The Reading League Indiana
The Reading League Indiana is an affiliate chapter of a 30,000 member national not-for-profit organization, The Reading League. Together we promote knowledge to reimagine the future of literacy education and accelerate the global movement toward reading instruction rooted in science.
Mission
Our mission is to advance the awareness, understanding and use of evidence-based reading instruction across the state, by connecting all stakeholders and providing sound educational resources.
Vision
Our vision is that every child in our state is able to read proficiently.
We recognize literacy as a fundamental right that empowers individuals in a society. Research has yielded proven instructional practices that provide equitable access to the knowledge students need to be competent readers. We believe that all children deserve to learn to read and that all teachers can learn to teach them.
To bring our vision to reality, we have developed three core areas of focus:
Education: Providing sound educational resources
We are committed to ensuring that educators are equipped with the knowledge they need to effectively teach all students how to read.
Collaboration: Developing strong partnerships & connecting stakeholders
We will work to build a collaborative environment throughout our state among parents, educators, school leaders, pre-service teachers, colleges and universities, mission-aligned partner organizations, and community leaders.
Advocacy: Statewide advocacy that promotes long-term systemic change
All students deserve to have an education rooted in equity that is built upon access to the tools they need to reach their full potential, including a science-based approach to reading. We acknowledge and will work to eliminate the disparity in access to evidence-based literacy instruction that currently exists in Indiana.
Together, these core areas will accelerate the global movement toward reading instruction rooted in science here in our state. We know we will truly be successful when reading metrics soar throughout Indiana.
Meet Our Team
Meet Dr. Karyn Tomkinson
Dr. Karyn Tomkinson is a National Literacy Director with extensive experience in leading transformative literacy initiatives grounded in the science of reading. She also serves as an adjunct professor and teaches graduate-level reading courses. Karyn has over 20 years of experience in public education as a special education teacher, reading interventionist, District Literacy Coach, and Director of Curriculum. She completed her doctorate degree from Ball State University in 2016 in Special Education, with a cognate in Educational Leadership. Her dissertation on the Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD-3) assessment and third-grade retention allowed her to research how children learn to read and identify best practices.
Karyn has been trained in LETRS Volume I and II, IMSE Comprehensive, IMSE Morphology+, and Structures. As a licensed Indiana teacher, she will soon complete Keys to Literacy training. Currently, she is attending Mount Saint Joseph University, where she is working toward her Science of Reading certificate and IDA certification. She loves learning about how the brain learns to read and is passionate about improving literacy outcomes for children. A mother of four boys and a lifelong learner, Karyn is dedicated to education and continuous growth.
Meet Dr. Michelle Jackson
Dr. Michelle Jackson is the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Indianapolis Public Schools. As the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, she leads the district’s strategy for core instruction (Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies), STEM, Early Childhood, MTSS, Academic Professional Development, Assessment and Coaching. She has been in education for over 20 years. She has been an administrator at the elementary and high school levels. Dr. Jackson was the Principal of Meredith Nicholson Elementary IPS School 96, the Assistant Principal at Shortridge High School: An IB World School, a Spanish teacher for Speedway High School, an online Spanish instructor for Indiana Online and an adjunct professor for Vincennes University.
A passionate educational leader committed to fostering dynamic transformative learning environments for educators and students, Dr. Jackson goes beyond administrative responsibilities to encompass a deep-seated dedication to the growth and development of both educators and students. Dr. Jackson recognizes the unique strengths and talents within her team to create opportunities for everyone to flourish while demonstrating resilience, empathy, and a genuine enthusiasm for lifelong learning, by daring to lead.
Dr. Jackson has a Ph.D in Education with a Specialization in Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University, a M.A.T. in Teaching Spanish from Indiana University Purdue University and the University of Salamanca, and a B.A. in Spanish from Butler University.
Meet Joellan Muyskens-Chang
Joellan’s path to The Reading League – Indiana came by way of being a parent, as well as a guest teacher and volunteer in her children’s schools. With a family history of reading struggle that was never properly diagnosed, Joellan is attune to the lifelong implications of low literacy achievement on a person’s ability to fully participate in society, their socialization, behavior, employability, self-esteem and overall self-concept. Joellan has always had a curiosity for how people learn and that curiosity led her to this body of research. Joellan has become a passionate advocate for evidence-based reading and writing instruction within her local district and at the state level, and she hopes to draw on her professional experiences fostering partnerships, organizing programs and events, and using data to drive decision-making as she promotes the mission of TRL-IN as a member of the board. Joellan holds a BA in psychology from Wichita State University and a MS in exercise psychology and physiology from Purdue University.
