Our Team
Ann Gradman
Chrissy Faccas
I have been an educator for over 25 years, and since 2010 I have dedicated my work to teaching students with dyslexia and other learning differences. My passion is helping struggling readers become confident, capable learners through structured, evidence-based instruction.
I have been a Wilson Reading System instructor for over 14 years and use a Structured Literacy approach grounded in the Science of Reading. My teaching is explicit, systematic, multisensory, and always individualized. I believe intervention should be diagnostic and responsive — meeting each student exactly where they are while building strong foundational skills step by step.
In addition to my tutoring work, I helped launch a school designed specifically for students with dyslexia and ADHD. That experience deepened my understanding of how powerful the right environment can be for neurodiverse learners. I know firsthand that reading struggles affect not only academics, but also confidence and self-esteem.
Through Anchor Literacy & Learning, my goal is to anchor students in the skills they need to succeed — while helping them rediscover their confidence, independence, and love of learning. I partner closely with families to ensure that each child feels supported, understood, and capable of growth.
Dawn Pakrul
I am an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching in a variety of educational settings. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Teaching, along with New Jersey certifications as a Teacher of the Handicapped (K–12) and as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant.
Early in my career, I was trained in Project Read and Linguistics, which sparked my interest in dyslexia and Structured Literacy. Wanting to deepen my knowledge, I pursued training in the Wilson Reading System, earning Level 1 Certification. I have been using Wilson with students ever since and continue to expand my expertise through Fundations Level 1 Certification, 30 hours of training with IMSE’s Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Plus program, and ongoing training toward Wilson Level 2 Certification.
Teaching has always been a personal passion. Growing up with a brother who had special needs gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges that come with learning differences. Since beginning my career in 1994, I have worked in a variety of roles including in-class support, pull-out replacement, and self-contained classrooms, teaching reading, writing, math, and science. After 15 years of classroom teaching, I earned my Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant certification, which allows me to assess learning profiles, identify strengths and needs, and create individualized learning plans.
As a dyslexia practitioner, I work one-on-one with students to strengthen their literacy skills, build confidence, and help them develop a love of learning. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a student’s face light up when a new concept finally clicks.
For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about becoming an educator and making a difference in children’s lives. After graduating college with honors, I entered the education field, where I have proudly worked for the past nine years. I am Wilson certified and have spent the past two years working with students in structured literacy, phonemic awareness, and writing. In addition, I hold a New Jersey K–8 Mathematics Certificate, allowing me to support students across a variety of academic areas.
I work to create a fun, engaging, and safe learning environment where students feel supported and excited to learn—because when students feel comfortable, they can make the progress we want to see. I am thrilled to continue working with students through Anchor Literacy and Learning, helping them grow in confidence, develop their skills, and achieve their goals. Watching each student make strides—whether big or small—is the reason why we do what we do!