Meet Our Team

Smiling woman with brown hair and glasses.

Owner/Founder/OG Provider, Jacqueline

Founder | NYS Certified Special Education & Literacy Teacher, All Grades | 20+ Years Experience | Orton-Gillingham Trained

Hello! I’m Jacqueline Demers, founder of Roots 4 Learning. I am a New York State certified educator with more than 20 years of experience working with students with diverse academic and learning needs. Born and raised in upstate New York, I graduated from The College of Saint Rose. I hold NYS certifications in Students with Disabilities, All Grades; Literacy, All Grades; and Childhood Education grades 1-6.

Throughout my career, I have developed a particular passion for supporting students who struggle with reading, writing, executive functioning, ADHD, and other learning differences. I have completed Associate-Level training in the Orton-Gillingham approach and use explicit, structured, multisensory instruction to help students strengthen skills in phonological awareness, decoding, encoding, fluency, and comprehension.

My professional training also includes executive functioning, ADHD, Wilson, Fundations, and a variety of evidence-based literacy and special education practices. My experience working with students with IEPs allows me to look beyond a single academic concern and consider the whole learner—how a student learns, where breakdowns are occurring, and what supports may help them become more successful and independent.

I founded Roots 4 Learning because I wanted families to have access to more than traditional tutoring. I envisioned a welcoming space where students could receive individualized support from experienced educators who understand that children do not all learn in the same way.

At Roots 4 Learning, our goal is not simply to help a student get through tonight’s homework or improve one test grade. We work to strengthen underlying skills, build confidence, and help students develop the tools they need to become more capable and independent learners.

I am incredibly proud of the team Roots 4 Learning has grown into and of the supportive community we continue to build for students and families.

Orton Gillingham Provider, Joan

Specialized Special Education Tutor | 7 Years Experience | Orton-Gillingham Trained

Hello! I am a certified, dedicated educator specializing in elementary special education and targeted literacy support. With a Bachelor’s degree, a Level 1 Teaching Assistant certification, and seven years of hands-on classroom experience, I help students with diverse learning needs thrive both academically and socially.

My expertise lies in tailoring lessons to match how your child learns best. I work extensively with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and adapt daily curriculum to make learning accessible and engaging. Because I am deeply committed to evidence-based intervention, I have completed associate-level training in the Orton-Gillingham approach. This allows me to deliver high-quality, multi-sensory reading instruction to children who struggle with phonological awareness, decoding, and dyslexia.

I focus on building a safe, structured, and encouraging environment where your child will feel valued, motivated, and capable of succeeding. I look forward to partnering with your family to help your child unlock their full reading and learning potential!

Orton Gillingham Provider, Arianne

With more than 15 years of experience as a New York State Certified Teacher, I bring a combination of professional expertise, specialized literacy training, and a genuine passion for helping children discover that they can learn.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Education and have taught students at both the elementary and middle school levels. I am NYS certified in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) and Literacy (Birth–Grade 12), and I am a Certified Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). I have also completed Orton-Gillingham Associate-level training.
But credentials are only part of what I bring to my work.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with kids. I take the time to understand how a child thinks, what makes them tick, where they are getting stuck, and—just as importantly—what makes them feel successful. I believe there is rarely only one way to learn something, so I am constantly thinking outside the box and finding creative ways to make new skills and concepts click.
Learning should not feel like a constant reminder of what a child can't do. My goal is to create a space where students feel understood, capable, and confident enough to take risks.
Whether a student needs targeted literacy instruction, support building foundational reading skills, or simply someone who can look at a problem from a different angle, I meet them where they are and help them build from there.
Because sometimes the key to learning isn't working harder—it’s finding the way in.

Secondary ELA/SS Tutor, Jacquelyn

Hello and welcome! My name is Jacquelyn, and I am a New York State certified K–12 Special Education and 5–12 Social Studies teacher. Teaching has always been both my passion and my purpose, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to support students both inside and outside of the classroom.

After graduating from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, I began my teaching career in Westchester County at an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme school before continuing my career in Orange County. Throughout my time as an educator, I have worked with students with a wide range of learning styles, strengths, and needs across multiple grade levels and subject areas. My background in special education has taught me that there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to learning. I strive to get to know each student as an individual and find the strategies, supports, and encouragement that help them feel successful.

My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and building confidence in their abilities. Whether we are preparing for an upcoming Regents exam, strengthening writing and study skills, working through a challenging assignment, or simply tackling nightly homework, I believe every student deserves to have their hard work and progress recognized.

Above all, I want students to leave our time together feeling a little more confident than when they arrived—and knowing that they are capable of more than they may realize.

Secondary Math Tutor, Justin

Hi! My name is Justin, and I am a New York State certified Special Education and Mathematics teacher. A native of Orange County, New York, I graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, where I developed my passion for helping students find success both in and out of the classroom.

Math can be a challenging subject, and I believe the right approach can make all the difference. I enjoy taking concepts that may initially seem confusing or overwhelming and breaking them down into manageable steps that students can understand and apply. I strive to make learning engaging, approachable, and even fun while helping students discover strategies that work best for them.

As a tutor, I want students to feel comfortable asking questions, working through mistakes, and celebrating their progress along the way. Whether we’re reinforcing foundational skills, completing homework, or preparing for an upcoming test, my goal is for every student to leave our sessions feeling more confident and capable than when they arrived.

Secondary Science Tutor & EF Coach, Toni

I am a dedicated and compassionate tutor with 9 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. I hold certifications in Special Education (Grades 6–12), Biology, and Deaf Education (K–12), allowing me to provide individualized instruction tailored to each student’s strengths, learning style, and goals.

My tutoring approach focuses on building confidence, encouraging perseverance, and helping students recognize their own abilities. I strive to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, challenging themselves, and celebrating their progress. I meet students where they are and work with them to develop the skills and confidence they need to become more successful and independent learners.

In addition to academic support, I provide Regents preparation and help students strengthen their understanding of challenging subject material. I also enjoy helping students develop important organizational and executive functioning skills, including time management, planning, multitasking, prioritizing, and staying on top of assignments. I am currently working toward an Executive Functioning certification to further support students in these areas.

I am passionate about helping children grow academically, socially, and personally while recognizing and celebrating their individual strengths and progress. My goal is to provide students with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

A brain shaped like a tree held by hands forming a heart.

Orton Gillingham Provider

Elementary Math Tutor

Shani