five components of reading. He also supports teachers and administrators participating in the Kentucky Reading Academies Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) courses. Hack lives near Jackson and has a daughter, Abigail Hudson, who is currently a senior at Eastern Kentucky University.
Meet Haley Adkins
Haley is in her 3rd year of teaching and has spent time in reading intervention and 1st grade, but serves currently as a 2nd grade reading teacher in London, KY. Her love of reading instruction began in her undergraduate studies in communication disorders. After graduating, she went back to EKU to obtain her Masters of Arts in teaching and has been on the pursuit to learn everything about literacy instruction since. She is proud to serve as a Regional Representative for The Reading League in Kentucky to bring others along for the science of reading journey.
Reimagine the Future of Reading
Help us bring the science of reading to every educator, parent, and child.