Director of Planning and Coordination of Professional Development, Research and Analysis

Ann C. Sharp, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Elementary Education Department in the School of Education at Utah Valley University.  She teaches courses in literacy methods and mentors teacher candidates through the educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).  Research interests include teacher preparation, early reading skills, and reading motivation.

Director and Content Expert of Professional Development

Lorilynn Brandt, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the School of Education at Utah Valley University teaching literacy classes in both graduate and undergraduate literacy courses. She spends time regularly in local classrooms and with districts mentoring teachers and early/struggling students.  Research focuses include teacher preparation, literacy skills and reading instruction, and reading motivation

Director of Relationships, Finance, Research and Assessment

Douglas S. Gardner, Ph.D. is an associate professor in Student Leadership and Success Studies at Utah Valley University.  He teaches undergraduate courses in the Department of Student Leadership and Success Studies (SLSS) and a graduate course of Research Methods for UVU School of Education.  Research interests include career development, first-generation college students, leadership, and reading motivation.  

Kirsten graduated from Utah Valley University with her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education, with an emphasis in Reading. She is passionate about Reading Motivation and the Science of Reading. She has taught 1st grade at three different elementary schools, including a Title I school. Currently, Kirsten is an Instructional Coach at Lehi Elementary and Cascade Elementary. She also develops 1st-grade math curriculum and content for Alpine School District online students. She loves exercising, reading, and learning!