Honey Sayler, M.Ed. Special Education 

Hope Education Director

Educational Strategist, Literacy Interventionist, Family Advocate, IMSE Orton Gillingham trained, Lindamood Bell LiPS trained, LETRS, K-12 Special Education

Honey Sayler is the Founder and creator of Hope Education Consulting. She graduated in 2002 with B.S Elementary Education, went on to earn M. Ed in Special Education (Educational Strategist) soon after. Honey has extensive training in reading interventions including training in Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell, and LETRS. At Hope Education, she uses a science of reading approach to intervention.  

Honey is a lifelong learner of studying the English language to support readers who require intense intervention in reading, writing, and spelling foundational skills. Supporting and building confidence in reluctant readers is Honey’s greatest passion.  

Throughout her 20+ year career in education, Honey has supported students ranging from preK-12th grade.  She held special education teacher roles in elementary schools, middle schools, alternative high schools, and online charter schools before creating Hope Education Consulting. 

Currently, Honey is the lead educational consultant/advocate at HEC. She conducts  preK-6th grade assessments for reading and mathematics. Honey also provides homeschool support, and works as a private interventionist in literacy to numerous students. Honey offers IEP/504 advocacy and support to families navigating the best way to support their child’s education. 

When Honey isn’t at HEC, she and her husband, John, stay busy keeping up with daughter Lil’s passion in dance, son Jack’s basketball and sports commitments, and their youngest daughter Grace. She is a lover of books, dogs, coffee, and the Wellness Bar. Her favorite thing to do outside of being with her family is teaching reluctant readers to break the code and become confident readers. Wrigley and Luna, her two labs, add a little extra to their family craziness. Honey and John grew up in the Midwest, but have considered CDA home since 2004.

Kim Polfer, B.A. History

Educational Leadership

Math, writing, and fine motor skills Interventionist, yoga teacher, K-12 Special Education, Parent Advocate

Kim Polfer began her education at Washington State University earning a B.A. in History with a minor in educational leadership. She taught high school for 9 years in all aspects of social science, an inclusion class, and is considered highly qualified in this field. Kim went on to be the academic Dean at the Winter sports school in Park City for two years and took on the responsibility of earning the School National Accreditation Recognition. She then pivoted to teaching preschool so she could provide her older son a little extra love and attention. During this time she participated in numerous continuing Ed courses focusing on the preschool/kindergarten ages. Her accreditations include: Exceptional Student Education K-12, Certified athletic coaching certification, Idaho STARS early education pre-k through K, city of CDA early education license, Training in MNRI, Certification in TBRI (trauma based) and countless continuing education training in math and primitive reflexes.

Next, Kim went on to teach kids the importance of music and movement through the CDA school district while working as a specialist at Borah Elementary. Throughout Kim’s 18 years as a teacher she has learned many things from the students, her peers and superiors! No matter what she’s teaching, she loves every minute that she’s working with students and their families. In her various roles throughout the years one thing remains the same, it is in her bones to teach! It fills her soul and defines part of who she is. 

When Kim isn’t at HEC, you can find her practicing Yoga, training for triathlons, skiing, reading, hiking, snuggling her 2 boys and dog, sneaking out for a date night with her husband…..anything outside where she is moving her body and improving her brain!

Raydene Ramelow, B.S. Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood

Early Academic Interventionist, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Regulation Interventionist, Connections Support

Raydene Ramelow, B.S Developmental Psychology and a degree in Early Childhood Education, has 32 years of experience supporting students.  Her career has afforded her experiences in a wide variety of settings. She has spent the last 13 years working as an Intervention Specialist in the CDA School District supporting students 1:1 or in small group settings prior to joining the Hope Education Consulting team. Raydene believes supporting children requires positive attention, playful engagement, and affirmation. Raydene’s students get undivided attention. Behavioral and learning sessions are guided by respect, empowerment through choices, and nurturing accountability for learning and work ethic. Raydene enjoys her work with all students but has a soft spot for PreK-1st grade early academic intervention and social/emotional development.

