Ask the MSDE Reading Team

Kathy Lauritzen

Kathy Lauritzen is the Coordinator of Reading/English Language Arts. Kathy joined the RELA following a career in Anne Arundel Co. Public Schools as an elementary classroom teacher, school based reading resource teacher, and central office reading specialist in grades K-12. She began her tenure at MSDE by serving part time with School Improvement Initiatives program while providing on-going consultative services in reading to out of state school districts. Kathy has taught several courses in reading for the Graduate Programs in Education Division of Goucher College and Johns Hopkins University.

Lea Ann Christenson

Lea Ann Christenson, PhD is a Reading/English Language Arts Specialist. Dr. Christenson worked for 18 years in the California Public School System as a Kindergarten-second grade teacher, English as a Second Language teacher, Title VII (ESOL) Project Manager and Assistant Principal prior to moving to Maryland. Before joining the RELA team Dr. Christenson was a lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park where she was the Professional Development Coordinator for the Early Childhood program, taught Reading Methods Courses and was the K-12 Outreach Coordinator for the Office of International Initiatives.

Alison Delaney

Alison Delaney is a High School Reading/English Language Arts Specialist responsible for curriculum, and professional development. She joined the Reading/English Language Arts Office from Queen Anne's County Public Schools where she was a reading specialist, an English teacher for grades 9 through 12, and the English department coordinator at Kent Island High School. Her job at MSDE involves curriculum initiatives, online courses, and leading the Governor's Academy for English.

Sylvia Edwards

Sylvia Edwards is a Specialist in Reading/English Language Arts responsible for curriculum and assessment. Sylvia joined the Reading/English Language Arts Office from Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where she was serving as the teacher specialist for high school English. She has taught at the junior high school, high school, community college, and university levels. Her job at MSDE involves revising curriculum, assisting with the development of the HSA English II, and facilitating the design and development of the MSA for Reading.

Cecilia Roe

Cecilia Roe is a Specialist in Secondary Reading/English Language Arts responsible for curriculum, assessment, and professional development. She joined the Reading/English Language Arts Office from Baltimore County Public Schools, where she was serving as the Coordinator of the Office of Secondary English Language Arts in the division of Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to her tenure in Curriculum and Instruction, Cecilia served 30 years as a secondary English teacher, department chairperson, and reading specialist in Baltimore County Public Schools. In addition, Cecilia is an adjunct instructor for Graduate Programs in the Education Division of Goucher College, where she teaches a graduate course for teachers in writing instruction. Her job at MSDE involves Race to the Top curriculum, assessment, and professional development initiatives.

Lynette Sledge

Lynette Sledge is a specialist in Reading/English Language Arts responsible for curriculum and assessment. Lynette joined the Reading/English Language Arts Office from Anne Arundel County Public Schools where she was an English Language Arts teacher and department chairperson at Severna Park Middle School.

Ava Spencer

Ava Spencer began her teaching career in the Baltimore City Public School System as an elementary classroom teacher. She later became an Academic Coach and Instructional Support Teacher. She provided system wide professional development in Reading, participated in curriculum writing, and trained new teachers during the New Educators' Summer Institutes. Here at MSDE, she has served as Regional Specialist and most recently, as Coordinator of the Office of Reading First.