Deb Service

Certified in Barton Reading & Spelling System, Masters Level

As a homeschooling mom and a professional educator, I searched for a program that would meet our Reading and Writing needs for our son, Ben. Although he progressed in small increments, I knew he was falling behind.

Fortunately, while homeschooling, I was introduced to a reading program, that through research, proved to effectively teach struggling students how to read. Barton Reading and Spelling Program provided hope for non-readers. People afflicted with dyslexia often have above average intelligence and learn to cope with their “disability”.

My brother Lawrence is a successful businessman who, with much hard work, figured out how to overcome his dyslexia. My son Ben learned how to read. Currently, I am effectively tutoring multiple students using the research based and scientifically proven reading program, Barton Reading and Spelling Program.

Enabling and empowering my students by teaching them to read is an exciting and satisfying experience!

Barbra Keeler

Certified in Barton Reading & Spelling System, Masters Level

I graduated from Grove City College with a B.A. in history and have a deep love of learning!

I homeschooled my three daughters and became acquainted with Debbie Service through a homeschool group in which we both participated. I knew that Debbie was working with the children of another homeschool friend, so when I noticed my youngest daughter struggling with spelling and writing, I called Debbie right away! She began tutoring my daughter and I was so thrilled with the progress I observed in her and our other friends that I asked Debbie how I could get involved in tutoring. She provided me with excellent training materials and encouragement and I began using the Barton curriculum with my first student in 2017. Since that time, I have had the privilege of working with over 25 students and become certified at the Masters level in the Barton program.

I am delighted to be fulfilling a life-long dream of teaching students how to read and write!

Gail Craig

Certified in Barton Reading & Spelling System, Advanced Level

My early professional career began in Philadelphia teaching children with learning disabilities. For the past 25 years, I have homeschooled our four children, one of whom had learning challenges. I have also been a tutor at Bridge Academy in Coatesville. My passion is helping kids with learning difficulties to succeed in their academic work. From my instructional experience, I am convinced of the effectiveness of the Barton Method of teaching the skills of reading and spelling.

While helping a friend’s daughter with her homeschooling homework, I discovered the merits of the Barton program.

A normally compliant child, she nevertheless resisted reading and spelling. After being tutored in the Barton method, she developed a much more positive attitude toward these subjects. Her progress was amazing!

Many similar experiences have made me want to become a Barton educator realizing its effectiveness in teaching the important skills of reading and spelling.

Jenn Rittenhouse

Certified in Barton Reading & Spelling System

I love to read! Reading is my very favorite way to spend some quiet time, but that is not the case for many, & I am glad to partner with struggling readers to help them master the skills they need to read & spell with ease.

I have always been drawn to learning & teaching. Years ago I earned my PA K-12 educator’s certification at Penn State. I taught in public & private schools for 12 years, & I served as a tutor at Classical Conversations for several years during portions of my family’s homeschool adventures.

Working one-on-one with my Reading with Results students stokes joy in my soul.

Each session is an opportunity to cheer on my students toward confidence in reading comprehension & fluency.

Shelley Melvin

Certified in Barton Reading & Spelling System, Advanced Level

I have a B.S in Elementary Education from West Chester University.

I have worked in the Children’s Ministry for 28 years, most recently directing the Kids Ministry at Christ Community Church in West Chester, PA for 19 years.

For the past three years, I have tutored children in the Coatesville Kids to College program.

I have seen the effectiveness of the Barton methodology and am seeing progress in the students I am currently tutoring.

Melissa Kurfis

Certified in Barton Reading & Spelling System

My love for learning and teaching began at an early age with a role model of a mother who not only loved and taught her own children, but is still a learning support teacher of 30+ years. After years of babysitting, working in a child care facility, and coaching girls youth lacrosse, I went onto school at West Chester University and graduated as a dual major in Special Education K-8 and Early Education PreK-4. Soon after graduating I began working as an Autistic Support teacher where I worked for 8 years. During that time period I went back to school to complete my Masters Degree in Special Education K-8 with an Autism Endorsement certificate as well as an Applied Behavior Analysis certificate and coursework. During my teaching experience I served students with varying learning needs, strengths, and provided instruction that was unique and individualized for them. Helping students succeed, regardless of goal or need, utilizing specifically tailored instruction in achievable steps is something that I love about teaching. One of the reasons the Barton system is great is that it breaks reading and spelling down in ways that are multisensory and make it accessible for students who have had difficulty learning literacy skills. It is extremely rewarding to watch students progress and become more confident readers each session!

