Sara Gallagher-Bernall, Executive Director

Sara holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Montana State University, a graduate-level certificate in Educational Therapy from the University of California – Riverside, and a Professional Level Educational Therapist endorsement from the Association of Educational Therapy. She brings over eight years of classroom teaching experience in Oregon and Washington, where she pioneered an intervention program for dyslexic students at Northwest Christian Schools.

Inspired by her personal experience with her dyslexic daughter, Sara has pursued ongoing education as a dyslexia consultant and screener through Bright Solutions for Dyslexia in partnership with the University of San Diego. In addition to her extensive background in Orton-Gillingham instruction, she is an accredited instructor with the Institute of Excellence in Writing. As Executive Director of READMontana, Sara leads the organization in expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy support for dyslexic students across the state.

Sarah Alexander, Associate Director

Sarah graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in English and from Stanford University with an M.A. in English Literature. When her daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2015, she was inspired to channel her lifelong passion for language and reading into a new career path. Since then, she has pursued specialized training in addressing reading difficulties. She is a member of the Academy of Orton Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. 

Sarah’s previous professional career includes Program Director for Off the Beaten Path, an adventure travel company; Communications Director for the College of Letters & Science at Montana State University; and founder/owner of Market Day Foods, an innovator in local foods distribution. She is also a founding board member and coach for Bozeman Youth Cycling. 

Grace Bernall

A dedicated and compassionate instructor, Grace brings a unique perspective rooted in personal experience. Having completed an Orton-Gillingham/Structured Literacy intervention as a child, she possesses a profound understanding of challenges dyslexic students encounter and is able to connect with students on a level that goes beyond the conventional instructor-student relationship.

Grace completed the rigorous training and practice needed to teach dyslexic students while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Montana State University. In addition to her academic pursuits, Grace enjoys yoga, travel, cross-country skiing, hiking, and snuggling with her cat Elaina. 

Becky Hillman

Becky brings extensive experience in elementary education and reading instruction to the READMontana team. After earning her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming, she spent more than ten years teaching 1st and 2nd grade before serving 16 years as a reading specialist in Bend, OR. During that time, she deepened her expertise through Orton-Gillingham training and worked with students across grades K–5. Becky recently relocated to Bozeman with her husband and enjoys golfing, playing tennis, and cycling in her free time.

Ann Hoy

After graduating with a B.A. in Special Education from Florida Atlantic University,  Ann Hoy began her teaching career in Colorado. She was a Reading Interventionist for over ten years in Littleton,  Colorado, and spent an additional decade teaching 4th and 5th grades in Conifer, Colorado.  Ann retired from the classroom in 2020 but continues to substitute teach while also working with READMontana students as an online instructor.  

Delaney Kearns

Delaney studied Early Childhood Education at Montana State University, where she gained hands-on experience with students at the ASMSU Learning Center. A former downhill ski racer at Mammoth Mountain, CA, she now shares her love of the sport through the Eagle Mount Adaptive Snowsports Program in Bozeman. Delaney completed her training in structured literacy methodologies in spring 2025 and brings a compassionate, fun-loving energy to her work with READMontana students. Outside of teaching, she enjoys mountain adventures, walks with her dog, and serving up sushi at a local restaurant.

Jenny Larson

Jenny earned her English Teaching Credential from The Master’s University in California, where she also taught for several years. She has extensive training in the Barton Reading and Spelling Program and has taken her own children through the curriculum. “My favorite part is seeing kids learn spelling rules that actually work, what a confidence booster for life!” Jenny lives in Bozeman with her husband of 19 years and three daughters (13, 12 & 9). She has homeschooled for seven years and is actively involved in the creation and administration of a homeschool cooperative. 

Rae Lilly

Rae has an undergraduate degree from MSU, as well as an M.A. Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley College in Boston.  The emphasis of her graduate studies was employing creative arts in learning.  She has extensive training in all curriculum areas with a primary focus on language arts instruction, including the Orton-Gillingham-influenced Barton Reading and Spelling system and Handwriting Without Tears. Rae's 25+ years of classroom teaching provided her with a unique understanding of the diverse strengths and challenges students possess emotionally and academically.

Noah Massey

Noah has a B.A. in Art History from Montana State,  a B.F.A. from the University of Montana, and an M.F.A from the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she also took courses in the Education department “just for fun.”  Noah’s teaching adventure continued as she homeschooled her two dyslexic children before joining READMontana's instructional staff. 

When not working with ReadMT students, Noah is the Executive Director for S.L.A.M. (Support Local Artists and Musicians), a practicing artist, mom, and master of mayhem. Students working with Noah can expect lots of laughter and many, many art activities.

Amy Severance

Amy completed her undergraduate education at the University of Montana, where she also met her husband, Patrick, a packer and guide in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Amy and her husband moved to Whitehall, MT where Amy taught 1st - 6th grades at Whitehall Elementary for over 20 years. After selling their horse ranch and following their sons to Bozeman, Amy wanted to continue sharing the skills she had honed during her time as a classroom teacher. Her expertise in reading, writing, and spelling instruction led her to READMontana where she shares these talents with her students.

Diya Taylor

Originally from Vermont, Diya graduated from Colorado College where she studied neuroscience and education. Diya has worked with students as an online tutor for the past three years, was a mentor for middle-school students in Colorado Springs, and recently completed training in Orton-Gillingham instructional methods for dyslexia. And she also speaks Bengali!

Brittany Wallace

Brittany graduated from Montana State University with a B.A. in English-Writing and a minor in Human Development. She brings experience in literacy tutoring, creative writing instruction, special education, and early childhood education. Brittany has worked as a literacy tutor using the UFLI curriculum, a writing instructor with Writopia Lab, and as a Life Skills Paraeducator at Chief Joseph Middle School. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, feel supported, and grow as learners through patience, creativity, and compassion.

Charity Wenger

Charity brings both creative and educational experience to the READMontana team. After beginning her career as a graphic designer, she discovered a new calling in early childhood education, teaching and directing at Selah Learning Academy here in Bozeman. Her passion for literacy grew through her journey supporting her dyslexic daughter, which inspired her to learn more about structured literacy and effective, compassionate instruction. Charity loves connecting with students, encouraging their confidence, and helping them discover their unique strengths. Outside of teaching, she enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and spending time with her family.

Sarah West

Born and raised in Montana, Sarah graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design from Montana State University. As a mom of three, she has firsthand experience navigating the world of literacy challenges. After homeschooling her children for a time, Sarah saw the profound impact ReadMontana had on her own daughter’s reading success. Inspired by her daughter’s growth and newfound confidence, Sarah is excited to help other children gain literacy skills and walk alongside them in their reading journeys.