At Bright Minds Tutoring, we offer in-person sessions in Wilmington, NC, and virtual tutoring across the U.S.
Our founder, April Coggins, began this work after watching her own son struggle with dyslexia and realizing how few families were given clear answers or effective support. That experience sparked a mission to provide the kind of evidence-based, compassionate help she once searched for.
Today, our team is dedicated to empowering struggling readers with structured literacy instruction, expert guidance, and the encouragement every child deserves.
APRIL COGGINS
With over 15 years of experience, April Coggins has guided “out-of-the-box” learners to thrive in the classroom. As a Certified Dyslexia Therapist (CDT) and Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS), she is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach for both reading and math and holds an M.S. in Special Education (Learning Disabilities) and a B.A. in English.
Featured by Forbes in 2019 as runner-up for Tutor of the Year and author of two self-esteem journals for children with dyslexia, April also writes Pick Your Own Path decodable books—high-interest, fully decodable adventure stories created specifically for struggling readers. She keeps pace with the latest research and shares her expertise through a free resource library for families.
Above all, April delights in uncovering each child’s unique strengths and pairing them with evidence-based strategies so every student can overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
TONI O’STEEN
Toni O’Steen is a graduate of Meredith College. There, she completed her education license as a Teaching Fellow and also graduated with a B.A. in English. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham and has years of experience teaching children of all ages. In addition to teaching reading, she also has experience working with students in math, science, writing, and literature.
Toni’s classroom is a safe place for all students to make mistakes, grow their confidence, and celebrate all the successes along their way to meeting their learning goals.
AUDREY MONTEITH
Audrey Monteith brings eight years of teaching experience with students from kindergarten through fifth grade. After retiring from a career in software development, she went on to earn a master’s degree in Elementary Education in addition to her bachelor’s degree in Physics. She is certified in Project Read, an Orton-Gillingham based, explicit, systematic, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading.
Audrey helps students gain self-confidence and encourages students to reach their full potential through the development of strong reading and mathematical skills. She knows the importance that both sound educational foundations and encouragement play in academic success and reinforces them in her tutoring sessions.
When not teaching, Mrs. Monteith enjoys reading, gardening, and exploring all that Wilmington has to offer with her husband of 30 years and their dog, Luna.
SUE SHEPARD
Sue’s educational career has spanned over 45 years with experience in both the general and special education classroom. She has an M.Ed. in Special Education from Marshall University and a B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in English from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. Sue has received training in Language! and Wilson Reading, both multi-sensory, explicit programs based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. She is also certified to teach the visually impaired and blind.
Sue believes all children can learn when given the right opportunity and is passionate about helping her students experience success.
ANN CARROLL
Ann Carroll is a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience teaching elementary students in Wilmington, including 5th grade, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Psychology from UNCW, along with associate degrees in Arts & Sciences and Business Administration.
Ann is also LETRS-certified, meaning she has completed one of the most respected professional-learning programs in the science of reading. This training equips her with deep knowledge of how children learn to read, spell, and comprehend language.
Now retired from classroom teaching, Ann is thrilled to bring her passion and expertise to Bright Minds Tutoring and continue helping children grow and succeed.
TERRI CATRON
Terri Catron is a dedicated, creative, and goal-driven professional educator with over 16 years of classroom experience. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and an MA in Early Elementary Education. Terri specializes in helping children in K-3 develop core competencies in reading and math. She is a resourceful and committed teacher, able to quickly assess a student’s needs and differentiate instruction as necessary. Terri is passionate about helping all children achieve success and believes that one-on-one tutoring allows her to better meet that goal.
