Our family is passionate, dedicated, and team-centric.

Jake Ferentz, M.Ed., LGPC is the Director and CEO of LINKZ. He attained his graduate degree as a Master of Education in School Counseling at the nation’s highest ranked program, found at the University of Maryland, College Park, and obtained his licensure as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) through Loyola University. He received his undergraduate degree from the Scholars program in Public Relations from the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also a graduate of The Ferentz Institute’s Trauma Certificate Programs Level I and Level II. Built from the foundation of bowman educational services, a tutoring agency servicing the Columbia, MD area for over 35 years, LINKZ has been a dream of Jake's since 2012. He has trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus, Visualizing and Verbalizing, Executive Functioning Coaching, MODELosophy, and Writing & Research Methodology. Jake and Liz Riggieri co-developed and co-taught an Executive Functioning & Family Dynamics workshop series, and he has developed additional training courses in SAT/ACT test prep and virtual tutoring. He also developed and implemented LINKZ's Executive Functioning & Psychoemotional intake processes. Jake has lectured at the University of Maryland, College Park (Executive Functioning & Solution Focused Brief Therapy), several Decoding Dyslexia chapters (Executive Functioning & Learning Differences; Executive Functioning: A Quick Primer), AIMS (Trauma & Learning Differences), and The Ferentz Institute (Understanding the Developmental and Relational Impact of ADHD). While known primarily for his work in S.T.E.M. tutoring and Executive Functioning coaching, he has also worked extensively in advanced test prep (ISEE/HSPT/ASVAB/GRE) and college/career counseling. Jake also provides therapy for adolescents, adults, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and the impacts of learning differences. He has tutored, counseled, and mentored hundreds of students throughout his career, and continues to maintain relationships with families across the country. Through LINKZ, Jake’s mission is to help students and their families find success in the classroom and at home.

Jennifer Wheat, M.Ed., C-SLDI is the Executive Educational Diagnostician of LINKZ. She is also an Educational Consultant and Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (certified by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) in conjunction with the International Dyslexia Association). She received both her undergraduate degree and Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Jennifer received a graduate Certification in Advanced Studies in Education, specializing in Dyslexia, through Notre Dame of Maryland University in partnership with The Jemicy School. She is also a graduate of The Ferentz Institute’s Trauma Certificate Program Level I. As a former Special Education teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools, she also served on the Educational Management Team, testing and identifying students in need of specialized services and/or accommodations. As a former tutor, Jennifer trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus, Visualizing and Verbalizing, Executive Function Coaching and Writing, MODELosophy, and various written language strategies. Jennifer is a member of Decoding Dyslexia Maryland and the Special Education State Advisory Committee. She has participated as a professional member of the Universal Screening workgroup and as a parent representative on the ELA Elementary Curriculum workgroup in Frederick County Public Schools. When she has free time, she enjoys spending it with her husband and three children, watching them play sports, or playing tennis herself both with her friends and as a Special Olympics volunteer.

Carolyn Coletti, M.S., C-SLDT is an Associate Educational Diagnostician at LINKZ. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree with a dual concentration in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. She next received her Master of Science Degree in Special Education from Hofstra University in Long Island, New York. She lived in Richmond, Virginia for five years and taught Special Education and First Grade in Chesterfield County. She worked as a Special Educator and First Grade teacher in the Howard County School System for three years where she was nominated for the Agnes Meyers Teacher of the Year Award. She has worked for many years in Elementary Education, and is trained, licensed, and certified in Elementary Education (1-6), Early Childhood Education (Infant-K), Special Education (Infant-8), Visualizing and Verbalizing, and Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus. She has also received her Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Teacher Certificate (C-SLT) from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction in conjunction with the International Dyslexia Association, and is currently working towards her C-SLDI certification. In 2023, Carolyn reinstated the Frederick chapter of the Decoding Dyslexia support group, which aims to raise awareness of dyslexia and empower families in supporting their children as they face learning differences. Prior to working with LINKZ, Carolyn was an Orton-Gillingham Plus tutor at Glenwood Academy; LINKZ has given her the opportunity to share her love for reading with students of all ages. She believes in providing multi-sensory instruction to make learning engaging and meaningful. She feels the best teachers educate with their heart, not just their minds. Carolyn lives with her husband and three children - Elizabeth, Will, and Leah - in Frederick County, where she also enjoys volunteering for the Special Olympics, serving as a Unified Tennis volunteer coach for Linganore High School, and gardening.

