Dominica Felici-Skal

Dr. Dominica, Your NEPA Doc with Dyslexia, LLC

Rate: https://www.drdominica.com/rates Available For: Online

Westmount, Québec
Georgetown, Delaware
Dallas, Texas
San Diego, California

My Story
Similar to the roaring '20s, my childhood in the 1980s was an era of indulgence and wonder. On a special Thanksgiving Day in 1983, as my aunt hosted dinner, I recall sitting with my favorite cousin at a private table, pretending to sip champagne — really just Welch's grape juice in a fancy bottle.

After dinner, as Rocky III premiered on HBO, I was captivated. The motivational music and Rocky Balboa's struggle in the ring spoke to me. His slurred speech and unwavering determination mirrored the battles I faced in school and reading, feeling each challenge like a physical blow. Yet, just like Rocky, the key was to keep getting up, to keep fighting.

My passion for movies helped bridge my connection to oral language. While audiobooks and my dad reading Aesop's Fables aloud were cherished, movies were more accessible and formed a clearer picture. This love led us to open a video store in 1986, which became a community hub where I bonded over films and helped neighbors and friends.

Despite my straightforward and succinct speech, oral language has always been a challenge. Finding the right words to comfort and describe detailed visuals when the images in my mind are so vivid has been a lifelong struggle. This is a sentiment I believe many with dyslexia, autism, and communication challenges can relate to.

My elementary education was filled with confusion. Tasks that seemed disconnected from real learning — coloring worksheets, clapping out names, and deciphering long and short vowel font with measurement tools like a pencil eraser — all these methods left me questioning and frustrated. Yet, my family's constant emphasis on the value of education and my grandmother's patience with my studies kept me pushing forward.

Despite being discouraged from pursuing higher education after leaving much of the SAT blank, my journey didn't end there. My persistence and strong executive functioning skills propelled me through community college and into Seton Hall University. Although doors to a career in special education law closed due the LSATs, opportunities in elementary and special education opened, reshaping my path.

Throughout my teaching career, I observed the gaps and misconceptions in teaching reading and recognized the limited discussion around dyslexia, autism & speech/language.

As I work toward further post-doctoral certifications in school psychology and applied behavior analysis, my mission remains clear: to demystify learning processes and support students and adults in carving their own paths. My plan to establish a dedicated facility in NEPA is rooted in this mission.

I've gained a wealth of experience across diverse rural, suburban, and urban educational settings. This includes classroom teaching, child study, and administration in public and private schools, as well as working in nursing homes, community volunteering at fairgrounds, tutoring and adult literacy programs, and close customer community engagement through video stores.

Exposure to Open Classroom methods, flexible and customized Orton-Gillingham approaches, the independence of Montessori multi-sensory methods, explicit and direct instruction in special education, and positive behavioral environments have all shaped my approach. Detailed curriculum-based assessments, along with successful implementation of RTI/MTSS prevention and intervention strategies, have enriched my understanding and fueled my drive to advocate for better teaching methods.

Like Rocky, I want to inspire others to find their strength, to stand up against the odds, and to recognize that sometimes, just going one more round can make all the difference.

Let's soar to new heights together!

Stay hungry and go the distance, learn from failure and take care of yourself, and keep going for it all!

Schedule your free initial Zoom meeting to discuss your needs, share your story, and explore how we can help you achieve success.

Gonna Fly Now!
Dr. Dominica

Dr. Dominica — Your NEPA Doc with Dyslexia

Email: ortongspecialist@gmail.com

Text/Call: 570-903-4280

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Experience :

• Dr. Dominica, founder of "Your NEPA Doc with Dyslexia, LLC," offers specialized educational services focusing on dyslexia and related learning challenges. With over two decades of experience in diverse educational settings, she provides:
• Orton-Gillingham Instruction: Personalized reading, spelling, writing, grammar, and mathematics support.
• Professional Evaluations: Remote psycho-educational assessments with tailored instructional recommendations.
• IEP Assistance: Guidance in understanding, developing, and advocating for Individualized Education Programs.
• Homeschool Consulting: Support for homeschooling families to ensure quality education.
• MTSS Services: Remote Multi-Tiered System of Supports for school districts.
• Executive Functioning Coaching: Strategies to enhance organizational and study skills.
• Currently, services are offered remotely, with plans to introduce local in-person nonprofit services soon. Dr. Dominica is also an approved provider for the Step Up Scholarship in Florida.
• For more information or to schedule a free Zoom consultation, visit www.drdominica.com or contact her at ortongspecialist@gmail.com.

Education :

• Doctor of Special Education/Wilson Reading System/Dyslexia Specialist Certified
• Dissertation: Perceptions of the Big Five and the Science of Reading Through the Lens of the Learning Consultant
• Four Master's Degrees
• Education Specialist (EdS), School Psychologist
• Master of Education (MEd), School Psychologist
• Pennsylvania School Psychologist Certification (Praxis Completed 2024; Residency Completion Expected May 2025)
• Master of Science (MS), Educational Administration & Reading Supervision
• Certified School Principal
• School Supervisor
• Reading Supervision
• Master of Arts (MA), Education
• Pennsylvania Level 2 Certification:
• Special Education
• Elementary
• ESL
• Reading Specialist (2004)
• Undergraduate Degree
• Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Administration
• Specialization: Marketing, Pre-Law Studies

Orton-Gillingham Training Information :

