About Us

April Murphy, M. Ed.,  C- SLDS; CEO of Beacon Learning

April Murphy, M. Ed., C-SLDS

Dyslexia Specialist

April Murphy is a certified structured literacy dyslexia specialist(C-SLDS) who is also certified by the SC Board of Education as a K-8 administrator and as an educator. She is a co-founder of Beacon Learning.


April received her SLDS certification through the International Dyslexia Association & the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of South Carolina and received a Bachelor's degree in education. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina, as well. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach.


April is a professional member and/or involved with the following organizations:

  • The International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
  • The Reading League
  • The Reading League South Carolina 
  • Palmetto State Teachers Association 
Emily Fratantuono, M. Ed., President of Beacon Learning

Emily Fratantuono, M. Ed. 

Dyslexia Therapist

Emily Fratantuono is a highly skilled dyslexia therapist and certified K-8 educator in the state of South Carolina.

With a strong focus on literacy instruction, Emily holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Towson University and a Master's degree in Language and Literacy from University of South Carolina.

Emily's expertise extends to the Orton-Gillingham approach, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to helping individuals with dyslexia. She is a co-founder of Beacon Learning.

Dyslexia Therapist

Christine LaLonde, M. Ed. 

Dyslexia Therapist

Christine LaLonde is a certified dyslexia therapist and certified special education teacher. Christine completed her undergraduate degree at Kent State University as an Intervention Specialist certified in helping students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. She then received her Master of Education in Literacy Development and Instruction from Cleveland State University. Christine also holds a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Kentucky. She creates an engaging and effective learning environment for individuals with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.


Executive Functioning(ADHD) Coach

Jamie Matesi, M. Ed. 

Dyslexia Therapist

SAT/ACT Prep

Jamie is a retired educator with a wide variety of experience. She is certified in Elementary Education and Special Education for K-12 students with Learning Disabilities. She also earned a Master's degree in Literacy from The Citadel. Upon retiring, she was the 504 and academic intervention coordinator for grades 9-12 at a local high school. She is trained in the Wilson Reading System for dyslexia intervention.


She will be working with Beacon Learning in a variety of capacities, but focusing mainly on coaching students towards SAT/ACT prep and dyslexia therapy.

Meagan O. Jade, BA. Psy.

Executive Functioning Coach

Meagan is an executive functioning coach with a degree in psychology, professional certifications in Human Resource and Project Management, and over a decade of experience supporting individuals and teams in executive assistance, people operations, and program management.


She’s worked closely with leaders and professionals across industries to streamline systems, create clarity, and help people stay focused and supported behind the scenes. Meagan’s coaching approach is rooted in compassionate accountability and practical structure, with a goal of helping clients feel capable, confident, and aligned in their everyday lives.

Julie Castle, M. Ed, W.D.P.

Dyslexia Therapist

Julie Castle is a certified Level I Wilson Reading and Dyslexia Practitioner, as well as a certified teacher. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Eastern Michigan University) and a Master’s degree in Education (University of Toledo). In addition, she has completed postgraduate coursework focusing on Literacy at Bowling Green State University. Julie completed her structured literacy training and earned her Wilson practitioner certifications through the Wilson Academy.

Arlene Cook, M. Ed

Executive Functioning Coach

Arlene Cook is a certified Executive Function Coach with over ten years of experience helping students develop the skills they need to succeed academically and personally. She has a background as an English Language Arts Content Specialist with expertise in assessment design and development, is a former K–5 teacher, and has held various professional roles in education. Arlene is also a Coro Fellow in Leadership in Public Affairs. She believes all students can reach their potential when provided with strategies, tools, and support tailored to their learning style.


As a mother of a neurodiverse child, Arlene is passionate about supporting neurodivergent students, particularly those struggling with executive function. Through virtual coaching, she helps students strengthen cognitive skills such as organization, time management, and self-regulation, while emphasizing that self-advocacy is vital for long-term success.