When Raydene isn’t at HEC, she enjoys camping and traveling with her family. She has a green thumb and loves gardening, searching for antiques, and fishing. Raydene and her husband, Jason, have been married for 25 years. Together, they have a daughter who is 23 years old and a son who is 21 years old. Their  daughter works with people that have speech/language/communication disorders and their son is a commercial pilot. Raydene’s family is her heartbeat!

Sarah Weber, B.S Elementary Education, Special Education

Literacy Interventionist, K-12 Special Education, Parent Advocate, IMSE Orton Gillingham trained

Sarah Weber has 10 years of experience as a Special Education teacher. She began her teaching career at the secondary level, but has been working with elementary students for the past several years. At Hope, Sarah is beginning her second year leading small groups and 1:1 literacy interventions.

When Sarah is not at HEC, she enjoys road trips and all types of traveling and exploring with her family. In the summer, she loves to be in and around the water all day long! At home, Sarah loves to bake and then share the treats with her friends!

Kassie Daniels, M.Ed. Special Education Literacy Specialist 

Literacy Interventionist, Social Emotional Learning, K-12 Special Education, Parent Advocate, Lindamood Bell LiPS trained, LETRS, VoWac, Right Response Deescalation Strategies

Kassie Daniels has 7 years experience teaching in an elementary setting. She started working with second-graders, and spent 5 years teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade. While working with the various grade levels, Kassie found her passion teaching kids to read and providing interventions for literacy-based skills. Kassie currently is in her 2nd year teaching in a Special Education Behavior Intervention middle school program.

At Hope Education Consulting, Kassie teaches early interventions in reading, writing, and SEL. She loves the one-on-one learning environment provided at HEC and using specific interventions tailored to each student’s needs.   

When Kassie isn’t at school or HEC, you can find her spending time outdoors with her son hiking, camping, hunting for bugs, and more! She is also a Disney enthusiast, and knows all things Alice in Wonderland. During the summer, you can find Kassie on her porch, drinking coffee and enjoying a good book,

Breland Tommerup, M.Ed. 

Gifted and Talented

Connections Coordinator, Enrichment opportunities, STEM

Breland Tommerup graduated from the University of Montana in 2010. Her teaching career started in the Post Falls School district. She earned her Masters degree in 2014. After teaching fourth and fifth grades for a few years, she found her passion in advanced and differentiated learning and that has been her focus ever since. She was a Gifted and Talented Facilitator at the elementary level for 5 years before deciding to make Hope Education Consulting her full-time focus. She currently serves as the Region 1 and 2 Gifted and Talented Facilitator for the state of Idaho. At Hope, she will facilitate the Hope Homeschool Connections drop-in days which will offer differentiated and engaging learning opportunities for non-traditional students in a small group setting. 

When Breland isn’t at HEC, you can find her hiking with her dog, or golfing and boating with her husband and three children in the summer and supporting University of Montana sports throughout the year.

Courtney Piette, M.S. Educational Psychology

Math Interventionist, Connections Leader

Courtney Piette graduated with a degree in education in 2013. She went on to get her teaching credential for elementary education and math in 2014 and her Masters degree in educational psychology in 2018. Courtney taught 7th grade math for 5 years and ran the tutoring center at her school during that time. She currently teaches a 4th/5th grade loop at Borah Elementary School in addition to tutoring students individually and in small groups both online and with Hope Education Consulting. Courtney is passionate about working with students in upper elementary and middle school who struggle with math.

When Courtney isn’t at HEC, you can find her spending time with her husband, twin baby boys, and their two golden retrievers. She loves hiking, camping, reading, and cooking. 

Jessica Osborne, B.S. Elementary Ed. Reading Specialist

Literacy Interventionist, IMSE Orton Gillingham trained

Jessica Osborne has always absolutely loved working with kids. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher. Her career working with kids started at an after school program at age 17. Later, she became the director of that after school program. Then, she ran summer day camps and resident camps for the YMCA. While working for the YMCA, Jessica was also employed by the Redding School District and The California School-Age Consortium. There she taught curriculum, trained staff, and designed programs for kids. This led her to work as an attendance clerk and registrar. Jessica’s experience in education spans over 25 years. In 2016, she began pursuing her teaching credential. She graduated from Lewis-Clark State College in 2019 with a B.S. in elementary education and a minor in literacy. Here she also earned her reading specialist certification. Currently, Jessica teaches first grade in the Coeur d’Alene School District and is in graduate school pursuing a masters degree in curriculum and instruction. 

