Heather Wiederstein Heather was appointed to the role of Vice President of Solutions Development in July 2019. She oversees the vision and development of Learning Ally’s Solutions. Heather has spent the last 15 years writing, designing, and managing the delivery of learner-focused educational software. Bringing an educator’s eye to every software project, Heather strives to bring Learning Ally’s partners the highest quality, easy-to-use technology solutions by being keenly in tune with the educators and learners in today’s classrooms. She leverages this understanding and connection to create meaningful education technology solutions that improve classroom practice and student learning. Heather started her career as a certified classroom teacher in Pennsylvania, teaching reading, English Language Arts, and Literature and Composition in grades 6-12.
Dr. Terrie Noland For 25 years, Dr. Terrie Noland has put her energy into education and leadership; first as a teacher and administrator, and now as V.P. of Educator Initiatives for Learning Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to “Literacy for All.” Terrie’s mission is to spark a flame of enthusiasm in others for continued personal and professional growth and development. Terrie is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and stays grounded in a Structured Literacy approach by tutoring students weekly. Terrie has a Ph.D. in Literacy and Educational Leadership from St. John’s University. She is a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach, trainer, and member of the John Maxwell President’s Advisory Council. Terrie’s passion runs deep for equipping educators to lead boldly to smash the literacy divide.
Kai-leé Berke Kai-leé Berke is a lifelong educator and Co-Founder of Noni Educational Solutions, an educational company developing resources to support teachers and caregivers of traumaimpacted children. She is a nationally known early childhood expert and an author of numerous widely-used early education classroom solutions, including The Creative Curriculum® and the GOLD® assessment system. Kai-leé is the former CEO of Teaching Strategies and currently serves on Boards at Heggerty, TeachTown, and Wonderschool. Her interest in relationships as the foundation for all successful early learning is rooted in her extensive experience as an educator and administrator in infant & toddler, preschool, pre-K and elementary school programs.
Dr. Almitra L. Berry Ed.D Almitra L. Berry, Ed.D. is the CEO, founder, and principal consultant of ALBerry Consulting, Incorporated. She is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and consultant on the topic of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in America’s K12 education system. Her research focuses on equity and academic achievement in majority-ofcolor, low-wealth, large, urban school districts. Dr. Berry is author of the book series Effecting Change which addresses the educational needs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners focusing heavily on provision gaps, equity, and addressing related challenges during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lia Preuss A former teacher and early childhood education evangelist, Lia left the classroom in an effort to improve the lives of children and teachers through technology. Lia brings a teacher’s voice and a deep respect for child development to her role as Director of Early Literacy Solutions at Learning Ally, where she proudly manages the creation of technology that brings books to life for young learners. Lia leverages her understanding of the classroom and her experience as Senior Product Manager at Tadpoles and Teaching Strategies to deliver software that is intuitive, aligned with the best practices in education, and a joy to use.
