About Annalisa

Professional background

Associate member, Association of Educational Therapists (AET)

Ph.D. in Literacy from St. John’s University

M.S. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Concordia University

B.A. in Italian Studies from CUNY Macaulay Honors College

Specialization

As an Educational Therapist and Literacy Specialist, I began private practice in 2018 with a mission to bring awareness to issues in adult literacy. I started EdTherapy NYC so that I could help adults struggling to thrive due to dyslexia, NVLD, ADHD and Executive Function issues.

I began my teaching experience as a foreign language teacher. I taught Italian to college and high school students for about 10 years. During that time, I realized that many of my students struggled to learn another language, because they had difficulty reading and writing in English.

In 2019, I received my doctorate in Literacy from St. John’s University. My dissertation study was on the need for better content-area teacher preparation on the foundations of literacy. I am now pursuing national board certification in Educational Therapy through the Association of Educational Therapists.

I am trained in the Orton-Gillingham method, Preventing Academic Failure (PAF), the Hochman Method, and SRSD. I also specialize in Executive Function and self-regulation skill building, and am trained in Marydee Sklar’s Seeing My Time program for Executive Functioning success.

If you are dedicated, I believe that anyone can overcome their learning issues with the right help. I enjoy applying the findings of neuroscience and the science of learning to create custom learning plans for my clients.

My academic articles have been published in edited volumes and journals such as the Oklahoma Reader. In 2018, I was a nominee for the International Literacy Association’s 30 Under 30. In 2019, I received the Outstanding Author Contribution award from Emerald Press for my article entitled “Disruptive Innovations for Teacher Education.” I have also created materials for two of Wiley Publishing’s most important Italian textbooks, Crescendo! and Parliamo Italiano!

Together with Susan, I run and manage a study group for Educational Therapists and allied professionals. We also are currently in the process of completing an original research study on the connection between learning disabilities and mental health in adults.

Personal interests

For fun, I like to travel the world and learn about different cultures, languages, and cuisines. I have traveled to more than 15 countries, and my goal is to eventually set foot on all seven continents so that I can learn as much as I can about the world and its people.

As a proud Italian-American, I am an active member of the Columbus Citizens’ Foundation and volunteer my time to promote cultural awareness of Italy and the Italian-American experience.