Lisa Baldo, M. Ed

Math/Dyscalculia Therapist

Lisa Baldo is a certified teacher with over 25 years of experience supporting students from elementary school through college. She specializes in helping learners build strong math foundations—from basic skills through high school Algebra and Geometry. She has extensive experience working with students who have IEPs and 504 plans. Over the years, she has served as a tutor, classroom teacher, special education department chair, and 504 coordinator.


She understands that every student learns differently, and tailors her approach to meet their individual needs. She also integrates executive functioning strategies, such as organization and study skills, to help students feel more confident and independent. Whether your student needs help catching up, staying on track, or just wants to feel more confident in math, she's here to help!

Laura Roach, Ed. S.

Dyslexia Therapist

Laura Roach is an accomplished educational leader and literacy expert with over 20 years of experience as a teacher, interventionist, Academic Dean, Director of Student Services, and National Literacy Specialist . 

Laura holds an Education Specialist degree in Teaching and Learning with a focus on Early Childhood Education from Clemson University, a Master’s in Teaching Reading from the University of San Francisco, Reading Specialist and K–12 Teaching credentials in both California and South Carolina, Orton-Gillingham, LETRS, and Wilson Reading Certification.

Leigh Gallo, M. Ed.

Math/ Dyscalculia Therapist

Leigh has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Special Education with a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist. Leigh graduated from Saint Joseph’s University and received her Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition, she is trained in the multi-sensory Orton Gillingham approach, although most of her teaching experience is in math. 

She is working with Beacon Learning as a math specialist and is looking forward to connecting with students to help them grow to enjoy math, even a little! 

Natalie Sprinkle, M. Ed.

Dyslexia Therapist

Natalie is a dedicated dyslexia therapist and early childhood specialist with a passion for supporting learners of all ages. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Research from the University of South Carolina. She has served as an interventionist over the last four years and has a strong understanding of developmental and learning needs. She is trained in the Wilson Reading System for dyslexia intervention.

She also has experience as a psychometrist at the Medical University of South Carolina where she administered a wide range of psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents, giving valuable insight into each child's unique strengths and challenges. She is passionate about helping individuals with dyslexia and learning differences unlock their full potential and thrive both academically and personally.

Jui Patel

SAT/ACT Prep

High School Math Tutor

Jui Patel is a high school math tutor. She is a 4th-year dental student at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine and a proud graduate of the College of Charleston where she majored in biology and minored in chemistry. She has been tutoring since her sophomore year of undergrad and truly loves working with students helping them grow, gain confidence, and build lasting skills. One of the most rewarding parts of tutoring for her is forming meaningful connections with her students, learning about their individual strengths, figuring out how they learn best, and celebrating their growth along the way. After graduation, she plans to go into private practice dentistry, but teaching and mentoring will always be something she is passionate about.

Alli Smith, BA. Psy.

Dyslexia Therapist

Allison Smith earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the College of Charleston and is currently working toward her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, academic tutoring, and has completed training in the Wilson Reading System for dyslexia intervention. Allison’s approach focuses on creating a supportive, structured, and encouraging environment that helps students build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning. 

Elizabeth Ferrebee, M. Ed.

Dyslexia Therapist

Elizabeth Ferrebee is a dedicated and highly qualified educator, holding a certification to teach grades 2–6 in South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and went on to complete a master’s in Teaching Reading and Literacy at the University of South Carolina. With years of classroom teaching experience, Elizabeth has worked hands-on with students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, honing her expertise in differentiated instruction and inclusive education.


Currently serving as a reading interventionist, Elizabeth brings her Orton–Gillingham trained background to every student she supports. Over the past six years, she has also tutored one-on-one, driven by a deep passion for empowering learners with learning differences. Her goal is to provide students with the tools they need to succeed both in and outside the classroom. She fosters not only academic confidence but lifelong resilience through structured, multisensory literacy instruction.