Alison Downey graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland in 2011. Alison spent five years working as a classroom teacher, and she then transitioned into the role of Learning Resource Coordinator  for students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. She received her Orton-Gillingham certification in 2019, and she completed Notre Dame’s Program for Inclusive Education in 2021. Alison utilizes her training in structured literacy and special education to provide research-based reading intervention to diverse learners. She also works closely with classroom teachers and families to write Individualized Learning Plans for students to support them in the classroom setting. Alison is passionate about teaching reading and utilizes her unique training to meet students where they are and help them grow as readers and writers.  

 

Currently, Alison works part time as the Learning Resource Coordinator at a private school. She is also an Orton-Gillingham practitioner, specializing in individualized sessions to meet the specific learning needs of students. She consults and works closely with parents, teachers, and other learning specialists to make sure the unique learning needs of her students are being met.  

 

In her free time, Alison enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and two children, Madelyn and JJ. They love to spend time together outdoors, reading, cooking, playing board games, and traveling.