Laura Becton, MA

I am the Director of Education and Executive Functioning Services at the Waverly Group. I have a master’s degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University and post-graduate training in special education from NYU and Bank Street College. I received specialized training in the Orton Gillingham approach to reading instruction and have been tutoring children since 1997. I began my career as a classroom teacher and taught third and fourth grades and eventually became a learning specialist.  I have worked in both traditional and progressive schools in New York City. This background, coupled with my passion to meet children where they are and bring them to the next level, inspires my work with children, teachers, and parents to meet all aspects of learning goals.

fun fact

I’ve run the New York City Marathon and have seen two “perfect” Major League Baseball games.

in my spare time

I enjoy cooking, hiking, movies, and traveling with my family.

Ellen Levenson, Ed.M

My strengths have always been my abilities to listen, problem solve and organize. These combined with a strong education, including a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, drew me to the field of Executive Function Coaching. Although my most important qualification might be that I am the Mom of twin boys who are creative and wonderful and both struggle with Executive Function challenges. I have seen a lot and survived; the boys have thrived. My goal as an EF Coach is to generate the same sweet smiles from organizational success that I do with my warm chocolate chip cookies. 

fun fact

I was a founder of my College's Freshman Outdoor Program many, many years ago.

in my spare time

Books and baking are passions.  There is always something fresh baked in my house.

Dakota Molinari, MAT

I am a third grade teacher with experience teaching fourth grade, and a background in K-1 integration, fifth grade, and special education. I received my Master of Arts and Teaching degree and a certificate in Special Education from Quinnipiac University, where I previously received my Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Sociology. I am certified in both NY and CT to teach grades 1-6. As a child, I had a knack for technology and I incorporate this (in moderation) into the classroom environment. In 2020, I was featured in the Quinnipiac Magazine article, “From a Distance”, highlighting the shift to online learning during the pandemic. I love supporting children’s passion for learning and watching them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

I am the Chairperson of the Scholastic Book Fair at my school. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, and co-organizing a book club with my sister (and fellow Waverly team member!).



fun fact

in my spare time

Brigitte Whitney

I am a remedial reading instructor who has extensive experience working with children and young adults exhibiting a broad range of reading challenges. I provide Individualized Orton-Gillingham based reading instruction designed to dovetail the particular learning profile of the student, employing evidenced-based strategies designed to empower the student with an organized approach to decoding/encoding (i.e. reading and spelling) and reading comprehension. I also provide individualized foundational writing instruction, introducing proper sentence structure and grammar, building to paragraphs and basic essays. I regularly interface with teachers and Special Education teams to evaluate and craft IEP goals and attend PPT and/ or school meetings.  I completed Orton-Gillingham Associate Level coursework under supervision of an Orton-Gillingham Fellow at Learning House in Guilford, CT in 2006 and have been tutoring ever since.  

Fun Fact

I love to read!

 I enjoy reading, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

in my spare time