Michelle Thieman is the Office Manager at LINKZ. The first point of contact since 2012, she has been the voice and face to greet families interested in learning more about our services. She has trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus, and understands the critical need to connect with and support families reaching out for help and guidance during their child’s academic career. She loves sharing the ability and experience of our staff in educating students that have a wide variety of learning styles. Michelle feels privileged to watch our team share knowledge that enables their students to develop both skills and confidence in their abilities to be successful. On a personal note, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and friends, as well as traveling and making jewelry.

Elisa Lebowitz, B.A. is the Tutor Coordinator and an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Elisa has been working with students for many years in both administrative and academic roles. She is trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus and Paragraphology, and has worked tirelessly with students for many years.

Nora Fitzgerald, M.S. is an Educational Advocate and Learning Support Specialist at LINKZ. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Stevenson University in 2013 and, in 2025, completed a Master’s degree in Education Improvement and Transformation at Drexel University, with concentrations in Special Education Advocacy and Law, Education Policy, and Program Evaluation. Nora has extensive experience supporting students with learning differences through individualized instruction and coaching in literacy intervention, executive functioning, and reading comprehension and writing skills. Her work is informed by early experience in a private occupational therapy setting and her years teaching at The Legacy School in Sykesville, Maryland. In addition to working directly with students, Nora enjoys mentoring other educators with program implementation and student-centered lesson planning. Outside of her professional work, she is a proud fur mama to cats Nyx and Atlas, as well as long-haired miniature dachshunds Milo and Linkin. She enjoys crocheting, photography, and attending auto races along the East Coast.

Louise Supnick, M.Ed. is an IEP Specialist and Advocate at LINKZ. A Special Educator with over forty years of experience, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree with a dual concentration in Elementary Education and Special Education at Buffalo State College in New York and her Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Louise also has an advanced degree in School Administration from CW Post, Long Island University in New York. Louise recently retired from the Baltimore County Public School system where she served as an Assistant Principal for the past twelve years. In her role as an Assistant Principal, Louise facilitated Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings, 504 meetings, and Student Study Team meetings weekly. She also supported the implementation of Individual Education Program plans and Student Support plans. Louise has had extensive training in the IEP, 504, and SST processes. She is committed to ensuring that all students receive all the services, accommodations, and supports needed. Louise has always worked closely with families to ensure all students have access to quality services and supports, and that they and their families are participating members of the school community.  Louise and her husband enjoy traveling, nature, reading, and the beach.

Noah Ferentz, MAT is a S.T.E.A.M. & Test Prep Specialist at LINKZ. He received his Masters of Arts in Teaching at Goucher College with dual certification in secondary special education and mathematics. Noah also received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, during which time he also served as an Assistant Academic Athletic Counselor and managed a caseload of over 100 student-athletes. Since 2014, Noah has taught students in grades 2-12 in the classroom while also tutoring learners of all ages. At LINKZ, Noah has developed a standardized test prep program to ensure that all students, regardless of their learning differences, have the tools they need to successfully navigate the higher education admissions process. Noah is a trained Executive Functioning coach and as a tutor, specializes in math, writing skills, and standardized test preparation.

Jake Nass, M.Ed. is a Learning Experience Designer at LINKZ. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Business Administration and Physics from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, and completed his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland, College Park. Jake designs and implements learning experiences and professional development programs for LINKZ staff, applying learner-centered principles to support onboarding, skill development, and instructional effectiveness. His background includes classroom teaching, curriculum design, educational consulting, and research on inclusive language and social positioning in learning environments. Outside of his professional work, Jake enjoys reading philosophical works, golfing, gaming, and writing.

Alexis Gerard, M.S. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ.  She has a B.A. in Secondary English Education from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in School Library Media from McDaniel College. Trained in Orton-Gillingham Plus, Alexis was an English teacher for 9 years, a Library Media Specialist for 20 years, and has extensive experience with private tutoring. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world, reading, and volunteering. She loves working with kids, especially when it comes to reading!

