We exist to ensure everyone can read and write so they can live their best life.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Our Just Cause
67% of 4th graders nationwide are not proficient readers. We imagine a world in which all students attending school learn how to read and write so they can reach their full potential, access information, and be active members of their communities. We believe the best way to build this world is to empower educators with evidence-based literacy practices.
What We Do
Heather started Root Literacy Design to help as many students as possible learn how to read and write. Today, it is an organization of current educators dedicated to advancing our Just Cause.
In-Person Training for schools and individuals
Tools that are classroom-tested and created with teachers
School Partnerships to build culture, teams, and sustainable structures
Year-Long Cohorts to provide ongoing coaching support for leaders, coaches, & practitioners
Our Values
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Wellness is the freedom to move fluidly through the cycles of being human; it is a state of action, not a state of being. We prioritize self-care and work-life balance so we can help others. We do not work during time off. We share, celebrate, and support others’ personal hobbies, interests, achievements, & goals.
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We seek feedback, continually rethink, and disown “because we have always done it this way” reasoning. We believe in moving ever forward - in continued self-initiated learning and advancement to serve others in our mission.
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We pursue worthy goals, put forth our best effort, and follow through on commitments and projects so that we are proud of the work we do. We are committed to science and evidence-based practices.
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We contribute meaningful work to our team and those we serve. We seek out and fulfill opportunities to give back to and share with others. We share our failures and successes with others so all can learn and grow.
Our Team
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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 surviver, she is fierce advocate for the disease.
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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.
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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.
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Michelle Bush
SCHOOL LEADER IN LITERACY
Michelle is the Director of Student Services at The Compass School, a K-8 charter in southern RI. She is a strong advocate for ensuring students with disabilities experience the same growth and success that their non-disabled peers do, both academically and socially/emotionally. Michelle has served many years in urban and suburban districts as a special education teacher, principal, LEA coordinator, coach, and mentor. She prides herself on building strong relationships with students, educators, and families which serves as the foundation for positive student outcomes.
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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.
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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.
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