Marni Roberts
Director of Educational Services,
School Psychologist
Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher
Marni Roberts, M.A., is a school psychologist with 20 years of experience in public education. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in psychology with specialization in school psychology and counseling. She earned her National Credential in School Psychology (NCSP). Marni’s desire to help struggling learners has fueled her passion for working in the education field. Marni holds a Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Certificate from the International Dyslexia Association’s Center for Effective Reading Instruction. Marni is involved with the Tacoma City Ballet as a character dancer in ballet productions. She also enjoys reading, camping, and watching movies.
Diane Kehm
Director of Operations and Grants
Diane began her long-time relationship with ARK Institute of Learning in 2008 as a grant writing contractor. A short time later, she also became responsible for communications, marketing, and publications. Her role continued to grow over the years, and in 2017 she transitioned from contractor to employee and was hired on staff as a Business and Grants Coordinator. In 2020, she advanced to Director of Operations and Grants. Diane works collaboratively in leadership with Marni Graveline. Diane earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. She enjoys spending time with her family and pets, volunteering for the humane society, cheering on the Seahawks, and learning how to crochet amigurumi.
Sheri Hamlow
Educational Therapist
Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher
Sheri is an Applied Behavior Analyst. She is a co-instructor of the ARK Training Program so her experience and education are a great resource for the entire ARK team. Opening the doors of learning is what inspires her work. Outside of work, this die-hard Washington State Cougar loves to cook.
Caroline Swinehart, C-SLDS
Educational Therapist
Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist
Caroline has been designing and implementing learning interventions for over 10 years. She prioritizes two things when working with clients: (1) learner-led goals, and (2) in-depth thinking and learning. Caroline spent several years as an ARK Educational Therapist, has mentored and trained fellow instructors, and has held teacher workshops. Caroline holds a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist certification from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (C-SLDS). She earned a BA Philosophy and a BS in Mathematics, with a Music minor. Caroline serves on the Advisory Board of the Tacoma Area Literacy Council.
Nick Mobus
Educational Therapist
Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher
Nick earned a B.S. degree in Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Organic Chemistry. He has spent several years working as a private math and science tutor in the greater Tacoma area. He has a tremendous amount of experience helping students understand higher levels of math and science. Nick holds a Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Certificate from the International Dyslexia Association’s Center for Effective Reading Instruction. In his free time, he enjoys occasionally indulging in devious strategizing while playing board games.
Robert Wengrod
Educational Therapist
Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher
Robert Wengrod, Ed.S., has 34+ years’ experience as a special education teacher, diagnostician and case advisor and manager in public, private and charter schools. At ARK, he administers and interprets cognitive and academic evaluations, and implements interventions in reading, math, and written expression. His passion is providing support and teaching advocacy skills to individuals with learning disabilities and dyslexia. Robert successfully works with parents, teachers, and school administrators to ensure student success and independence. He is a founding Board member of the Southwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association and served as its President, Treasurer and on its Advisory Committee prior to his move to the Northwest. Robert and his wife Kathy live in Tacoma; their daughter works for the U.S. Senate.
Kim Beggs
Educational Therapist
Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher
After nearly 20 years in higher education, Kim transitioned to working with kindergarten students for 10+ years. She loves working one on one with early learners, helping them gain skills and confidence. Prior to working with young children, Kim earned a BA degree in Psychology and an MEd in Higher Education Administration. She spent several years as an educational planner at a community college before moving into college administration as a Director of Student Services. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with family, watching baseball, gardening and reading.
Adrina Bacon
Educational Therapist
Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist
Adrina holds a BA in Social Welfare and Master in Teaching. She is an experienced educator with more than 25 years as a Classroom Teacher and Reading Specialist. She is also a member of the Orton Gillingham Academy, certified at the Associate Level. Her passion for teaching students with Dyslexia was born during her time as a Reading Specialist. She brings this unique perspective in her understanding of the instruction that students have received in school and what they now need; and she is able to meet students where they are to provide the diagnostic and prescriptive instruction to meet those needs. Adrina and her husband have 3 young adult(ish) children. She loves God, the sunshine, long walks and good books.
Deanne Trummert
Instructional Specialist
Deanne’s background in elementary education supports her understanding of student learning and curricular needs. She taught in public and independent schools and tutored students one-on-one. Deanne holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in curriculum. She holds a Washington State Teaching Certificate for Pk-8 and a National Board Teaching Certificate.
Two passions make Deanne a valuable addition to ARK. First, she believes that building student strengths facilitates positive reinforcement. Using the momentum of student understanding allows her to make forward progress quickly. Second, her understanding of the foundation of mathematics as a thinking task not a remembering task, makes math approachable for all students.
Amy Ledgerwood
Instructional Specialist
Amy’s teaching background is in Business Education (grades 4-12). She earned her teaching degree from Eastern Washington University located in Cheney, Wash. She has been teaching for close to 30 years for Olympic College (since 1997), South Puget Sound Community College (since 2017), and Shoreline Community College (since 2020), and finds that she is always learning something new every day. Her areas of expertise are in Business/Office Technology and Administration. She has also taught elementary school art along with reading and writing for all grade levels, from Pre-K through adult. Amy loves teaching and would not change any of the experiences she has gained in her career of choice. In her free time, Amy enjoys gardening, camping, kayaking, boating, swimming, cooking, reading, and exploring the outdoors. She loves being with her family and pets and is excited about the adventure of working with students at ARK!
Michelle V. Walters
Administrative Assistant
Michelle lends a unique blend of medical and creative background to ARK. A graduate of Bryman College, she spent nine years as a Medical Technician, then transitioned to building a graphic and visual design agency while also managing her home and family.
Michelle's passions led her to become a Court Appointed Child Advocate for Pierce County Juvenile Court. She also helps lead a Community Outreach ministry. Michelle recently joined the Advisory Board for the Center of Dialogue and Resolution. Additionally, Michelle is a published children’s book illustrator and an accomplished baker. Her culinary skills earned the title of semi-finalist on the Silos Baking Competition on Discovery+.
Her inspiration for joining ARK stems from her own family’s experience and commitment to supporting others navigating unique learning challenges.
Begin your journey to learning success.
“The most rewarding thing about working with clients is helping them to understand concepts that weren’t very clear before; the moment they start catching on is really neat to experience. The most unexpected thing is getting to see firsthand how different everyone’s learning profile is. The phrase ‘no two people think alike’ is truer than I ever knew!”