Alissa Sheinbach, M.Ed. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Alissa has a B.A. in International Politics from the George Washington University, an M.A. from Brown University in Educational Policy, and an Ed. M. from Smith College in Elementary Education. She has fourteen years’ experience as an elementary school teacher and thirty years’ experience as an academic tutor. She was trained by Fran Bowman in the Orton Gillingham method and worked for Bowman Educational Services for fifteen years. She also worked at a Montessori school and has been an adjunct instructor in English at Howard Community College since 2015. She is trained in Lindamood Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing program, Jemicy School’s Paragraphology and other reading, writing, and math curricula.

Carol Healy, M.S. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Carol earned her Masters in Teaching from McDaniel College and her B.A. in English from Duke University. She is certified by the State of Maryland in Secondary Education and has trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus. Carol worked for 18 years as an English Language Arts teacher at Mount Airy Middle School in Carroll County before retiring in 2021 to become a tutor. She enjoys the one-on-one aspect of tutoring, as well as the opportunity to work with students of all ages. Her goal is to help students believe in their abilities and build the skills to become confident readers and writers.

Catherine Nehring Massie, MAT (Elementary & Special Education), AMI (Montessori Elementary Diploma) is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Catherine has over 25 years of experience serving children with learning differences—as a tutor, a teacher, a school director, and an inclusion consultant and trainer. Catherine trained in Bowman's Orton-Gillingham Plus in 2004, and in 2005-2006 studied Montessori Elementary education in Italy. Catherine also trained in the Association Method at the Dubard School for Language Disorders at the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2012, Catherine earned a Master's degree in Elementary and Special Education from Mount St. Mary’s University. She holds Maryland teaching licenses in Elementary and Special Education. Catherine has been a tutor for LINKZ (formerly BES) since 2017. Catherine has 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren. She lives in Woodsboro, MD, with her husband and 89-year-old mother. She loves running, traveling, nature and doggies. “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life!” Catherine finds nothing more enjoyable than working with children.

Christina (Chris) Erd, B.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She has a B.A. in English, a Master of Education in Counseling, and has taught Pre-K, 2nd and 6th grade students in the classroom. She has been working with children and families in community and educational settings for 25 years. Chris has been trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus, MODELosophy, and Executive Function Coaching, and has been tutoring students in grades K-12 for more than five years. She enjoys helping students build skills to regain self-confidence and a love of learning.

Cyndi Alder, B.S. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.S. and dual certification in Special Education and Elementary Education. She has trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus and enjoys teaching children (she's worked with them since the age of 16). She has four children of her own, two of whom struggle with dyslexia; her goal is to help others with similar struggles. She loves her family, summer days, and photography, and strives to capture the world around her in her photos.

Evan Margolis, B.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. He graduated from the University of Maryland Scholars Program with a B.A. in Individual Studies. He is an experienced private tutor with over a decade of teaching, having worked with hundreds of students across grades K–12. He is Orton-Gillingham certified, Visualizing and Verbalizing trained, and Paragraphology trained, with direct mentorship under renowned educator Fran Bowman. Evan specializes in teaching literacy to children of all ages, while also offering instruction in writing, math, executive functioning, general studies, test preparation, and college essay coaching. His proudest achievement as an educator is guiding an underprivileged student to craft outstanding college essays that earned her admission into her top three schools. A passionate advocate for multi-sensory learning, Evan also works in academic children’s television, blending his expertise in education and media to create engaging learning experiences.

Hope Fetty Pickrel, B.S. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Hope received her B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Towson University. A former classroom teacher, Hope has worked with and supported children of all ages. Hope is trained in Bowman's Orton-Gillingham Plus, and she strives to help students reach their fullest potential through detail-oriented planning, organization, execution, and reflection.

Jennifer Lauer, B.S. is a S.T.E.A.M. Specialist at LINKZ. She holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and an M.S. in Mathematics, bringing both strong academic credentials and over 20 years of teaching experience. She homeschooled her four children from kindergarten through graduation and spent 15 years teaching S.T.E.M. courses at a private school. Today, through her own private home school resource company and tutoring at LINKZ, Jennifer works with students in all S.T.E.M. subjects from middle school through college, including AP and college-level courses. She specializes in supporting students with executive function challenges, ADHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. She incorporates recall strategies, multi-sensory learning tools, structured practice, and personalized scheduling techniques to help students stay organized, focused, and confident. By blending subject expertise with proven coaching methods, Jennifer equips her students to overcome challenges and achieve lasting academic success.

