About Us

We exist to ensure everyone can read and write so they can live their best life.

About our team

Person sitting on a stack of books, wearing jeans, with bare feet resting on more books.

Changing the world one reader at a time.

We are current educators who have experienced our own journey in evidence-based literacy, and we are eager to support others.

We see you.

And we’re here for you.

Teaching is a struggle when students cannot read and write. We know how hard you work and how much you care. 

You deserve a team that understands your daily challenges and who knows what works, and what doesn’t. 

We’ve worked with hundreds of educators to help them regain their confidence and fall in love with teaching again. We can help you, too!

What it’s like to work with us

ENLIGHTENING

We give you school and classroom-tested tools and training you can use right away

SUPPORTIVE

You’ll be surrounded by seasoned educators who have undergone the science of reading journey and are committed to your success

ENERGIZING

You’ll look forward to Monday mornings again, refreshed and excited to teach

Our mission & values

Our mission is to empower educators to create readers for life.  

  • We prioritize self-care and work-life balance for ourselves and the clients we serve.  

  • We are coachable and curious. We are committed to science and to staying current on best practices. We are willing to unlearn and relearn.  

  • We take pride in our work, put forth our best effort, and follow through on our commitments. 

  • We support our teammates with kindness and give back to our colleagues, communities, and the world. 20% of our store profits are donated to schools, libraries, and book charities working to grow students’ access to decodable books.

Person writing on paper with blue pen, notebook and coffee mug on wooden table.

How it works

Start transforming lives in 2 easy steps:

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2. Choose a learning path

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Rediscover the joy of teaching

A diverse group of young children sitting on the floor in a colorful classroom, some with hands raised, engaged in a lesson led by a teacher. The classroom is decorated with educational materials and art supplies.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Heather Ballantine, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Root Literacy Design LLC

    Heather Ballantine

    FOUNDER & CHIEF VISION OFFICER

    Heather is a Rhode Island Department of Education approved provider of professional learning in the science of reading and Structured Literacy. She works part-time as a Literacy Coach at The Compass School in Kingston, RI. Heather has experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, consultant, and coach. She is OGA certified at the Associate Level and is a certified reading specialist. An endometriosis survivor, she is fierce advocate for the disease.

  • Dawn Carusi

    LITERACY PARTNER

    Dr. Dawn Carusi has extensive field experience as a special educator, classroom teacher, elementary & secondary reading specialist, regional literacy facilitator, MTSS/RTI coordinator, adjunct professor, and literacy consultant with LETRS, 95 Percent, and Root Literacy Design. Dawn is passionate about teacher preparation and supporting the needs of all learners – especially those who struggle.

  • Brandee Lapisky

    SCHOOL LEADER IN LITERACY

    Brandee serves as the Director of The Compass School, a K-8 charter school in Kingston, RI. During her twenty years in education, she has served as a teacher, principal, school director, education consultant, conference presenter, and member of multiple non-profit boards. Her work focuses on fostering student engagement and cultivating a positive school culture.

  • Sarah Craft

    TEACHER IN LITERACY

    Sarah is a 3rd & 4th grade teacher at The Compass School in Kingston, RI, where she once attended as a student. She has experience teaching early childhood and elementary education in urban and suburban settings. She has been working with Root Literacy Design to implement the science of reading and Structured Literacy since 2020. Sarah is passionate about helping students fall in love with learning and tackling challenging skills.

  • Amy Goldblatt, elementary teacher at The Compass School

    Amy Goldblatt

    TEACHER IN LITERACY

    Amy is a 3rd & 4th grade teacher in a multi-age classroom at The Compass School in Kingston, RI. She has been working with Root Literacy Design to implement the science of reading and Structured Literacy in her classroom since 2020. She most enjoys teaching students how to read, recognizing that doing so gives them the tools they need to unlock all opportunities that come their way in life.