Heather O’Donnell started New Paltz Multisensory in September of 2018. Determined to find a way to provide the instruction rooted in the science of how the brain works that kids with struggling academic skills need, I opened the practice in a tiny office in New Paltz, NY. Now, five years later the business has grown to include a talented staff helping me meet kids’ needs virtually during this past year of academic challenge which is really exciting.
I’m a certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the Wilson Reading System, as well as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist certified by the Center of Effective Reading Instruction. I am passionate about reading and writing instruction, and love watching kids’ confidence in these important literacy skills grow when given the right instruction.
I also hold a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University, as well as two masters in Education from Bank Street College. I’ve been working in education for over 15 years in a variety of placements including teaching self-contained children with autism, and integrated co-teach positions in both kindergarten/first grade classrooms.
When not reading about the science of reading or business books, I enjoy knitting and crocheting. I love to bake, and corralling my two kids and two dogs to go on hikes. I love living in the beautiful Hudson Valley.