Meet Our Team

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Sarah Cordova is a nationally recognized literacy consultant who works in elementary and middle school classrooms across the country supporting administrators, literacy coaches, and classroom teachers in developing and implementing the most effective and engaging reading and writing practices aligned with the New York State Next Generation Standards. Ms. Cordova received a Master of Arts Degree in Education from New York University and worked as a classroom teacher for many years in the Smithtown School District. Ms. Cordova has presented at various local, state and national literacy conferences and developed numerous units of study for both reading and writing workshop for Schoolwide, Inc. She also taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for both undergraduate and graduate students in the Literacy Department at Dowling College for many years. Ms. Cordova is currently writing  a book for School Rubric entitled, The Power of Picture Books in Student Identity, which is slated to be published in 2025. She is a picture book fanatic who loves sharing titles & authors with teachers around the country.

Randi Roschnotti is a literacy consultant who provides professional development services for multiple districts across Long Island. She supports schools in designing and implementing effective, strategic literacy instruction aligned with the New York State Next Generation Standards. With a Master’s of Arts Degree in Inclusive Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an additional credential in the Science of Reading Fundamentals from SUNY New Paltz, Randi brings a research-based, student-centered approach to her work with primary, intermediate, and middle school grades.  Randi partners with teachers, school leaders, and administrators to develop and modify existing curriculum, with continued support through whole-group trainings, one-on-one coaching cycles, and classroom demonstration lab-sites. She believes in a hands-on, collaborative approach and is committed to helping educators deliver tailored literacy instruction that meets the diverse needs of each school community.  Randi started her career as a classroom teacher working for the New York City Department of Education. She also worked independently to research and coauthor several reading units of study. This dual perspective—as both practitioner and consultant—informs her current work and fuels her passion for creating literacy experiences that are relevant, rigorous, and meaningful for today’s learners.

Debra Wachtler is a Literacy Consultant for Literacy Matters who works with administrators and teachers to develop and implement effective literacy curriculum. Debra previously worked for twelve years as an educator for the New York City Department of Education. During her time as a classroom teacher, Debra worked as both a general education teacher and a special education teacher. While teaching, Debra received a Masters of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from Touro College in New York City. She also completed additional Masters level coursework through New York University. Debra has always had a passion for teaching literacy in her classroom. She was a Columbia University Teachers College Teacher Leader for many years in which she helped research various literacy topics and develop reading and writing units of study.

Lea Rascona is an educator, consultant, and learning designer with a passion for empowering teachers and students through evidence-based instruction and innovative tools. She began her career as a founding teacher at one of New York City’s highest-performing charter schools, where she not only taught but also trained new educators, facilitated professional development, and welcomed school leaders and stakeholders into her classroom as a model of excellent teaching.  Lea holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bentley University and a Master of Arts with Distinction in Childhood Education from Hofstra University. She has served on the NYS Early Learning Standards Task Force and brings extensive experience in curriculum design, professional learning, and edtech implementation. Her work centers on bridging the Science of Reading with classroom practice, ensuring teachers feel confident and supported in delivering high-quality literacy instruction.  

In addition to her academic and professional background, Lea has earned several certifications that reflect her commitment to both literacy and technology integration:  Science of Reading Fundamentals Micro-Credential, SUNY New Paltz MagicSchoolAI Certified Trainer BriskAI Professional Kami Certified Educator EdPuzzle Training  Lea lives on Long Island with her husband and two children. When she’s not working with schools and educators, she can be found cheering from the sidelines at her kids’ sporting events.

Jessica Gruttola is dedicated to being a lifelong learner. Ms. Gruttola has had the opportunity to work as an Administrator, Literacy Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator, and classroom teacher over her 20+ year career.  Jessica has taught the Readers and Writers Workshop Capstone Course at Dowling College and has worked as an Adjunct Professor at Suffolk Community College. Jessica has trained in literacy practices and assessment, mindfulness, creating school climates, instructional coaching, and school improvement. Jessica is a passionate educator who has worked to develop effective teaching and learning strategies through collaborative learning, helping educators develop best practices to improve engagement and academic success for all.

Trish Stasi began her career as a fourth grade teacher for the NYC Department of Education. She received extensive training at Teachers College in the Reading and Writing Project over the course of her years.  In 2006, she joined Freeport Public School as a reading specialist. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Elementary Education and Literacy Studies from Adelphi University.  She also holds a certificate in TESOL, as well as over 100 hours in advanced studies.  Trish is skilled in both reading and writing workshops, guided reading, data-driven instruction, and best practices in regards to intervention.  She believes in providing access to books for all of our students and enriching the literary lives of our students.