Mary Alderfer

My educational background includes earning my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Rosemont College and my Special Education Teaching Certification from Cabrini College. I later earned my M. Ed. In Special Education from Penn State University. I began my teaching career at Elwyn Institute where I worked as a Special Education Teacher for 10 and a half years. After Elwyn, I moved on to work as a Special Education Teacher in Garnet Valley School District for 26 years. During my time at Garnet Valley, I used the Wilson Reading System to teach students, who were diagnosed with Specific Learning Disabilities in reading. This prompted me earned my Wilson Level 1 Certification. Since retiring, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work for Reading With Results for the past year an a half. My Wilson training has proven to be beneficial when teaching the Barton Reading and Spelling Program, as there are many similarities. Throughout my career I have witnessed the success of structured literacy instruction with struggling readers. The Barton Program is just such a program. There is nothing more rewarding to me, as an educator, than to impart the gift of literacy to a student who has struggled.

Melissa Behm

I graduated from Ursinus College with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Political Science.

I homeschooled my four children for the last 20 years and also taught at Classical Conversations, Faith Academy, WOW Homeschool Group, and Sunday School at Christ Community Church. My son was a struggling reader until Deb tutored him using the Barton program. It was life-changing!

I am so grateful for the help he received and the confidence it gave him. I love working with kids and it is such a joy to see them grow in confidence and begin to enjoy reading. It is truly a privilege!

Rachel Kruse

I am a junior at West Chester University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. As a child, I disliked reading and spelling.

Later, my family and I discovered I had dyslexia, and I became one of the many students helped by the Barton program.

As I entered college, my desire to help other dyslexic children increased, and for the past year, I have been working as a Barton tutor.

My difficulties as a reader inspired me to become a teacher to help other struggling students; now, I get to do what I love.

Jeanette Kruse

I graduated from Brooklyn College in New York with a B.A. in Secondary Education.

For the past 18 years I have homeschooled my three children, and for several of those years taught high-school Spanish at Aleithia Learning Community.

Since 2004, I have also served in the education ministry of Olive Street Pres Church in Coatesville. My introduction to dyslexia began when two of my children struggled with reading. They were both tutored at Reading with Results and completed all ten levels of the program.

The Barton program changed their lives for the better, and mine, too! Their success has inspired me to become a Barton tutor. I am delighted to be equipping children with practical, effective tools that enable them to overcome obstacles, improve their confidence & self-esteem, and develop independence in reading and spelling.

Kathleen Talbot

After an extensive and exciting career as a teacher, tutor, and adjunct professor in both private and public schools, I continue to commit myself to supporting my students in their efforts to realize their goals of both mind and heart.

Guiding students to identify and harness their strengths and weaknesses in the area of language arts is one of my greatest delights.

Helping students to recognize themselves as writers and authors is another. Exposure to rich literature and instruction in the mechanics of English are two integral ingredients to unlocking and sharpening writing skills. As penned by C. S. Lewis, “You can make anything by writing.”

Chestnut Hill College B.S. Kutztown University M. ED.

Rachel Vanderslice

MS, CCC-SLP Certified

Rachel Vanderslice, MS, CCC-SLP is an experienced and passionate pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 5 years’ experience working with students who have a variety of speech, language, and communication needs.

She specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders.

Rachel’s credentials include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders (West Chester University)

• Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders (Stockton University)

• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)

• Delaware State Licensure

• Pennsylvania State Licensure

Elizabeth Lacy

Administrative Assistant

What a joy it is to work alongside Deb Service; who is a total professional, master, and expert in her field!

Some of my prior work experiences include Activities Coordinator for summer camp at Black Rock Retreat as well as Classroom Aide and Summer Camp Director at Bethany Christian School. I am currently starting my professional organizing business alongside my work at RWR.

I love being able to work with my mother who has been a Barton tutor for many years. I am grateful that she introduced me to this position, for her teaching of various reading skills, and her guidance through my own dyslexic tendencies as she diligently homeschooled me in all grades.

Angela Biser

After a 15+ year career in audit, I am pursuing my teaching certification through West Chester University’s graduate program. I’ve always had a love for learning and working with children. I found opportunities to do both as a Girl Scout leader for the last few years while also juggling three elementary-aged children and a fast-paced career in public accounting.

Watching my own children struggle with reading and learning differences inspired me to make a change and pursue a career in teaching. While I love our elementary school and teachers, I recognized that how my children learn does not always align with the core curriculum. Pursuing my teaching certification and working at the Reading with Results center provides me with opportunities to better support my own children’s development and apply what I’ve learned to help others as well.

I believe in the Barton program because I know it works. One of my children was diagnosed with ADHD and started tutoring here around the same time I decided to make a career change.

Sharon Fleet

One of my greatest joys as a mother was reading aloud to each of my three children. A reluctant reader myself as a child, I embraced the opportunity to help my children discover the enjoyment of being absorbed in a good book.

After a career in sales at Procter & Gamble, I became a stay-at-home mom, giving me ample opportunities to work with children in various volunteer roles: school reading programs, teaching at our church, camps, VBS, and Awana.

Whether encouraging children in their reading fluency or Bible memorization, I love helping them develop an enthusiasm for learning.

Joining the RWR team as a tutor has truly been a rewarding experience. Teaching a concept and then observing a student process what was taught and then confidently and independently identify and correct a mistake is why I love this job!