Kersten Russell

Kersten has worked in New York City schools for nearly 20 years, with experience in both public and charter settings. She is passionate about inclusive education and supporting school staff in meeting the diverse needs of all learners. Trained in Orton-Gillingham, Kersten has extensive experience supporting students with reading difficulties through explicit, systematic instruction.

Currently, Kersten serves as the Clinical Manager of the reading service at the Child Mind Institute, where she leads a team of reading coaches providing specialized phonics instruction to emergent readers. The team partners with schools across the city, particularly in traditionally underserved communities, and offers free training to school staff in an effort to expand access to high-quality, evidence-based reading intervention.