Meet the Founder: Stephanie Spencer

M.Ed. Ed.S, Reading Specialist | Founder of The Learning & Literacy Lab

Hi, I’m Stephanie Spencer, and I’m the founder of The Learning and Literacy Lab. I’ve dedicated my career to helping children become confident, capable readers by using research-backed methods that align with how the brain learns to read. Whether a child is just beginning to explore print or is struggling with decoding, fluency, or comprehension, I believe in meeting them where they are—and guiding them with the structured, evidence-based instruction they deserve.

I hold a Master of Education from Bridgewater State University and an Education Specialist License in Reading and Literacy from Bay Path University—one of only 29 universities accredited by the International Dyslexia Association for meeting the highest standards in Structured Literacy instruction. I am certified in Reading (K–12), Elementary Education (1–6), and Special Education (K–8) in the state of Massachusetts. Over the past decade, I’ve worked with students ranging in age from 3 to 14 across a variety of settings. I’ve served as a full-time Special Education teacher in Cohasset Public Schools, and most recently in Belmont Public Schools.

My approach is rooted in the Science of Reading, a body of research that draws from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and linguistics to explain how the brain develops reading skills. This understanding sparked my decision to specialize in reading intervention—and continues to fuel my commitment to ensuring that all students, including those with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, have access to instruction that works.

What truly brings me joy is seeing the moment when it all clicks for a child: the light in their eyes, the pride in their voice when they read aloud, the boost in confidence when they ace a spelling test or participate in class without hesitation. These moments go far beyond grades—they reflect a growing belief in themselves.

When I’m not teaching, you can find me spending time with my husband, Brian, our daughter Penelope, and our Jack Russell Terrier, Minnie, in Charlestown, MA. I love weekends at the beach, workout classes, and traveling together as a family.