When literacy leads, equity follows.
United in Our Mission to Empower Every Learner
Who We Are
Driven By Purpose. Grounded In Empathy. Built For Impact
We’re a community of educators, families, and advocates united by one mission: to ensure neurodivergent and underserved youth can thrive through literacy.
Rooted in research and powered by personal experience, we believe reading is more than a skill, it’s a foundation for confidence, self-expression, and lifelong opportunity. At NSPF, we center every child’s unique learning needs and celebrate progress at every step.
The Heart of Our Work
Message From Founder & CEO
I’m so glad you’ve found us. This organization was born from a deeply personal place, my incredible son, who is autistic and has taught me more about love, resilience, and learning than I could have imagined. As I watched him navigate the challenges of literacy in a world not always built for neurodivergent learners, I knew there had to be a better way.
That desire, to ensure children like my son have access to the tools, strategies, and support they need to thrive, is what led to the creation of NeuroStars Phonics Factory. We are here to support, celebrate, and empower youth with autism, dyslexia, and other learning differences through research-based, personalized instruction grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Founder & CEO
01.
— Our Mission
To empower neurodivergent learners through equitable resources and support, fostering their growth as confident, independent learners.
02.
— Our Vision
A world where every learner, regardless of neurological differences, achieves literacy excellence and lifelong success.
03.
— Our Story
Born from a mother’s love and one child’s journey, NeuroStars exists to reimagine literacy for neurodivergent youth, making learning possible, personal, and empowering for every unique mind.
Our Leadership Team
Shecondria Duncan
Shecondria Duncan is an educator and literacy advocate with a background in early literacy, special education, ELA, and wellness. She has led intervention efforts and supported instructional leadership focused on improving student outcomes. Being the parent of an autistic child, she founded NSPF to reimagine literacy for neurodivergent youth.
Antwayne Sanders
An experienced educational leader, Antwayne Sanders currently serves as an Executive Officer for Elementary Schools in a public school district. He brings a strong background in staff development and instructional leadership, helping shape strategic direction at NSPF. His commitment to literacy equity ensures that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
Maisah Holloman
An experienced educator and Administrative Dean of Students, Maisah Holloman brings expertise in MTSS, PBIS, and school improvement. Her leadership in student support and systems-based frameworks helps guide NSPF’s commitment to whole-child literacy and sustainable impact.
Gabryell Owens
Gabryell Owens is an experienced ELA educator with expertise in ESOL, instructional strategies, and educational technology. Her background in psychology brings insight into how students process language and learn—informing the equity-driven literacy supports she helps lead at NSPF.
Chandra Ponder
Chandra Ponder is an experienced educator with a strong background in elementary teaching, educational leadership, and program development. With past roles as a program specialist and Reading First coordinator, she now supports NSPF’s homeschool families with structured, research-based tools to help young readers grow.
Dan Hall
Dan Hall brings a strong background in marketing and education, serving as a CTAE Marketing teacher and FBLA Advisor. At NSPF, he leads the development of skill-based mentoring programs that support literacy growth, leadership, and future readiness for youth.
"TBA"
This board position is currently in development. NSPF is committed to building a leadership team that reflects diverse experiences and deep dedication to literacy equity. Stay tuned as we continue growing our mission-driven community.
Tiffany Lewis
Tiffany Lewis brings over a decade of business experience in human resources and training, alongside a strong background in education. She has served as a special educator, assistant principal, and now leads as principal in an alternative learning setting. At NSPF, she oversees data and evaluation to ensure programs are impactful and student-centered.
Chanelle Sweet-Dixon
Chanelle Sweet-Dixon is a seasoned educator and school leader with experience as a teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and now an elementary school principal. Skilled in school improvement and also a licensed professional counselor, she helps NSPF integrate academic growth, student wellness, and strategic leadership into its programs.
Partners
