CEO

Maria Paluselli is a special education teacher with experience as a learning support teacher in several public schools. Maria is also a certified Orton-Gillingham Trainer. For over 10 years she served as the Director of the Children’s Dyslexia Center. Here she has trained and supervised teachers and tutors at initial and advanced levels. Maria is a trainer for Winsor Learning, publisher of a multisensory reading program. She has traveled throughout the country training teachers and coaching them as they implement intervention programs.

Maria has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh and she works independently assessing students and consulting with parents and school districts. She presents regularly on various topics related to reading and intervention strategies. Maria is the past chair of the Pittsburgh Regional Group of The International Dyslexia Association.

Chief Development Officer

Dr. Rachel Owens currently serves as the Operational Compliance Officer for Provident Charter School in Pittsburgh, PA. Previously she served as the school’s Director of Special Education upon its founding. Dr. Owens received her Masters Degree in Special Education & Teaching from Carlow University and her Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Chief Operating Officer

Russ Loyd is a technology and operations leader with over 25 years of experience driving transformative solutions in education, broadcasting, and nonprofit sectors. His expertise lies in designing and implementing innovative IT infrastructures that create equitable and inclusive learning environments. Russ has played a critical role in launching and supporting educational initiatives, including the development of two nonprofit charter schools focused on empowering students with learning differences, such as dyslexia. His leadership ensured these schools were equipped with cutting-edge technology, streamlined operations, and systems aligned with their mission of improving educational outcomes for underserved communities.

In addition to his work in education, Russ served as Director of Technology for NPR affiliate in Pittsburgh and iHeart Radio in Nashville, where he managed complex IT operations and broadcast systems, oversaw media production, pioneered podcasting and video initiatives, ensuring seamless content delivery to diverse audiences. Russ is deeply committed to leveraging technology to expand access to education and foster long-term sustainability, making him a valuable leader in initiatives that aim to bridge gaps in literacy and learning.  Russ currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Provident Education Foundation.