Lighthouse Educational Services has a heart for children. From special needs students to those who excel academically, our consultants work to create a positive, individualized testing experience. Below, each of our WJ-IV testing consultants shares a bit of her heart with you. (Our consultants are independent contractors.)
Kristen Aldrich, Administrative Assistant
1994lighthouse@gmail.com
I was born and raised in North Carolina and spent the majority of my career in the banking world. When I had my first child I decided I wanted to stay home with him and never went back. My husband and I were not homeschooled, but when my oldest child missed the kindergarten birthday cut off we decided to just try homeschooling that first year since we had nothing to lose. It went better than we could have ever dreamed and we couldn’t imagine sending him to school after that. We have been homeschooling ever since and are getting close to graduating our first child. We have used the WJ test for over 8 years, so when I was offered the chance to work with Lighthouse it was an easy answer. I love sharing about homeschooling with other parents and helping them on their journey.
Donna Annis: B.A. English, Certified Orton-Gillingam and Linda-Mood Bell tutor
between Garner and Clayton
annisdonna553@gmail.com
My name is Donna Annis and I have been a consultant with Lighthouse Educational Services since 1997. I have a B.A. in English from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I am a trained Orton-Gillingham instructor and I’m a member of the Augustine Project. I have homeschooled all six of my children, four of whom have gone on to obtain higher degrees at universities in our area. I am currently homeschooling our adopted daughter from China. Our extended family is from Vietnam, Korea, and Mexico. Tutoring and testing has given me the opportunity to have an impact on future generations. Through the years I have taught, I have discovered that each child learns in his/her own unique way. Our family has found that although homeschooling has its difficulties and challenges, the rewards are far greater.
Ginny Raynor Brown: B.A. Psychology and Art
Clayton
ginnybrownLES@gmail.com
I attended Wake Forest University where I achieved a B.A. in Art and Psychology. My husband, Jimmy, and I , have three daughters who have all been homeschooled K-12.
As a testing consultant with Lighthouse, I enjoy working with children and making them feel comfortable to help them do their best work. I want to help the parents, too, by giving any advice or help in any area they need. In my opinion, the WJ-IV is the most personal and thorough achievement test and I enjoy administering it.
Lisa Durham: B.S. Special Education, Certified Barton Tutor
between Garner and Willow Spring near Costco on Hwy 401
lisa@ldtutoring.com
I’ve devoted most of my adult life to education. After earning my degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University, I began my teaching career in Jacksonville, Florida. Upon returning to North Carolina, I spent several years working in the Governor’s Office of Education before beginning a sixteen-year homeschooling journey with my family. During that time, I trained in an Orton-Gillingham–based program and became certified to teach reading and writing to children with dyslexia. I later earned advanced certification in the Barton Reading & Spelling Program and have since found great joy and purpose in helping students with dyslexia gain confidence and literacy skills.
In 2011, I joined Lighthouse Educational Services, where I support homeschool parents with testing, curriculum choices, and educational guidance. It’s a privilege to combine my love for teaching with years of hands-on experience working with children and families through my work at Lighthouse.
Roxanne Long: B.A. Communications Studies, Birth-Kindergarten Licensure, Level 2 Certified Tutor: Equipping Minds
NE Raleigh near 540 and Hwy 1
lesroxannelong@gmail.com
I grew up in Hillsborough, NC and graduated from high school with a love for French culture and language. After high school, I graduated UNC-Wilmington with a B.A. in Communications Studies and a minor in French. My love for all things French led me to work as a missionary in Paris for two years. When I returned, I earned my Birth-Kindergarten Licensure from UNC-Chapel Hill which enabled me to work with infants and preschool children. After 5 years of preschool, I worked as a Developmental Therapist in the NC Early Intervention program for 10 years. As I worked with children with Autism, Downs Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome and global developmental delays, I also served refugee families from multicultural backgrounds. Later, I taught ESL at Wake Technical Community College.
In 2005, I married my husband and we quickly began our family. As I homeschooled my children, I discovered our family had four generations of learning disabilities. As I navigated this area for my family, we tried various interventions such as Vision Therapy, Barton, Wilson Reading, and NILD to help our children succeed in school. Many of these interventions were suggested to us when we had the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement administered by Lighthouse. Because of our experience with learning disabilities, I have a strong desire to help other families recognize their abilities and strengthen their weaknesses. When I am not testing, I also enjoy sharing my knowledge of Cognitive Development Therapy to help individuals gain confidence and overcome challenges with learning.
Serena Manning: M.Ed. Special Education, Director of Lighthouse Educational Services
Clayton
info {at} lighthouseEDU.net
I graduated from the University of Georgia with undergraduate and graduate degrees, both in the field of special education. As a former special education teacher, I worked with students of all ages and ability levels. In 2006, I left the public schools to stay home with my two daughters, started working for Lighthouse Educational Services, and within a few years, decided to join the ranks of homeschoolers. Homeschooling my two daughters for 14 years has been the most challenging and rewarding job I have ever had. Administering the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement gives me the opportunity to encourage other homeschool parents and provide strategies for children with learning struggles.
In 2011, our Director, Sherry Hemingway began to mentor me to one day assume her role. Sherry went to be with the Lord in December 2014. It was an honor and a privilege to work closely with her for 7 years. I strive to daily model her gracious spirit, compassion, and concern for others. Sherry’s legacy lives on as the Lighthouse consultants carry the torch of this ministry, offering support and encouragement as you direct your child’s education.
Carol Polischak: B.A. English, CELTA-certified ESL instructor
between Clayton and Garner
mscarolLES {at} gmail.com
I am a veteran homeschool mom of 2 adult children, an academic tutor, and a testing consultant for LES. I began working as a teacher more than 2 decades ago, and I recognize with gratitude the community of friends and colleagues who mentored and cheered me along the way. And now, in my role as a seasoned educator, I desire to pass along insights and experiences that have helped me over the years to support others on their journeys.
My professional experience includes working with students with diverse learning needs, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and ASD. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child has unique talents and abilities. As an educator, my role is to support and encourage students and parents in developing these capabilities so the children can reach their fullest potential. Some of my most rewarding experiences are reconnecting with families I’ve worked with and witnessing how the students who struggled have blossomed into thriving teenagers and adults because of parents who persevered through the difficult seasons These moments are powerful reminders that the dedication and hard work of parents in guiding their children’s education truly yields remarkable results!
I also continue to provide tutoring services and small classes for homeschooled students. I am a CELTA-certified ESL instructor, and on Sundays, you can find me studying the Bible with my 2nd grade Sunday school class. I hope to have the opportunity to meet your family one day soon!