About Us

Dr. Kathleen Connelly brings more than 25 years of experience in public and private education to Connelly Dyslexia & Learning Center. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of St. Thomas.

Throughout her career, Dr. Connelly has served students and families in a variety of educational roles, including elementary general education teacher, special education teacher, and Educational Diagnostician. For the past nine years, she has worked as an Educational Diagnostician, specializing in identifying students’ individual learning strengths and needs and helping families better understand how their children learn.

In addition to her work with students, Dr. Connelly serves as a professor at the University of St. Thomas, where she teaches young adults with learning differences how to prepare for their future careers.

Dr. Connelly has specialized training and expertise in dyslexia intervention, reading and mathematics instruction, special education, learning disabilities, and autism. She is passionate about providing individualized, research-based support that helps students strengthen their academic skills, build confidence, and experience success in school.

As the founder of Connelly Dyslexia & Learning Center, Dr. Connelly is committed to creating a supportive environment where each student’s unique learning profile is understood and instruction is designed to meet their individual needs.

Heather Cornell is a passionate educator, curriculum leader, and advocate for students who learn in different ways. With more than 20 years of experience in education-primarily at the elementary level, including special education-Heather brings a deep understanding of both the academic and personal needs of students and their families.

She believes every student deserves to be understood, challenged, encouraged, and given the right tools to succeed.

Heather's experience in special education and her years working closely with teachers and families have shaped her belief that meaningful change happens when educators ae equipped, families are supported, and students are truly seen.

Karen Arrington is a dedicated educator with more than 30 years of experience helping students grow academically and gain confidence in their abilities. She spent 25 years teaching elementary students in reading, writing, math, and science and has 11 years of experience as an educational diagnostician.

Karen holds a master’s degree in Special Education and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas Tech University. She is also certified in Gifted and Talented Education and holds a Texas Lifetime Teaching Certificate. Her experience includes working with students of varying abilities, including those who are gifted and talented, have dyslexia, or need additional academic support.

Karen believes every child can succeed with patience, individualized instruction and encouragement. She strives to make learning approachable and engaging while helping students strengthen their skills, develop effective learning strategies, and become more confident, independent learners.

Jeannie Beascochea is an experienced educator and educational diagnostician with more than 20 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston.

Throughout her career, Jeannie has served as a classroom teacher, inclusion teacher, special education resource teacher, and educational diagnostician. Her extensive experience includes evaluating students with learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as developing individualized educational plans and supporting students with disabilities.

Jeannie is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, overcome academic challenges, and develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed. She understands that every student learns differently and believes in creating a supportive, encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making progress, and celebrating their achievements.

With her background in special education and educational assessment, Jeannie brings a personalized, student-centered approach to tutoring. Her goal is to help each student build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and discover that learning can be a positive and rewarding experience.

Trenae Bennett is an experienced leader with over 16 years of experience in general and special education. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University and a Master's degree in Reading from Texas A&M University Commerce. With experience in both reading and mathematics instruction, Trenae brings a well-rounded perspective to supporting student achievement.

Currently serving as an Elementary Special Education Reading Curriculum Coach, Trenae provides instructional coaching, professional learning, data-informed support, and practical strategies designed to improve student outcomes. She is passionate about empowering teachers, building instructional capacity, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Natalie Haisley is a dedicated educator with experience teaching across a variety of grade levels and educational settings. Throughout her career, she has taught first and fifth grade, served as a special education teacher, and currently works in the SSCIP program, supporting students with individualized academic, behavioral, communication, and social needs.

Natalie earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and Family Studies from the University of Houston and later returned to the University of Houston to earn her master’s degree in special Populations. Her educational background, combined with her classroom experience, has shaped her passion for creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where every student is given the tools and opportunities, they need to be successful.

Throughout her career, Natalie has remained committed to meeting students where they are, celebrating individual strengths, and helping students build the academic, social, and functional skills needed to grow in confidence and independence. She values collaboration with families, educators, and support staff and believes that meaningful relationships are at the heart of student success.

My name is Autumn Kincade. I have over 13 years of experience in education, including 5 years in special education. I have served as an elementary assistant principal for the past 3 years, where I am passionate about supporting students, empowering educators, and building strong partnerships with families. My goal is to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to grow and become a lifelong learner. My motto is: "Every child has the ability to learn and thrive at their own pace".

My name is RaShawnna Mercer! I am a certified educator with a Bachelor's degree, 6 years of classroom teaching

experience, and over 14 years of dedicated experience supporting children in foster care system. In my current role as an Elementary School Reading Interventionist, I deliver targeted small-group instruction for K–5 students to close foundational reading gaps and accelerate comprehension.

I hold specialized certifications in Early Childhood through 6th Grade (EC-6) and the Science of Teaching Reading (STR). This background allows me to decode exactly where a student is struggling and build foundational reading and math skills using proven, evidence-based methods. Because of my extensive background working with youth in resilient yet complex systems, I excel at building trust, managing diverse emotional and behavioral needs, and making learning a safe, encouraging space. I tailor every lesson to meet students exactly where they are.

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Francesca Santiago is a dedicated educator and school counselor with a passion for helping children discover their strengths, build confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging at school. Throughout her career in education, Francesca has had the opportunity to support students across elementary and middle school settings, giving her a unique perspective on the academic, social, and emotional needs of children as they grow.

Francesca began her career as an elementary teacher, teaching 2nd grade and 5th grade Reading and Writing. She later served as an Interventionist for students in 2nd through 5th grade, where she worked closely with students to identify academic needs, develop targeted skills, and help them gain the confidence necessary to become successful learners.

Her passion for supporting the whole child eventually led her to school counseling. As a Middle School Counselor, Francesca supports students as they navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges that come with adolescence. She believes that student success extends far beyond grades—it also includes helping students understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, build positive social skills, and recognize that they have a place where they belong.

Francesca earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Urban Education from the University of Houston-Downtown and her Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Her greatest passion is helping students feel seen, heard, valued, and capable. Whether a student is struggling academically or just wants to fit in, she strives to be a supportive guide and advocate.

Through education and counseling, Francesca is committed to helping students develop the skills, confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging they need—not only to succeed in school, but to thrive in life.

I was born and raised in California where I worked at a school district as a manager of fiscal services. After relocating to Texas I transitioned to teaching. I began as a substitute teacher, then a paraprofessional in a YCAP classroom in Katy ISD. Upon completing my special education certification program, I transitioned to Resource/ICS teacher where I worked with exceptional students from kindergarten to fifth grade. I taught both reading and math in the resource setting as well as dyslexia intervention. As I worked on my Master’s Degree in Special Education with Diagnostician certification, I became an ARD Facilitator. After one year, I transitioned to Educational Diagnostician where my true passion lies. Understanding the “why” behind academic challenges and tailoring interventions based on individual ability and need is important work that I feel privileged to be a part of. Every child has potential to learn and grow with the right support. 

Melissa White is a dedicated professional with 27 years of experience working in education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas State University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and School Psychology from Brigham Young University. Throughout her career, she has worked with students across both elementary and secondary settings, developing a comprehensive understanding of the developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral factors that influence student success. She is particularly passionate about supporting students with disabilities such as Autism and ADHD and has committed to help students recognize their strengths, build meaningful relationships and self-advocacy skills, and gain confidence and independence needed to thrive at home, in their classrooms, and in their communities. She utilizes empathy, practical strategies, and a student-centered approach to connect with students and families to help them overcome challenges and achieve meaningful success.