Doria Sullivan

Literacy Leader

Literacy Implementation Specialist

Science of Reading Expert

About Me

I'm transformational literacy leader with 25+ years of expertise in driving measurable K-12 literacy outcomes through strategic implementation of evidence-based practices. I've spent over 25 years watching educators struggle with the gap between what we know works and what actually happens in classrooms. That's the space where I do my best work.

What drives me

There's nothing more frustrating than watching great teachers implement a new literacy program with enthusiasm, only to see it fade away six months later because the support systems weren't there. I've seen this cycle repeat itself in districts across the country, and frankly, it's heartbreaking. Kids deserve better. Teachers deserve better.

That's why I don't just focus on what to teach – I focus on how to make it stick.

My approach

I combine deep Science of Reading expertise with Implementation Science principles because research without sustainable systems is just expensive professional development. When I work with districts, we're not just adopting new practices; we're building the infrastructure that ensures those practices become part of the school's DNA.

Whether I'm designing professional learning experiences for 500+ educators or coaching individual literacy leaders, my goal is the same: create lasting change that actually impacts student outcomes.

Where I've been

My journey started in the classroom, which is where I learned that good intentions aren't enough. I've worked at every level – from teaching students directly to developing statewide curricula at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction that affected university programs across the state.

Some highlights that shaped my thinking:

Led national LETRS operations reaching 500,000+ educators while maintaining research-based quality standards
Managed multi-million dollar implementations across seven western states with 95% client satisfaction rates
Co-authored evidence-based curricula adopted statewide in North Carolina
Founded High Impact Literacy LLC to focus on sustainable Science of Reading implementation

Each role taught me something different about what it takes to create real, lasting change in literacy instruction.

What I believe

Reading isn't just a school subject – it's the foundation for everything else. When we get literacy instruction right, we change trajectories. When we get implementation right, we change systems.

I believe in:

Evidence over opinion – but evidence that's practical enough to use
Systems over programs – sustainable change needs infrastructure
Relationships over mandates – people implement what they believe in
Progress over perfection – sustainable change happens in steps, not leaps