When Jessica isn’t at HEC, you can find her baking with her daughter Lilly, traveling, and being outdoors as much as possible. They also enjoy going to farmers markets, walking their two dogs, Bruxie and Brody, and going to the lake. Lilly loves to dance, so you might find them at dance shops, performances, or competitions as well. Jessica’s favorite way to relax is to listen to music while working in her yard or sitting at the beach with her toes In the sand.  

Kate Pratt, B.S. Recreation Administration

Intermediate Interventionist, Lindmood Bell LiPS trained, IMSE Orton Gillingham trained

Kate Pratt graduated in 2002 from California State University, Chico with a B.S. in Recreation Administration. Kate went on to get her k-8 Elementary Education teaching certification from Lewis-Clark State College in 2012. Kate started her teaching career in 1st grade and then spent 8 years teaching 2nd grade at Ramsey Magnet school of Science. During this time Kate was able to integrate all things reading and math with one of her favorite subjects, science! Kate is passionate about connecting learning to real life experiences using a variety of engaging strategies and activities. This past year, Kate was lucky enough to teach 4th grade where she fell in love with upper elementary math and project based learning. This coming year Kate will begin her 2nd year as a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher. 

Kate has had the opportunity to work with so many amazing students and families and prides herself on getting to know each student and their family through open and honest communication.  Kate has found her passion teaching reading and writing and loves continuing to learn the science of reading and phonics. Kate has had the opportunity to be trained in the Lindamood Bell LIPS program, Orton Gillingham, and was also able to attend the PEBC Thinking Strategies Conference in Denver. Kate has also completed professional development through Educurious in order to provide students with quality and enriching project based learning. 

When Kate isn’t at HEC, you can find her with her husband Billy, working on their farm south of Coeur d’ Alene. A large garden, three dogs, 5 cats, chickens, pigs, and a small herd of goats keeps everyone busy and happy. Kate also stays on the go with her three kids, Will, Maddy and Vinny. On weekends, her family is either up at a local ski resort, watching one of the kids’ games at a local basketball gym or at the softball field cheering on Maddy’s team.  Kate also loves crafting and repurposing all kinds of things in fun and creative ways! 

Christy Jensen, B.S. Elementary Ed.

Literacy Interventionist, Special Education, IMSE Orton Gillingham, Parent Advocate

Christy Jensen has been in education for 6 years. She started working in a Title I reading program, where she found her passion for teaching reading and math interventions. She then moved to teaching 2nd and 3rd grade in the Coeur d’Alene school district. She recently made the transition to Special Education teacher and absolutely loves it. At Hope, Christy teaches reading and math interventions.

When Christy is not at HEC, she loves to spend time with her two children. They enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and going to the many lakes in our area. Christy also loves to read and travel to see extended family.

Jen Hector, B.S. Elementary Ed

Literacy Interventionist

Jen has been working in elementary schools for 9 years in various roles including Reading Remediation, 5th grade, Kindergarten, and currently 1st grade at Garwood Elementary School. She received her degree from the University of Idaho. She has a passion for early literacy and math skills, as well as the massive roles that relationships and social-emotional learning play in education. 

Jen is married and has three kiddos. When she is not at HEC, she enjoys crafting and creating, sitting in the sunshine, and playing games with her family.

Brandy Anderson, B.Ed with a Minor in Early Childhood Education

Literacy Interventionist, Connections Support

Brandy graduated from Central Washington University in 2006. She started out working in a Title program. When her family moved to Coeur d’Alene, she took some time off to have her four amazing kids. In 2016, Brandy started her own in home preschool, which she ran for 6 years before becoming a substitute for the Coeur d’Alene School District. This will be Brandy’s first year teaching at Hope!
 
