The Collective Hive is a community of Orton-Gillingham Fellows
We share a common foundation and commitment to the Orton-Gillingham Approach. We work independently while coming together to collaborate, exchange expertise and resources, and support one another in advancing OG practice.
Our Fellows
Janet George
Janet George is an Accredited Training Fellow (ATFC/OGA) with The Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) and a Certified Academic Language Therapist–Qualified Instructor (CALT-QI) through the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). She currently serves as President of OGA and offers accredited Orton-Gillingham training at the Classroom Educator, Associate, Clinical Practitioner, and Fellow levels. As the founder and former Head of School of Fortune Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana, she has extensive experience supporting students with dyslexia, preparing educators, and mentoring trainees. She also serves as Fellow of Record for Fortune Academy and Holy Trinity Clifton School.
Jen Tavello
With more than 15 years of experience as a public school special educator and over a decade using the Orton-Gillingham Approach with students, Jen Tavello currently oversees Orton-Gillingham training and instruction within her school district. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in special education, Connecticut teaching certifications in elementary and special education, and is an Accredited Training Fellow (ATF/OGA) of The Orton-Gillingham Academy. In addition to her school-based work, she provides accredited Orton-Gillingham training for educators worldwide.
Karen Sheehy
Karen is a Fellow (F/OGA) of The Orton-Gillingham Academy and has more than two decades of experience as an Orton-Gillingham practitioner and trainer. Her journey in structured literacy began when her son was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, inspiring her to pursue training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach and a career dedicated to supporting neurodivergent learners and educators. She works extensively with students and educators, helping learners develop their reading skills while mentoring and training the next generation of literacy professionals.Â
​
Training Levels
For practitioners who have completed Associate-level training, the Clinical level, formerly known as Certified, provides the preparation needed to teach advanced language skills to struggling readers of all ages, including individuals with dyslexia and more complex learning needs.
Clinical Practitioner
For most educators, the Associate level is the starting point for formal training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach and preparation for one-to-one instruction.
The Associate level is intended for practitioners working with struggling readers of all ages, including individuals with dyslexia, primarily in individual and small-group settings and with basic language skills.
​
Associate-level practitioners work under the mentorship of an Academy Fellow.
Associates
The Classroom Educator level prepares teachers in general education settings to provide and adjust literacy instruction for entire classes and small groups that need additional support.
