Our Team

Reading and Language Associates was started by Ruth Levisohn, formally called Ruth Levisohn and Associates. RLA is a pediatric private practice that specializes in speech-language and learning issues in children. Ruth Levisohn, founder, started serving children in the Denver community for over 30 years ago when very few professionals understood the correlation between language and literacy weaknesses in children. She was instrumental in bringing specialized multi-sensory explicit reading techniques to the Denver area. The clinic now has two components serving speech/language needs as well as learning services. Staff includes speech-language pathologists and educational specialists.

Michelle Moore, M.Ed

Michelle started her career as a classroom teacher before entering private practice. Michelle has been trained in multiple programs and is an expert in multi-sensory techniques. Michelle’s passion is to make sure that families receive one on one individualized treatment but also support to navigate educational plans and decisions for their child. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in education. She received degrees from Lee University with an emphasis on Human Development, and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Michelle has received certification from various programs including the International Dyslexia Association. Her training is specialized in the areas of phonemic awareness, decoding, comprehension, fluency, and other components of reading. Michelle is also trained in multiple multi-sensory math programs. She is married with two children. 

Ruth Levisohn, M.S. CCC-SLP

Ruth Levisohn, M.S., CCC-SLP Ruth Levisohn’s experience  includes work in public schools as well as in specialized clinical programs. She has received recognition from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association for excellence in Continuing Education. She is married to a pediatric neurologist, and has three sons. Her practice specializes in speech and language development and disorders in children, as well as learning difficulties, including dyslexia.

Normie Callif, M.Ed

Normie is a Reading Specialist who has been with our group for over 15 years and got her start teaching literacy in Littleton Public Schools. Normie holds a Master of Science degree in Education with a focus on Elementary Reading and Literacy and is also certified by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction as a Structured Literacy Teacher.  A passionate believer in teaching systematic, multi-sensory techniques in both reading and writing, she applies her tools which translates into effective teaching of important component literacy skills to children of all ages and abilities.

Maureen Murphy, M.A.,CCC-SLP

Maureen has been working in the field of Speech Pathology and Elementary Education since 1980. Her training included a M.A. degree from University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and an elementary education endorsement from Metro State College. With 15 years as an SLP in the Littleton Public School system, she became a classroom teacher, working in first grade for five years and third grade for ten years. After leaving the schools, Maureen returned to Speech Pathology and Reading as a specialist at RLA. Maureen enjoys working with children who have a variety of speech and language needs. She especially enjoys studying the relationship between language and literacy.

 

Danielle Nichols, M.A. CCC-SLP

Danielle is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist.  She earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San Jose State University in 2012 and received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Texas Christian University in 2010.  She has worked in public schools in both Colorado and California with students at the primary and secondary levels. Danielle has had specialized training in pragmatic (social) language and is passionate about helping every individual develop and utilize their communication skills.  She is a firm believer in building therapy plans individualized to each student, providing evidence-based and engaging intervention, and partnering with families to reach communication goals.

Kerry Thistlewaithe, M.A.

Kerry began a career in education as a grant writer for Junior Achievement before transitioning to a private university.   Kerry worked in special education for Littleton Public Schools. She received a BA in English from the University of Northern Colorado and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University.  She is trained in the Orton Gillingham and other programs which support multisensory, structured, and sequential approach to teaching literacy.  Kerry loves building relationships with students to meet each child’s individual needs and to make learning fun!