Brandy’s family, which includes her husband, 3 boys, and one daughter, loves outdoor adventures and sports! Between Brandy and her husband, they coach 3 high school sports at Lake City High School. She is the head cross country coach and can usually be found out running on the Canfield trails when she is not at HEC. When she isn’t running, Brandy is cheering on her kids in their running, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse endeavors! When they can fit it in, they love swimming in the lake, camping and backpacking!

Jessica Petersen, B.S. Elementary Ed

Early Literacy Interventionist, Lindamood Bell LiPs Trained, Seeing Stars, and Visualizing & Verbalizing Trained, LETRS Trained

Jessica has been in education for over 10 years. Prior to earning her degree, she was a lead preschool teacher, behavioral support assistant and reading tutor. She received her B.S. in elementary education from the University of Idaho in 2008. After graduating, she worked as a Title I paraprofessional in the Moscow School District. In 2009, she moved to Coeur d’Alene and was a Title I teacher for two years. During this time, Jessica taught 1st-5th graders struggling with foundational reading skills. She also taught 2nd grade and 1st grade in a traditional classroom for five years. Jessica is trained in LETRS and three of the Lindamood Bell programs: LIPs, Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing. She loves teaching reading and is so excited to work with students at Hope.
 
Jessica has two sweet daughters who are six and four years old and an amazing husband. When she isn’t at HEC, you can find her baking, trying new recipes, going for walks, gardening, or at barre class. However, Jessica’s favorite way to unwind is with a good book. As a family, they love to get out and enjoy all that North Idaho has to offer. In the winter, they are out downhill skiing or cross country skiing. When the weather is nice, they love to visit local parks, go to the beach, hike their favorite trails or do day trips out to the river.

Jasmine Hill, M.Ed Autism Spectrum Disorders

Math Interventionist, SEL, Autism specialist, Intermediate and Middle School

Jasmine Hill holds a degree in Elementary Education and a M.Ed in Autism Spectrum Disorders. By day she supports students at Canfield Middle School and teaches 6th grade Math Boost,  7th grade Math Boost, as well as combined grade level Science and History courses. At Hope, Jasmine helps students with executive functioning, organizational strategies, social skills, and mathematics support. 

As a graduate of the Coeur d’Alene School District (and former Canfield Cougar), she is thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community she grew up in. When she’s not working, you will find her at the lake, in a yoga class, or spending quality time with my husband, son, and daughter. I am excited to get to know your child and help them achieve their goals.

Ilene Shirts, B.S. Elementary Education

Literacy Interventionist, Lindamood Bell LiPS, Orton Gillingham, Early Literacy Specialist

Ilene has a B.S in Elementary Education from the University of Idaho. She has been teaching for 34 years. Ilene initially taught in Moscow, Idaho for 5 years (1 year Kindergarten and 4 years in 1st grade). She then had the honor of teaching 1st grade for 29 years in the Coeur d’Alene School district. Ilene recently retired to spend more time with her new granddaughter and adult daughters.  Ilene is so excited to continue sharing her gift of literacy, education, and HOPE with her students at Hope Education Consulting. She is trained in LiPS and Orton Gillingham which allows her to help even the most struggling learners build confidence in the areas of reading, spelling, and writing. She has a wealth of experience giving students a strong foundation in fundamental literacy skills. Her professional career was  joyful and she was blessed by so many wonderful children, families, and peers.  She likes to remind children that hard things help their brains to grow and they are capable of doing hard things.   Ilene absolutely loves helping children learn. It is very important to her to celebrate their successes and to help her students realize their own worth.  

Lil Sayler

Education Assistant

Lil Sayler is a sophomore honors student at LCHS. She dances at La Danse and has worked as an assistant for 5 years with ages 3-11 in lyrical, tumbling, and hip-hop dance.  

Lil is Hope Education’s go-to gal. She knows where everything is, calls all the students by name as they walk in the door, and is ready to help before being asked.  Lil works on scheduling, assists teachers implement their lessons, encourages students, and generally keeps her mom Honey on task!

Thanks to Lil, our prize box and snacks are always stocked, the supply closet is labeled and organized, and systems are created to keep the Hope teachers organized. 

When Lil isn’t at HEC, you can find her being the best big sister to Grace, dancing, teaching dance, or relaxing with her family.