Hello
I’m Mrs. Hand—a teacher, parent, former homeschooler, and lifelong lover of learning. As an educator and mom, I know that every child’s learning journey is unique. Sometimes, all it takes is the right support, patience, encouragement, and practice for everything to begin to click.
Our family is what I call a Dual Learning Family. My children attend public school, and we also use curriculum, books, hands-on experiences, and intentional instruction at home to strengthen skills and explore learning more deeply.
Through Hand & Heart Reading Co., I help children build confidence, strengthen their reading skills, and discover the joy of becoming capable, lifelong learners. My goal is to support families while giving students the time, practice, and belief they need to succeed.
Why families trust Hand & Heart Reading Co.
I’m a public school teacher with over 10 years in education and 15 years of tutoring experience. I hold a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Florida State University. I have also completed homeschool evaluator training through the Association of Florida Evaluators. My goal is to provide families with warm, thoughtful support and personalized instruction that helps children grow in both skill and confidence.
My Story
My journey with reading didn’t start out easy. I didn’t become a fluent reader until 5th grade, and I remember feeling frustrated and left behind while my peers seemed to breeze through books. The game-changer for me wasn’t some magic trick—it was more exposure to the same content and having a teacher who believed in me. That experience left a lasting impression, and it shaped the educator I am today.
Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to helping students of all ages gain confidence in reading. I’ve seen firsthand how the right combination of patience, repetition, and encouragement can unlock a child’s potential—and change the way they see themselves as learners. That’s why I created Hand & Heart Reading Co.: a space where students can feel supported, practice without pressure, and experience real growth in reading fluency and comprehension.
As both a teacher and a parent, I understand the challenges families face when children struggle with reading. My approach blends structured learning, repeated exposure, and genuine encouragement to help students succeed. Every child deserves to feel confident in their reading, and every parent deserves a partner who understands the journey.
Outside of teaching, I’m always exploring new ways to learn and grow myself—whether it’s discovering new educational tools, reading for fun, or finding creative ways to help my own children thrive. My core belief is simple: learning is a lifelong adventure, and every child deserves to experience the joy of reading along the way.
Contact
I’d love to connect with families looking for reading support, encouragement, and a plan that fits their child’s needs.
(850)322-3751