Our Team

Kim Yaris, an educator for 16 years, is the Executive Director of Literacy Builders. In this role, she works as an independent literacy consultant in several Long Island school districts conducting teacher workshops, staff development seminars, in-class demonstration lessons, and curriculum planning sessions. In addition, she presents at local literacy conferences as well as to parent and special interest groups on topics related to literacy. Prior to becoming a literacy coach, Kim worked as an elementary classroom teacher in Cold Spring Harbor, New York and Scituate, Massachusetts. She received her M.Ed in Reading from the University of New Hampshire.

Ferne Chase is currently the reading specialist for grades two through six for the Cold Spring Harbor School District, where she has been teaching since 1994.  She has taught special education to students with diverse learning needs in both inclusive and self-contained settings as well as worked as a classroom teacher at the elementary level.  Ferne received national certification from the Schools Attuned Program, a professional development program for educators devoted to recognizing, understanding, and managing children with learning differences.  In addition, she has taught professional development programs to teachers on topics involving meeting the diverse needs of learners in the classroom.

Danielle Erardy taught sixth grade at Babylon Memorial Grade School for five years before working as a literacy coach.  She has worked with classroom teachers, providing information and guidance concerning a range of effective and innovative literacy practices.  In addition to these responsibilities, she has led several workshops involving many topics including reading assessment, writing skills, and practices that promote comprehension.  She is currently teaching sixth grade language arts in Babylon incorporating various strategies and activities to target a diverse population.

Whitney Stahlberg has taught fifth grade in Cold Spring Harbor for eight years.  She earned her Masters degree in elementary education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.  During her tenure as a classroom teacher, she used Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop to help children hone their skills in literacy.  She loves children’s literature and is currently working as an editorial assistant at Random House Children’s Books.

Patti Austin is a second grade teacher at Commack Road Elementary School in Islip, New York. During her fourteen years as a primary classroom teacher, Patti has worked with young readers and writers to raise the bar of their learning. Her most recent endeavor has been implementing The Daily Five to provide for flexible grouping that differentiates instruction to best meet the needs of all learners.

Kimberly Mielenhausen has been teaching fifth grade in the Babylon School District for seven years. Her team teaching experience has allowed her to become proficient in managing a time structured reading and writing workshop. In addition to presenting at local conferences, Kimberly is an active participant in a collegial literacy circle. 




Craig E. Yaris is the Digital Media Director for Literacy Builders. He is responsible for all aspects of Literacy Builders' on-line and social media presence. He is pursuing a certificate in Educational Technology, and maintains a computer consulting business, EsquireTech Solutions, in his spare time.