Cindy has been an educator for 30 years. In 1986 she began her career by teaching students with disabilities in the public school system. She received a B.S in Mental Disabilities and a M. Ed. in Learning Disabilities from East Carolina University. She is also certified in National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Most recently, she worked for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as Exceptional Children Literacy Consultant for the northeast part of the state. In that role she provided technical support to nineteen school districts and one university, which happened to be her alma mater. Some of the responsibilities included providing professional development, coaching, data analysis and reading implementation support. Collaborating with other Institutions of Higher Education and school systems across the state were also a part of the position. She has facilitated and presented at a variety of North Carolina conferences. Currently she serves as an educational consultant. Cindy is passionate about empowering administrators and teachers to use quality literacy instruction and effective strategies that provide students valuable tools for learning.