The Hilltop Story

In 2020, I started Hilltop Learning, offering reading support to students in a small outdoor classroom. With a background as a reading specialist, special education teacher, and K-2 classroom teacher, I wanted to create a space where I could be more present with my family while still helping kids grow as readers and writers. Hilltop quickly grew, moving indoors in 2021 and to our new home at 71 Atlantic Avenue in 2024. During that time I also earned my Orton-Gillingham certification through OGA, building on my Master’s in Reading from Columbia Teachers College, both of which guide my work in providing effective, evidence-based literacy instruction.

Our family’s love for Spanish language learning has always been a priority, fueled by ties to Peru and my personal experiences living in Spain. This passion for Spanish has inspired me to keep the language ever present in our home, ensuring my children are immersed in it daily. At Hilltop, we offer a Spanish immersion program, led by Sonia Durrani, alongside our literacy programs. Hilltop has become a place where children build confidence and thrive in both reading and language learning. The Hilltop team could not be more grateful to be part of the community.

Hilltop Families in Their Own Words

  • “Mrs. Mitchell is hands-down one of the best educators we've ever had the privilege of working with. Our son has ADHD and struggled with learning to read in Kindergarten. When he came to her in the Fall of first grade he didn't know all the letter sounds and had no interest in reading at all. His confidence in himself as a learner was shaken after a rocky and pandemic-influenced Kindergarten year. Mrs Mitchell immediately figured out how to motivate and engage him with just the right balance of movement, structure, and empathy. Her teaching style is incredibly effective and our son excelled--I am still amazed at the reading fluency he developed in just one school year. Even more than that, he loves reading now, is so proud of his accomplishments, and can't wait to start 2nd grade. We will forever be grateful for her hard work, dedication, talent, and kindness.”

  • “My first grader has been working with Emily at Hilltop for over a year now. His growth has been amazing. He is on the fastrack to reading at grade level. My son started out doing one on one sessions. As he improved, we moved to small group instruction. Emily even went the extra mile to connect with my son's teacher to strengthen the at school and at home bond. This communication really helped to catch my son up as quickly as possible. I am so grateful for everything Hilltop has done for my family.”

  • "Since my son started attending Emily's class, his progress has been remarkable. His reading abilities have gone from minimal to rapid progress. Emily’s understanding of children, her warmth, patience, and her ability to connect with kids made my son adore her. He genuinely looks forward to every class with her. We cannot thank Emily enough for her exceptional teaching skills and the improvements she has brought about in his education."

  • “Emily has an incredible ability to connect with children and make learning to read an enjoyable and confidence-building experience. Her patience and positive attitude creates a safe and supportive environment where new readers feel encouraged to try, make mistakes, and grow. She uses creative methods to engage students, from iterative games and fun activities to personalized lessons tailored to each child's interest and skill level. She breaks down reading into manageable steps, ensuring students build a strong foundation while keeping things fun and engaging. Both my kids look forward to their time at Hilltop and have already shown remarkable improvement in their reading skills!” 

    - Nora Connerty (Parent of 1st graders)