Leah Mermelstein is a literacy thought leader, published author, and passionate writing, reading, and language development authority. In addition to partnering with schools, Leah provides one-on-one instruction for families and students to support literacy growth at school and at home. For the past 30 years, she has provided professional development for teachers, nationally and internationally, translating literacy research and data into successful and impactful classroom application. Leah helps teachers connect the learning dots so students realize and reach their full potential. Leah holds a Master’s in Cultural Diversity and Curriculum Reform and a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She’s a graduate of the Science of Reading Academy and is trained in Sounds-Write. She also earned a supervisory license from Rowan University. She has authored five instructional literacy books focused on deconstructing the reading and writing process and how to leverage reading to support writing and writing to support reading.