Jenny Brown, M.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She has extensive experience in special education and early childhood education, holding degrees in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from UMBC. Living in Catonsville and a mother to three dyslexic sons, Jenny has dedicated over 16 years to Orton-Gillingham tutoring, emphasizing multisensory learning. In her role at Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and LINKZ, she applies her expertise to make learning accessible and engaging for students with diverse needs, aiming to empower them towards achieving their personal and academic goals.

Jonathan Burdick, M.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. He holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Trinity International University and a B.A. in Bible and Theology from Moody Bible Institute. With experience as an Executive Functioning coach, as well as a reading and grammar specialist, he takes pride in helping students develop personalized strategies for managing time, organizing tasks, and building core academic skills. In addition to his tutoring work, Jonathan has a professional background in legal services and publishing, and he has spent years mentoring youth in educational and church settings. He’s passionate about equipping students with the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Julia Arnsdorf-Woodard, MAT is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She received her Masters in Teaching at Goucher College and is certified by the State of Maryland in Elementary/Lower School Education. She has trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus and has worked as a Literacy Lab Tutor at Hazelwood Elementary, assisting students one-on-one through various reading interventions. Born without eardrums, Julia received several reconstructive surgeries to attain hearing; as such, her journey with hearing has made her sensitive to all students and their individual needs. Julia believes that every student has within them a world of potential that needs only to be nourished and strengthened. As a tutor, she strives to meet her students wherever they are to help them bloom and grow, both academically and socially.

Kathryn Brave, Ph.D. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Kathryn earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Instructional Development from the Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to working as a special educator in the Baltimore County Public Schools, she is trained in Orton-Gillingham and recently earned a certificate in Dyscalculia Awareness from Dyscalculia Services. She has written and published articles in Teaching Exceptional Children, Teaching for High Potential, and the Journal of Early Childhood Education. She also facilitates professional learning experiences across the state, sharing strategies for intervention, enrichment, and assessment.

Kimberleigh Garcia, B.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She holds a B.A. in Music and English from McDaniel College, where she earned dual teaching certification and her Master's equivalent in Education, Writing, and Art. She has trained extensively in strategies to serve students with learning differences such as Executive Function Coaching, Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus, ASDEC's Multisensory Math, the EmPOWER writing program, Paragraphology, and differentiation with Carol Tomlinson at the Curry School's Institute on Academic Diversity. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity with a Specialization in Executive Function at Landmark College. After teaching Language Arts, Spanish, and Choral Music in public schools, Kimberleigh taught for three years at a K-12 bilingual expeditionary school in the Dominican Republic. For the last 11 years, she has specifically worked with students who have learning differences such as ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and ASD, and delights in helping students gain confidence and celebrate their known and unexpected strengths.

Leah Spencer, M.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Originally from Pennsylvania, Leah attended McDaniel College to obtain both an Undergraduate Degree in Visual Arts and English and a Masters Degree in Education. She then stayed in Maryland as a teacher in Carroll County Public Schools for over 12 years. She has trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus and Paragraphology. In 2022, she completed her Post Master’s Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Executive Function from Notre Dame of MD University and specializes in working with students in the areas of literacy, written expression, and executive function. Leah loves all things nature and traveling and is a member of a local hiking club; she is hoping to one day visit all of the National Parks. When not working with students, she can be found exercising through CrossFit, barbell lifting, and yoga; drawing or painting in her studio; or cheering on one of her three boys at their respective sports.

Leslie Holst, CALT, is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She has extensive training in tutoring programs that support students with language based learning differences, including Sounds in Syllables, Phono-Graphix, Wilson, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and Reading Simplified. Leslie has been a classroom teacher and a learning specialist at various Montgomery County private schools. A mom to three children with language-based learning differences, Leslie brings experience as a parent and an educator to provide families with support and learning success.

Leslie Rufolo, M.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Towson University, where she also did her Graduate Studies in Education. Leslie has been teaching in the Baltimore area for over 30 years, has taught all subject areas in a classroom setting and has extensive training and experience in Bowman's Orton-Gillingham Plus, written language, Executive Functioning, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and academic coaching. She also has a great deal of experience teaching, choreographing, and performing dance. In addition to directing the MAG Program at Chapelgate Christian Academy, which provides support for students with diagnosed language-based learning disabilities, Leslie also serves as a dance instructor and choreographer of musicals.

