Jill Dejak, M.Ed. – Principal and Reading Specialist: Jill graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in special education. She completed her Master’s of reading education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in May of 2003. In June, 2004, Mrs. Dejak opened a reading clinic specific to children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. She is level certified in Wilson Reading Systems, a multi-sensory reading program developed for children with dyslexia, and is Associate – Level certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach; she is currently working toward the Certified-Level in Orton-Gillingham. In 2009, Jill founded Longleaf Academy, and is not only the head administrator, but also supervises and coordinates the reading therapy program. In addition, Mrs. Dejak teaches upper-elementary and middle school math and reading comprehension. Feel free to contact Jill via email at jdejak@longleafacademy.com.
Jennifer Watson – Lead Teacher: Jennifer has been working with children and adolescents with dyslexia since 2004 and has personal experience with language-based learning disabilities. Jennifer has a vast background in education, ranging from pre-school to high school. She is level certified in Wilson Reading Systems, a multi-sensory reading program, exclusively developed for children with dyslexia, and has extensive training in Orton-Gillingham, the approach from which our school is based. In addition to her broad experience in reading therapy, Jennifer is also trained in the Excellence in Writing Approach. She also trains staff and supervises the written language curriculum at Longleaf Academy. In addition to teaching reading and written language, Jennifer also teaches algebra to 9th and 10th graders and middle-school and high school reading comprehension. Mrs. Watson is also a very gifted visual arts teacher, and coordinates that program for Longleaf.
Nancy Nuckols – Teacher Associate: Mrs. Nuckols graduated from Ferrum College in Virginia, in 1982 with an Associate’s degree in music and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in psychological studies in child development. In 1988, she became a certified Montessori educator. After directing a preschool program for more than 15 years, Nancy received Orton-Gillingham training in February of 2009 and is currently undergoing Associate level certification. She supervises the lower-elementary students and teaches reading therapy, math and written language.
Theresa Beauchamp – Teacher Associate: Theresa received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Social Work in 1993 and is currently pursuing her Special Education Licensure. Mrs. Beauchamp has numerous years experience working with children and families as a case manager and administrator. Theresa coordinates the science and history curriculum at Longleaf, as well as instructs elementary math and written language.
Janet Hopson - Teacher Associate:
Janet is a graduate of Barton College in Wilson, NC. She holds a BS degree in Music Education and a Master’s of Divinity in music from Southeastern Baptist Seminary. Ms. Hopson also holds certification in Math Education, Social Studies Education, and is currently working towards a second Master’s degree in Special Education. In addition, Janet is also certified in the Excellence in Writing program. She teaches Saxon Math 7/6 and writing.
Sally Oates – Assistant Teacher: Sally assists students in the lower grades at Longleaf. She comes to us with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in recreational therapy. Sally also teaches the science and history curriculum to students in grades 2 – 4.
