Kimberly McCotter

Owner, Program Director

Owner and private reading instructor Kimberly McCotter has been working with individuals of all ages struggling with dyslexia and other learning disabilities for 12 years. She has a passion for education and believes that every person has the ability to overcome his or her academic struggles. She opened Turning Leaf Literacy Center in July 2005 and has been serving on the Alaska Branch of the International Dyslexia Association since 2008.
Kimberly has a fantastic husband and two wonderful boys who all play an important role at Turning Leaf. Her hobbies (other than work) include baking, exercise, and spending time with her family. Her passion for helping others find success is the foundation for Turning Leaf Literacy Center.

Clinician

Talia is currently a full-time student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, pursuing her degree in Social Work. She has a passion for working with children and loves helping them grown, learn, and overcome challenges. One day, she plans to use her degree to help and support many other children. When Talia is not working with students, she enjoys hiking with her dog, reading, playing music, and spending quality time with her family.

Clinician

Ashley was born and raised under the big sky of Billings Montana, and graduated from Montana State University Billings with a Bachelors degree in History and English. It is a passion of hers to help students fall in love with learning and to help spark a sense of curiosity in them. She enjoys backpacking (to countries or mountains), traveling and exploring the wilderness of new and diverse areas. She has a goal to go back to school and earn her Phd in history with a focus on projects based on the rich history of Alaska. 

Instructor and Clinical Manager

Elizabeth was born in Nevada but raised in Alaska. She is a part-time student at the University of Alaska – Anchorage. Since starting her work at Turning Leaf Literacy Center, Elizabeth has developed a new found passion for speech and language development. She loves working with children and watching them master new concepts. When she is not studying or working Elizabeth enjoys: reading fantasy novels, painting, and hanging out with her two rambunctious Pomeranians.

Clinician

Loni Jirik is a dedicated educator with over 28 years of experience in both special education and general education. Originally from Northern Minnesota, she made the move to Alaska in 2003 and has worked as an Alaskan Educator. Loni holds dual B.S. degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, reflecting her deep commitment to inclusive and effective teaching.

Throughout her career, Loni has served not only as a classroom teacher but also as a mentor and education consultant, supporting fellow educators in their professional growth. She is currently a lower grades teacher at Birchtree Charter School, where she continues to bring her passion for learning and teaching into the classroom every day.

A lifelong learner herself, Loni frequently enrolls in continuing education courses and recently completed her LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training. Outside of school, she treasures time with her family and enjoys hiking, fishing, traveling, baking, and perfecting her sourdough bread.

Instructor

Kristin Willberg moved to Alaska in the fall of 2020 from northern Minnesota. After earning a B.S. in Elementary and Middle School Education at the University of North Dakota, she taught for twenty-five years. Kristin’s education experience includes working as a substitute, teaching junior high language arts and social studies, tutoring, coaching extracurricular speech, and advising numerous activities. Kristin enjoys reading, crafting, watching hockey, and fishing. She lives in Wasilla with her husband, three daughters and two golden retrievers. 

Instructor

Eulalie started teaching at Fairhill Christian School in Fairbanks, Alaska, but spent most of her career in a one-room school house in North Pole, Alaska. She earned her master’s in educational leadership at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. For the past 10 years, Eulalie has worked as a private tutor for an international business couple, teaching their daughter and traveling the world with them as needed. Eulalie is a thrice published author, with one educational work on how to teach writing and two Christian works on the Person of the Holy Spirit.

Clinician

Elise is a lifelong Alaskan who was homeschooled for the majority of her schooling career. She is a current college student working to achieve many degrees in higher education. When she is not working with students at Turning Leaf, she loves painting, sculpting, and all things made of clay. She is also currently writing a book and loves animals. Elise is passionate about helping kids gain confidence in their own abilities and watching them achieve their fullest potential.