Linda Morris, B.S. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Puget Sound. She worked as an environmental educator at The Journey School, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center in Seattle. She has been trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus, Paragraphology, and as a Montessori Elementary Classroom Assistant. She has over 10 years experience working with K-8 students in public and private schools. She volunteered for several years at the Olney Library with her Reading Education Assistance Dog. After raising four boys to adulthood she continues to enjoy helping students learn to trust their often hidden or overlooked strengths to pursue their best education.

Martha Fyfe, B.S. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ.  Martha earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Western Carolina University.  She is trained in Bowman’s Orton-Gillingham Plus, Paragraphology 1 & 2, Visualizing and Verbalizing, Multisensory Math (ASDEC and Marilyn Zecher), Executive Function Strategies (Garth Ann Gerstenblith, MLS, MFA), Writing with Students with Learning Differences, and MODELosophy (Bowman).  Martha’s been taking students for Dr. Fran Bowman and now LINKZ since 2011. Additionally, Martha homeschooled her two sons from Kindergarten through high school.  Both of her sons are college graduates living and working in the area. Besides enjoying time with her students, Martha enjoys quilting, music and spending time with her husband and sons and their three cats: Walter, Peter and Juliet.

Michael Pasternack is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. He attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County before moving to New York City to study photography. There, he worked as a prolific fine arts photographer for nearly a decade, before moving back to Maryland. He has been trained in Executive Functioning & Family Dynamics by Jake Ferentz and Liz Riggieri, and has worked with high school and college students on Executive Functioning, organizational skills, and writing for years. Michael’s passion for and knowledge of literature is vast - he has studied the complete works of Guy de Maupassant, Thomas Hardy, Isaac Bashevis Singer, W. H. Auden, and P. G. Wodehouse. In his spare time, he attempts to finish reading the complete works of A. J. Liebling, Joyce Cary, Shūsaku Endō, Eugene O'Neill, and Susan Sontag.

Shayne Swift, M.S. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Shayne earned her Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. If ADHD were a superpower, Shayne Swift would be its wise and witty mentor. Diagnosed at 38, Shayne transformed her whirlwind experiences—think “Chatty Cathy meets postural sway champion”—into a thriving career as the Founder of Swift Lyfe Coaching and Consulting. With credentials as impressive as her ability to juggle a million ideas, Shayne specializes in ADHD coaching, life coaching, and education consulting. She’s on a mission to help clients turn their “scatterbrain” moments into strategies for success. Shayne’s approach is a delightful mix of empathy, expertise, and hilarity. She doesn’t just “get it”—she’s lived it. From navigating her own ADHD challenges to raising a daughter with the same diagnosis, she’s the real deal. Whether it’s demystifying ADHD in the BIPOC community or sharing her adventures of body doubling and DMV escapades, Shayne knows how to turn struggles into relatable, actionable insights.

Stephanie Silverstein, M.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. Stephanie earned her Masters in Learning Disabilities from American University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Hartford. She specializes in working with high school and college students who struggle with ADHD and Executive Function challenges by teaching strategies to organize their time, physical belongings, school assignments and schedules. Previously, Stephanie taught elementary age students with special needs in public and private schools in DC, MD, and VA. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys traveling with her family and cooking/baking with her teenage daughter.

Yoceline Connor, B.A. is an Academic Specialist at LINKZ. She is a dedicated educator with over nine years of experience in elementary education and reading intervention, and specializes in supporting students with diverse learning needs, including ADHD, dyslexia, and processing challenges that affect reading and writing. Yoceline is trained in Orton-Gillingham and Handwriting Without Tears, using research-based, multisensory strategies to help students build strong foundational skills and overcome learning obstacles with confidence. Known for her patient, encouraging teaching style, Yoceline is passionate about helping students grow academically and personally. She focuses on building self-confidence, fostering a love of learning, and empowering each child to reach their full potential. Outside of education, Yoceline is a devoted wife and mother and an accomplished aerial arts coach with over ten years of experience bringing creativity, discipline, and resilience into everything she teaches. She believes that with the right support, every student can succeed.