Keys to Literacy Higher Education Summit

Ms. Montgomery has been recognized by the International Dyslexia Association, ARC, and ExcelEd for her outstanding leadership in the area of literacy. She is a national speaker in the area of leadership and literacy, specifically on the systems and structures that should be implemented in schools to increase literacy outcomes for students. She serves as an expert and advisor on several literacy panels for states and school districts. Pati is the lead author for the book, It’s Possible, A Leadership Plan for Implementing Quality Reading Instruction and Ensuring Literacy for All, as well as the lead author for A Principal’s Primer for Raising Reading Achievement, a Lexia LETRS for Administrators module (First Edition). She is currently in the position of Senior Education Officer at Keys to Literacy and founded Schools Cubed, a literacy leadership coaching firm that is now part of Keys to Literacy.

Maria is a second-grade teacher, educational leader, and adjunct professor with over 25 years of experience in K-5 instruction and literacy. Specialized in data-driven intervention, she successfully launched and managed a school-wide MTSS program post-COVID, designing targeted ELA and Math curricula and supporting classroom educators. She currently trains future reading specialists at Arcadia University and is the co-founder of Learn Local, a tutoring and workshop business for primary elementary students. Maria holds degrees and advanced certifications from the University of Pittsburgh, West Chester University, and St. Joseph’s University.

Dr. Lori Severino is Director of the ALLIED Hub @ Drexel University and a scholar-practitioner in literacy. She began her career as a special education teacher and later served as an Assistant Professor in Drexel University’s School of Education, where she taught courses in literacy, special education, and educational leadership. Dr. Severino’s research and publications focus on literacy instruction, teacher preparation, and supporting students with learning differences. She presented her work at numerous national and international conferences on literacy and educator preparation. Her work centers on advancing evidence-based literacy practices and strengthening leadership to improve literacy outcomes for all students.

Jennifer Weller-Lynady is a dedicated educator and literacy specialist with over 30 years of experience in teaching and instructional leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Literacy and the Director of the Arcadia Community Learning Center at Arcadia University, where she plays a vital role in shaping literacy education and supporting aspiring reading specialists.

Jennifer began her teaching career with the School District of Philadelphia as a first-grade teacher before transitioning to the School District of Haverford Township, where she taught first grade for five years.

For the past 20 years, she has served as a K-5 Reading Specialist in Haverford Township, working closely with students to develop essential literacy skills.

In 2010, Jennifer joined Arcadia University as a faculty member. She teaches courses within the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program and the Reading Specialist Certification track for Pennsylvania educators. As Director of Literacy, she advises graduate students pursuing their M.Ed. in Literacy and Reading Specialist certifications. In her role as Director of the Arcadia Community Learning Center, Jennifer oversees the training of reading specialist candidates and manages the summer literacy program, which serves elementary-aged students and their families. She works to uphold Arcadia University’s prestigious International Dyslexia Association accreditation plus.

Accreditation, ensuring high-quality literacy instruction and support for students with dyslexia.

Through her extensive work in literacy education, Jenn remains committed to empowering educators and students alike, fostering a love for reading and learning in communities across Pennsylvania.