Student Ambassadors for READ MAEd Reading and Literacy Program at ECU
If you are interested in learning more about our program from a student’s perspective, please feel free to contact one of our student ambassadors. They would love to hear from you!
Lisa Thompson-Weber
My name is Lisa Thompson-Weber and I am a second-year graduate student in the MAEd Reading and Literacy program. I have been a Pirate since 1998, earning my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. I work as a Gifted Education Catalyst in Winston-Salem /Forsyth County Schools where I have been an educator for 21 years. Prior to teaching in WS/FCS I worked in Pitt County and Guilford County. I have been a mentor teacher for 15 years and find great joy in supporting new teachers in their career as educators. It is an honor to serve as an ambassador and lend my support to you. Please reach out!
Dorothy Williams
My name is Dorothy Williams, and this is my second year in the online MAEd Reading and Literacy program. I am from a small town called Whiteville, North Carolina, and attended Fayetteville State University for my BS in Elementary Education. I live in Rocky Mount, NC, where I’ve spent ten years in the classroom teaching grades PreK, 2nd, and 3rd grade. For the past four years I have served as a 3-5 Instructional Coach. Similar to an Instructional Coach, this will be my first year as an MCL- Multi-Classroom Leader. I am a first-generation college student, wife to my college sweetheart of 17 years, and mom of two teenage boys! I enjoy singing, learning new things, crafting, spending time with my family, and helping others! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Kristin Martin
My name is Kristin Martin, and this is my second year in the online MAEd Reading and Literacy program. I live in Winston Salem, North Carolina and am an MTSS Coordinator/Interventionist in an elementary school in the Winston Salem/Forsyth County school district. I have previously worked as a Kindergarten teacher’s assistant, taught 1st, 3rd and 4th grade reading. I am a proud mom of 3 boys who keep me busy, but I strive to accomplish my personal goals which include obtaining a master’s degree. Reading is my favorite subject to teach. I enjoy finding engaging and culturally relevant texts that get students excited about reading while making connections to their world. I love when my excitement for the stories we read carries over to my students. I am honored to serve as a student ambassador where I aim to support first year and prospective students in accomplishing their personal goal of obtaining a master’s degree. Please reach out with any questions or support you may need.
Heather Desorbo
Hello! My name is Heather DeSorbo, and this is my second year in the Masters of Reading and Literacy Program here at East Carolina University. I am originally from Waterbury, Connecticut; however, I have called Fayetteville, North Carolina my home since 2001. I am about to begin my eleventh year of teaching in Spring Lake, North Carolina. This will be my second year teaching second grade. I taught kindergarten prior to second grade for 7 years and fourth grade for 2 years. I am a single mom of a beautiful eleven-year-old daughter named Abriana. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary English and a licensure in Secondary English and Elementary Education. I love to read, travel, and spend time with my family! I am passionate about teaching reading, which is why I decided to get my master’s degree in Reading. I am excited to share my knowledge with my peers and my students when I return to the classroom this fall! It is a privilege to serve as an ambassador, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with future ECU students!
Aliyah Joyce
Hello friends! My name is Aliyah Joyce and I am entering into my first year as a first-grade teacher in Greenville, North Carolina. The past four years inside the classroom have been spent in kindergarten, which I will always hold near and dear to my heart because of how it has shaped me as an educator and literacy specialist. I am originally from Reidsville, North Carolina and moved to Greenville in 2021 where I started my journey as a teacher and shortly after, as a graduate student in the Reading and Literacy Program at East Carolina University. I am a first-generation college student and a single mother to my two-year-old daughter, Ava. I love creating opportunities for all students to see themselves in what they learn and to develop as young readers. I am eager to help in any capacity that I can and hope to encourage you to keep going, to keep teaching, to keep loving and to keep sharing your passion for literacy.
Greer Moneta
My name is Greer Moneta and I am a kindergarten teacher in Charlotte, NC! This will be my 4th year teaching and I am currently serving as the kindergarten grade level chair, reading committee lead, beginning teacher mentor, and expanded impact teacher. I graduated from ECU in May 2021 with my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a reading concentration. I loved ECU and my reading professors so much; I was eager to return and work towards my masters in reading and literacy. My favorite thing about teaching kindergarten is providing students with the foundation needed to help them become readers! I am honored to serve as an ambassador; please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Tracee Moore
My name is Tracee Moore. This is my second year in the online MAEd Reading/Literacy program, and I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead. I earned my bachelor’s degree from UNCG in 2008 in Human Development and Family Studies, with a concentration in Birth to Kindergarten. I’m from Dunn, NC, and I have a wonderful 8-year-old daughter named Avalynn. For 15 fulfilling years, I worked as a Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher. After my time in the classroom, I transitioned into early intervention, focusing on children from birth to age 3. Now, I am eager to take on a larger role in supporting public education as I join the Public School Forum of NC. Throughout the Reading and Literacy Program, my passion for equity, culturally responsive instructional practices, and supporting ELL/Multilingual Learners has blossomed. As an adult learner with disabilities, I deeply understand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this journey. I look forward to supporting and working alongside prospective and first-year students, answering any questions you may have about the program, and cheering you on every step of the way!
Michelle Maher
My name is Michelle Maher and I am a second-year graduate student in the MAEd Reading and Literacy program. I am a third generation Pirate and live in Waxhaw, NC with my husband of 30 years. I work in the Central Office of Charlotte Mecklenburg School District where I am currently a Core Behavior Specialist that helps support 26 of our elementary, middle, and high schools within our district. Before that I was a Master Teacher in Union County Public Schools mentoring and coaching our teachers in Title One schools. I have 26 years of experience in the classroom teaching K-6th grade in Indiana, Arizona, and here in NC. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with not only my students, but administrators, seasoned teachers, and beginning teachers. Mentoring our future teachers has become a passion of mine over the years. It is a privilege to be able to support and serve you as an ambassador as I continue my path in education.
Bri Erwin
My name is Bri Erwin, and this is my second year in the online MAEd Reading and Literacy program. I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. This is my eleventh-year teaching in Craven County Schools, where I taught first grade for ten years and will be teaching High School English this year! I have two daughters who are in seventh and twelfth grade. I love reading and being able to instill a love for reading in my students. Please reach out anytime if you have any questions, need support, or advice. I am happy to help make your learning experience in the MAEd Reading and Literacy program a success!
Deanna Gardner
My name is Deanna Gardner and I am a second-grade teacher with Caswell County Schools. This year I will celebrate my 23rd year in teaching. I am entering my second year in the online MAEd Reading and Literacy program at East Carolina University. My plans are to continue my education further as I look forward to beginning the doctoral program beginning Fall semester of 2025. I am honored to have been chosen as an ambassador as I share my love of Reading with students of all ages. I am excited to support you as you begin your journey in the program.
Erika Helms
My name is Erika Helms and I am currently in my second year of the MAEd Reading and Literacy Education Program at East Carolina University. This will be my 22nd year teaching and I am currently a first-grade teacher in Raleigh, NC. I am certified in both Education and Special Education and strive to help all students find a love for learning. My husband and I have twin daughters that will be 5th Graders this year. The READ program at ECU and the incredibly supportive professors have helped me become a stronger and more efficient literary educator. I am thrilled to serve as an ambassador to future and current students.
Jennifer Norman
Hello! My name is Jennifer Norman and I’m currently in my second year of the online MAED Reading and Literacy program. I grew up in Rocky Mount, NC and currently teach first grade in Wake Forest, NC. I earned a degree in sociology from UNC Greensboro and my teaching degree from Salem College. This program is wonderful and I have learned so much. It is a joy to watch my first graders grow in their reading knowledge. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!