Melinda Gallagher has been teaching in York since 1997 as a Reading Recovery teacher and Title One literacy specialist. In addition she taught kindergarten in York, first grade in Alfred, ME, and second grade in Kennebunk. She was educated at the University of Southern Maine and she has continued her professional development in literacy through the University of Maine-Orono. In total, Melinda has 30 years of teaching experience.

Jen Ellis has been teaching for 32 years in the York Schools. This will be her ninth year teaching in kindergarten. Prior to teaching kindergarten Jen taught transition, first grade and second grade. She was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and she has continued her professional development, particularly in the area of literacy. Jen is also a Reading Recovery teacher.