Meet Stefanie Husejnovic
As a member of The Reading League Indiana, I have enjoyed growing as a professional and connecting with like-minded educators through the book studies, coffee chats, webinars and the in-person event that I attended this fall. I have been able to implement teaching practices that I’ve learned with my students right away and share them with my colleagues. It can be challenging to navigate through a Science of Reading journey in addition to the demands of being a public school educator, but it’s important and the outcomes are worth it. I have seen the benefits with my own students and in my school. I want to be on The Reading League board to be part of empowering educators with the knowledge and tools to effectively teach all of their students how to read.
Meet Stefany Bragg
Stefany Bragg is a professional development specialist and virtual coach for The Reading League. She also works for Marian University supports literacy coaches through the Indiana Literacy Cadre. She has been teaching for over 14 years with a master’s degree in Reading Science from Mount Saint Joseph and an additional certification in Dyslexia. Her passion is bringing knowledge of evidenced aligned instruction to educators across the country but even more so in Indiana. Her first person experience of aligning instruction and seeing the results of this instruction is her reason behind her passion. Stefany is committed to the mission of bringing awareness, understanding, and use of scientific based instruction to all stakeholders.
Meet Melissa Collins
Melissa Scherle Collins is a literacy advocate with over 20 years of experience in the Indiana public school system. She has served as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, diagnostician, and interventionist, teaching students in grades K–5. Melissa’s interdisciplinary background allows her to approach literacy through both instructional and social-emotional lenses. Her work is grounded in evidence-based practices aligned with the science of reading, and she has supported educators, students, and families through data-informed instruction, targeted intervention, and high-quality professional learning. As a board member, Melissa is passionate about working alongside community leaders to strengthen literacy across Indiana. Her goal is to promote equitable access to instruction, resources, and support so students and families are empowered and every child can become a confident, capable reader.
Meet Jodi Denton
Throughout her 19-years as an educator in Indiana, Jodi Denton has had the honor of collaborating with students and fellow educators across diverse educational landscapes spanning grades 4 through 12. With a career encompassing roles as a classroom instructor, resource specialist, and alternative education English teacher, she has navigated both suburban and urban educational environments. Currently, Jodi serves as a member of the faculty at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis, where she engages in structured literacy methodologies and fosters a culture of continuous learning alongside exceptional high school students and colleagues. Jodi was recently named Franklin Central High School’s Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she has been honored with the Science of Reading Champion award by the Reading League Indiana, for her advocacy for literacy advancement for students at the secondary level. Jodi graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree, where she majored in elementary education and exceptional needs. She also holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Olivet Nazarene.
Meet Brandi Dreher
Brandi Dreher has worked in elementary education for more than 20 years with a primary focus in early childhood. She has worked in both the public and private sectors and currently teaches Kindergarten and serves on the leadership team at St. Mary of the Knobs in Southern Indiana. Brandi will complete her M.A. in Reading Science with a dyslexia certification in May 2025 from Mount St. Joseph University, and enjoys sharing what she has learned with colleagues and parents, but she is most excited when the science comes alive within her students as they learn to read and write.
Meet Chrissy Franz
Chrissy Franz is a graduate of IUPUI and Fordham University with a focus in Elementary Education and Special Education. Chrissy started her teaching career in Queens, New York teaching 13-16 year olds with Autism and continued teaching for 9 years in Brooklyn as the founding Special Education Director at Leadership Prep Ocean Hill with Uncommon Schools. It was at LPOH where Chrissy found her passion for foundational literacy, coaching teachers, and collaborating with families to ensure scholars receive a rigorous education no matter their zip code. Chrissy later moved back to Indiana and began teaching at Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School as a Lab Site Teacher, teaching 3rd grade Fundations in the morning and coaching teachers in foundational literacy in the afternoon. Five years later, Chrissy is now the Chief Literacy Officer at Adelante Schools with Emma Donnan where IREAD-3 scores have grown from 58% proficient in 2023 to 86% proficient in 2025. Chrissy is driven by a deep belief in the power of reading and writing in a scholar’s life. By coaching teachers and supporting strong instructional practices, she aims to build confident readers and create lasting change for students and communities.
Meet Dr. Tracy Hastings, Ed.D.
