Born and raised in rural, Southeastern Ohio where I currently reside with my husband and two children on our little family farm. I say we live on a funny farm with goats, chickens, horses, and four Labrador Retrievers that think they are humans. We raise large gardens and some of my favorite time is spent in my greenhouses.
My love of helping children with their literacy deficits came from the desperation I felt as a parent of two dyslexic children that desperately needed intervention only to find that none existed. I was forced to do my own research, source my own training, draw my own conclusions about what they needed and forge my own path in order to find the resources and interventions that my girls needed. This led me to homeschool my children; a hard but necessary choice. It was then that I realized how truly prevalent this problem was and how many other parents must be feeling the same desperation I felt.
Wheeling Country Day, the driving force behind Edge, was an integral component in me being able to give my girls what they needed to succeed. I believe in their mission and this program so much that when they asked me to come aboard, the answer was a resounding YES! I am now a Site Coordinator for Edge and I absolutely love my job!
Outside of my position with Edge, I hold a position on the board of two different fundraising committees for WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital where we raise crucial funds for our rural children’s transport teams. I am also a 4-H advisor, Bible Class Teacher, and hold a position on the OSU Extension Advisory Board. I am a wife, a homeschool momma, a tutor, an advocate, a gardener and an avid Ohio State Fan. Go Bucks!
Hello! My name Is Renee McFadden and I have been a teacher at Wheeling Country Day School for 22 years. I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Liberty State College.
Five years ago, I wanted to know more about how to best teach children to read, and went back to receive my master’s degree as a Reading Specialist at West Liberty University. Over the last year, I completed the Classroom Educator Orton Gillingham certification.
In addition to a passion for reading and teaching reading, I enjoy taking care of a multitude of pets, spending time with family, and being outdoors.
Hello! My name Is Carly Wilson and I have been a teacher at Wheeling Country Day School for 5 years. I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Liberty University. I then went on to receive my master’s degree as a Reading Specialist.
Over the last year, I completed the Classroom Educator Orton Gillingham certification. This has been a great tool to further support struggling readers. In addition, I am TESOL certified and taught English in Thailand in 2018.
Wheeling, West Virginia is where I currently call home. I enjoy traveling, hiking, and anything to do with country music.
Theresa Kowcheck is the Literacy Director of Edge, powered by Wheeling Country Day School, located in Wheeling, West Virginia. She obtained her master’s degree in Special Education at West Liberty University. Theresa has 17 years of experience working with students with Dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. She has had extensive experience providing 1:1 and small group tutoring to students of all ages.
She currently holds IMSLEC Orton-Gillingham certification at the basic and advanced levels; certification as a Dyslexia Practitioner through the International Dyslexia Association (IDA); certification at the Institutional Level through Orton-Gillingham International (OGI) to train teachers in Structured Literacy. In her most sought-after achievement, Theresa attained the certified-level through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners & Educators (AOGPE) and is currently a Fellow in Training (FIT). Theresa co-wrote the coursework at West Liberty University that received Program Accreditation through The International Dyslexia Association. She is currently an instructor of reading and a member of the Literacy Team at Carlow University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Ella struggled to recognize the most basic numbers. See how small group intensive work, diagnostic practice activities, and constructive feedback helped Ella progress in math.
Greyson loved school but struggled with reading. Learn how small group reading sessions and individualized intensive work helped Greyson create a memorable moment.
Max was uninterested, unmotivated, and disengaged with math. Find out how changing the environment and baby steps helped Max have the “best day ever”.
Let us help you discover what’s possible for your child at Edge. Virtual, on-campus, and small group tutoring in partnership with after school programs are offered.