Professional Learning

Dianna Henn received her B.S. from University of Puget Sound and her Master of Education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She has been providing OT services in school settings since 1999 and has been a presenter with LWT since 2011 (has been using the curriculum since 2001). Dianna is a pediatric therapist currently working as a school based OT in Colorado and has her own business providing educational workshops and presentations to educators, administrators, parents, etc. Dianna's experiences include working with Pre-K through middle school students as well as early intervention, both in school and home settings. She strongly believes in the importance of children learning to print and write cursive, even in today’s world of technology.

*Receives a speaking fee from Learning Without Tears and receives a salary from Weld RE8 School District where she is an employee*

Mariela Ingledew is an EC-12 Certified Reading Specialist. She currently works for Katy ISD Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Department in the capacity of Reading Academy Leader. She holds a B.A. in Bilingual Education/Interdisciplinary Studies from Houston Baptist University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Literacy from the University of Texas at Arlington. She also has a graduate certificate in Spanish Translation and Interpretation. Mariela’s certifications include Reading Specialist EC-12, Core Subjects EC-6, Bilingual education EC-4 and LOTE Spanish EC-12. She has almost 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership. Mariela worked with PK-5th students as a teacher and reading interventionist. She has also worked with PK-5th teachers in a facilitator role. She has been involved in coaching, curriculum writing and professional development. Mariela also led the development of cross-linguistic connections for English and Spanish Phonics instruction. She is very passionate about translanguaging and using research-based strategies to create a language rich classroom. Mariela was born and raised in Argentina where she attended a private bilingual school since a young age. She moved to the United States where she obtained her B.A and M.A. She loves to travel, exercise and stay abreast of research. Mariela has utilized LWT programs since 2015. She has been a Bilingual National Presenter for LWT since 2022.

*Receives a salary from Learning Without Tears where she is an employee*

Shakara Jennings is a former kindergarten teacher and Teacher of the Year, who has served as a professional learning specialist for educators since 2010. She is a graduate of Georgia State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Education, and a Specialist in Education. She is the founder of SEED Consulting LLC, where she sows seeds of excellence through upbeat and engaging adult learning experiences. Outside of facilitating workshops she is often requested for her teacher coaching offerings, instructional design expertise, and e-learning content design. 

Shakara enjoys is an avid football fan who also enjoys playing golf, listening to music, dancing, traveling, crafting, and bargain shopping for treasures!

*Receives a speaking fee from Learning Without Tears*

Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift has been a dedicated and innovative educator for over 25 years. She currently serves as Learning Without Tears’ Professional Learning Director, where she leads the curation of professional learning experiences for teachers and school leaders worldwide. Cheryl is also the host of the Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations podcast, where she interviews renowned literacy researchers, authors, and practitioners to explore today’s early literacy landscape and share practical solutions for school leaders, teachers, and families. 

Throughout her career, Cheryl has served in leadership and executive roles across public schools, post-secondary institutions, and education organizations. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and conference presenter, delivering engaging sessions at national and regional education conferences. Cheryl is also a certified specialist in the Danielson Framework for Teaching, supporting schools and educators in strengthening instructional practice and professional growth. 

An award-winning educational leader, curriculum developer, motivational speaker, and facilitator, Cheryl’s unique mix of wit, grit, and passion “edutains,” inspires, and equips educators and families to help students reach their fullest potential. Cheryl has received numerous awards and commendations, including Investor Bank’s Educator of the Year Award. She also serves her community through leadership on several boards and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

*Receives a salary from Learning Without Tears where she is an employee*

Address: New Jersey, United States

Hope McCarroll received her bachelor's degree in child development (BS) in 2010, her entry level master’s in occupational therapy (MOT) in 2011 and was part of the first graduating class of the post-professional occupational therapy clinical doctorate (OTD) in Texas in 2016 at Texas Woman's University.  She currently holds her board certification in pediatrics as an occupational therapist.  Her specialty is in school-based pediatric therapy services with published research focused on handwriting and the effects on academic success using the LWT screening tool. Hope has been using the LWT curriculum with her students and her own children since she started as a therapist in 2011.

*Receives a speaking fee from Learning Without Tears and receives a salary from University of St Augustine for Health Sciences where she is an employee*

Melissa McHugh is a Special Education teacher in Joshua, Texas. Melissa holds a BFA from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a certified teacher for both general and special education and has worked with kids of all abilities, both in small groups and in the large classroom setting. She was named Burleson Independent School District Support Staff Member of the Year in 2011 and was Teacher of the Year at her campus in 2011, 2014, and 2016. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2018 at Caddo Grove Elementary.  In 1999, Melissa began using Handwriting Without Tears with her students with special needs and now works with General Education teachers to bring it into their classrooms as well. When not in the classroom, Melissa and her husband, Chris, can be found on the football and soccer fields, or at Rodeo Competitions cheering on their two boys, Wesley and Nick. When at home, Melissa enjoys HGTV, crafts, reading, and taking care of all the family pets (including: dogs, munchkin cats, fish, tortoises, a rat, and a horse!) Melissa loves the Handwriting Without Tears Program and how it changed how she teaches in the classroom, and looks forward to sharing it with you!

*Receives a speaking fee from Learning Without Tears and receives a salary from Granbury ISD where she is an employee*