Tracy is an Assistant Professor of Literacy at Marian University, teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs. She is the Executive Director of Literacy Initiatives for Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. She holds three graduate degrees in instruction and curriculum, specializing in teaching reading, including a doctorate in Education with a Reading Science concentration at Mount Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati, OH. She received the School Speciality Robert G. and Eleanor T. Hall Outstanding Educators Scholarship Award for innovative instructional strategies used to help dyslexic students achieve at the highest levels. She is a past president and current advisory board member for the International Dyslexia Association, Indiana Branch and a board member of The Reading League Indiana. Tracy is a former National LETRS Trainer and an experienced public school professional with special education, general education, preK-12 literacy coach, dyslexia specialist, and administrative experience. The work of her long career in public education has centered around literacy for marginalized students as an Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy trainer. Driven by the belief that all individuals are entitled to a literate life, her goals include networking with like-minded individuals to amplify collective efforts toward literacy for all and disseminating current knowledge and evidence based practices to teachers, administrators, policymakers, and families.
Tracy is originally from Tennessee, and as a parent, she loves to spend time laughing and learning with her three college-aged children, backpacking along the Appalachian Trail, and paddling her canoe down meandering rivers.
Meet Shelby Mays
Shelby is a literacy advocate with experience as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, literacy coach, and social worker. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to approach literacy through both an instructional and social lens, recognizing the connection between language development, learning, and overall well-being. Shelby holds a Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Reading Science at Marian University. She has completed LETRS for Leaders training through the IDA, as well as Orton-Gillingham-based training at the Associate-level. She serves as a board member of the Scott County Early Childhood Committee, working to advance access to literacy and knowledge of child development in her local community. Her work is grounded in evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading. As a literacy coach and interventionist, she has supported educators and students through data-informed instruction, targeted intervention, and high-quality professional learning. Shelby’s goal is to strengthen literacy within her community by promoting equitable access to instruction, resources, and support that allow every child to become a confident, capable reader.
Meet Dr. Catherine McBride
Cammie McBride is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University, as well as a past president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading. Educated in the public schools in Lafayette, Indiana as a child, she has carried out many research studies on reading and writing development and impairment across languages, cultures, and scripts. Cammie currently co-leads a Lilly grant along with College of Education colleagues at Purdue University on teacher education. She has written two books on literacy and co-edited six others.
Meet Sandra Moore
Sandra Moore is the Director of Early Literacy K-5 for the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation in Evansville, Indiana. She also works for Marian University supports literacy coaches through the Indiana Literacy Cadre. With over 15 years of experience in public education, Sandra has dedicated her career to fostering a love of reading and learning among young students. She is a Certified LETRS Trainer with extensive knowledge of the Science of Reading, demonstrating her expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction. Sandra also serves as a Board Member for The Reading League Indiana, where she contributes to the advancement of literacy education statewide. Married for 30 years, she is the proud mother of three grown children.
Meet Adrienne Mormino
Adrienne is a literacy advocate. With a Master’s in Teaching and a background in child development, she has worked as an early childhood educator, curriculum designer, and professional development leader. Her passion for literacy advocacy deepened when she had to navigate the school system for her own children with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, using her expertise and ongoing deep dive into evidence-based instruction to ensure they received the support they needed. Adrienne is a content creator and coach for Reading Simplified. She co-founded R.E.A.D.S. (Recognizing, Educating, Advocating for Dyslexic Students) to support families, raise awareness, and influence state policy, including testifying for Indiana’s Senate Bill 217 (“The Dyslexia Bill”). She also serves on the Academic Achievement Team for Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity (C.A.R.E.), securing grants and collaboratively developing literacy programs that promote reading as a social justice issue. Adrienne is committed to ensuring all students have access to effective reading instruction, especially those who struggle the most.
Meet Natalie Shaw
Natalie Shaw spent 15 years in the Indiana public school system. She taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades before transitioning to an Instructional Coach with a primary focus on literacy. During this time, she also served as a School Dyslexia Coordinator. Natalie spent two years as a Lower Elementary Learning Team facilitator through Teach For America and regularly led professional development sessions for early career teachers. In 2014, she was selected as a policy fellow with Teach Plus and later served as a group facilitator. From 2019-2020, she was an adjunct professor teaching the course Best Practices in Literacy at Marian University. Natalie is excited to work alongside other community leaders who are passionate about ensuring equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction for all Indiana students.