• 1. Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
• In-depth knowledge of tiered intervention frameworks, including how to design and implement effective supports at each level.
• Strategies for progress monitoring, including selecting appropriate tools and interpreting data to adjust interventions.
• Training in evidence-based practices for academic and behavioral interventions.
• 2. Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS)
• Comprehensive understanding of I&RS procedures and regulations specific to state and district policies.
• Skills to develop actionable intervention plans based on data and teacher referrals.
• Familiarity with team-based approaches to identifying and addressing student needs.
• 3. Restorative Justice Practices
• Restorative justice philosophy and its application in education.
• Training in classroom circles for community building and conflict resolution.
• Designing and implementing tiered restorative activities to support social-emotional learning and reduce disciplinary actions.
• 4. Academic Benchmarks (Literacy and Math)
• Expertise in grade-specific standards and their integration into daily instruction.
• Knowledge of literacy development stages, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Familiarity with math concepts such as number sense, fluency, and problem-solving for early learners.
• Proficiency in using benchmarks and rubrics to assess and set goals for student growth.
• 5. Phonological Awareness and Phonics Instruction
• Advanced training in phonemic awareness, including assessment and intervention strategies for PreK-2 students.
• Skills in teaching phonics, including sound-letter correspondence, syllable types, and decoding multisyllabic words.
• Proficiency in using interactive tools like letter tiles, sound charts, and direct instruction methods.
• 6. Behavioral Interventions and Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
• Training in data-driven behavioral management systems.
• Development of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and tracking student behavior with objective measures.
• Implementing school-wide PBS systems to promote positive learning environments.
• Managing crisis situations and de-escalating challenging behaviors effectively.
• 7. Cultural Competence and Equity
• Skills in working with English Language Learners (ELLs), including interventions tailored to their unique challenges.
• Understanding how socioeconomic and cultural factors impact learning and behavior.
• Training in implicit bias and equity-driven practices for inclusive instruction.
• 8. Crisis Management and Counseling
• Expertise in crisis counseling, including support for students experiencing trauma or significant challenges.
• Familiarity with mental health first aid and interventions for anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns.
• Skills in parental collaboration to address external factors impacting student performance (e.g., absences, home instability).
• 9. Data-Driven Instruction and Decision Making
• Mastery of data collection tools for literacy, math, and behavior.
• Training in statistical analysis for student progress and identifying trends in data.
• Using data to design customized interventions aligned with student needs.
• 10. Educational Leadership and Collaboration
• Skills in facilitating teacher teams for grade-level planning and intervention meetings.
• Managing instructional schedules to prioritize RTI/MTSS and collaborative planning time.
• Training in coaching teachers on assessment, behavior management, and differentiated instruction.
• 11. Special Education Expertise
• Proficiency in IDEA regulations and understanding how RTI integrates with special education services.
• Skills in Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and implementation.
• Expertise in identifying and supporting students with disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.
• 12. Parent and Community Engagement
• Designing parent training programs to enhance home support for interventions.
• Facilitating parent-teacher collaboration to ensure consistency in strategies across school and home.
• Building community partnerships to provide additional resources for students and families.
• 13. Technology Integration
• Expertise in using digital tools like Google Drive for resource sharing and documentation.
• Proficiency in online assessment platforms for phonological, academic, and behavioral data collection.
• Incorporating educational apps and software to support intervention delivery.
• 14. Professional Development Facilitation
• Designing training modules for teachers on RTI/MTSS, restorative practices, and data-driven decision making.
• Skills in adult learning theory to tailor professional development to staff needs.
• Experience in conducting interactive workshops and follow-up coaching sessions.
• 15. Specific Program Trainings Across 24 Years
• Over more than two decades of professional experience, training has included a wide array of specialized programs and methods, such as:
• Autism Fitness: Strategies for integrating physical fitness into support plans for students with autism spectrum disorders.
• DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills): Tools and techniques for assessing and improving early literacy skills.
• Math Their Way: A hands-on approach to teaching foundational math concepts in early education.
• Restorative Justice and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports): Frameworks for promoting positive behavior and building a sense of community in schools.
• Wilson Reading System: Specialized Orton-Gillingham-based training for addressing dyslexia and other reading challenges.
• Kid Writing: Early literacy instruction focused on developmental writing strategies for young learners.
• LETRS Training (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling): Advanced professional development in the science of reading.
• Phonological Awareness and Phonics Interventions: Techniques for addressing foundational literacy needs in PreK-2.
• Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Practices: Training to support students in crisis and address trauma's impact on learning.
• PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports): Tiered behavioral frameworks to enhance school climate and student outcomes.
• Orton-Gillingham (OG I): Multisensory instructional methods for teaching reading, spelling, and writing.
• Executive Function and Study Skills Development: Programs to improve organization, time management, and academic independence.
• RTI/MTSS Implementation: Best practices for developing and monitoring tiered interventions in academic and behavioral domains.
• Literacy and Math Coaching: Strategies for supporting educators in implementing benchmarks and interventions effectively.
• English Language Learners (ELL) Instruction: Techniques for engaging and supporting multilingual learners.
• Key Competencies from Training
• Leadership and Organization: Ability to create clear processes and workflows for intervention delivery.
• Instructional Expertise: Depth of knowledge in teaching strategies for literacy, math, and behavior.
• Analytical Skills: Use of data to inform decision-making and track the effectiveness of interventions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships with educators, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Innovative Problem Solving: Developing creative solutions for addressing academic and behavioral challenges.