Testimonials
Colleagues
Janelle is a fantastic specialist educator. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of SEN. Having worked with Janelle for nearly two years I was lucky enough to receive her advice, for interpreting and developing methods and approaches for different students.
Janelle is a passionate educator that has a phenomenal understanding of SEN not just at a pedagogical level but at a deeper, neurological level. However, what Janelle excels at it translating this into simple terms that you can action.
Children that get to work with Janelle will benefit from her unending enthusiasm and passion that can help each child achieve their potential!
Head of English at Phorms Education
For those interested in one of the highest quality reading, spelling, writing, motivation, and math support services available in Europe, I recommend Janelle Alexander.
Janelle came to BBIS through a family connection and was highly recommended. The student of concern was 3 years behind in reading and spelling, had behavioral issues and had already repeated a grade level. He refused to write. This same student, after 1 year of intensive work with Janelle, is flourishing! Confidence is soaring. He is eager to answer questions in class, behavior has improved immensely and he writes willingly.
I have watched Janelle work with children and become tearful. Her expertise, advocacy, professionalism, and the beautiful emotional support of learning weary children is unparalleled. There are not many reading specialists with the combination of talents Janelle possesses.
I am also highly impressed with the program she uses among others, the Wilson Language program is well researched, delivers results and is solid. I have recommended Linda-mood Bell to families for years and to me Janelle is on par with this level of learning intervention. She is fully qualified as a special education teacher and eagerly continues to update her professional development.
Janelle is a rare gem of specialised teachers.
Vivian Huizenga M.Sc.
Educational Psychologist, SUNY Albany New York
Berlin-Brandenburg International School 2019
Janelle and I were colleagues here at Rome International School until her departure earlier this year. I have had many occasions to work with Janelle regarding students who have learning needs and have found her to be extremely competent in dealing with sensitive learning issues. Janelle responds to each student’s needs in a highly compassionate and understanding way and does all she can to ensure that they receive the necessary individual attention that allows them to succeed. Janelle is especially effective in working with students on a one-to-one basis, which allows her to focus on specific areas that need improvement. Janelle willingly gives her students her undivided attention, enabling students to receive the care they need.
Janelle is very well organised in her record-keeping, and she stays up-to-date with all the current trends in special education. She is very professional in offering advice to students and parents about educational testing and professional referrals. Janelle has a great sense of humour and is very personable, qualities which allow her to establish very sound relationships with her students.
Stephen W Orbison, PhD
High School Leader, Extended Essay Coordinator, English Department Coordinator, Rome International School 2011
Students
" I was Janelle’s pupil from eleven to fourteen years old. When we started our journey together, I
was struggling with my dyslexia. Janelle’s unique set of teaching skills helped me turn my disadvantages into strengths. Now ten years later, as I look back, I feel grateful and privileged to have worked with her. Janelle planted a seed that in time grew and today the plant is bearing rich fruit.
Janelle isn’t just a Wilson teacher to me—she has been a lifeline through one of the toughest times in my life. When we first met, I had just finished fifth grade and couldn’t read a single sentence. Teachers and classmates had called me stupid because I couldn’t read or write at all. My confidence was at an all-time low, and I truly believed I was worthless. My parents didn’t understand why I wasn’t learning like other students. Then Janelle came into my life. Using the Wilson Reading System, she was the first person to truly believe in me. She didn’t just teach me how to read and write—now, I’m writing my own books, stories, and plays—but she also helped me build the confidence I had lost. When we met, I was 12 years old; now I’m 18. Throughout those years, living in Germany and being in the German school system through ninth grade, I was bullied and let down repeatedly. Schools didn’t understand or believe in me. I was moved from school to school, and my mental health suffered deeply. Without Janelle, I’m not sure I would be here today. She was a shining beacon of hope at the end of a dark tunnel. Through every challenge life threw at me, Janelle was there—not just as a teacher, but as someone I could look up to and trust. She understood me and believed in me when no one else would, and I am forever grateful for that.
Wilson Language Program Student 2019-2025
Ulm, Germany
PARENTS
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank and wholeheartedly recommend Janelle, who has been working with my son Adam through the Wilson program for the past two years (Grade 4-5).
The growth Adam has experienced under her guidance has been nothing short of remarkable. His literacy skills have developed tremendously - he’s become a curious and capable little linguist - but more importantly, he has grown in confidence, independence, and joy in learning. He looks forward to every session with genuine excitement, and if ever he has to miss one, he is truly disappointed. That alone speaks volumes.
Janelle is a remarkable educator - a deep well of knowledge, insight, and patience. She brings clarity, consistency, and warmth to every session. She doesn't only teach Adam - she teaches me, too. Her willingness to involve me in the process, to explain strategies, and to help me understand how I can support Adam at home has been invaluable. I’ve learned so much from her.
Her professionalism is outstanding, and her flexibility and understanding with scheduling have made the program accessible and manageable, even when life gets busy. She meets Adam exactly where he is, and always with encouragement, creativity, and care.
With Janelle, it never feels like just tutoring - it’s a partnership in nurturing a child’s voice, ability, and self-worth. I am so grateful for the impact she’s had on our lives. Every child should be so lucky to have a teacher like her.
Dr. Anna Gurevich
Berlin, Germany 2023-present
Janelle Alexander
B. S. Special Education
George Peabody College of Education
Vanderbilt University
Janelle has been advocating for, and working with students of all ages, who are diverse learners for over 25 years. She has been working with bi-lingual/multilingual students attending international schools in Europe since 2004 and is a specialist in the Wilson Language program.
Janelle developed a passion for working with dyslexic students when
undertaking intensive training in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching at a private school in the US early in her career. After raising a family in the U.S. and England, she resumed training in both Linda-mood Bell and the Wilson Language program. Janelle is a life long learner and continues to undertake professional development on a regular basis, enabling her to stay abreast of the latest developments and research in the field of dyslexia.
Janelle brings more than 25 years of experience to her teaching. During the Covid crisis, Janelle continued providing support remotely to students in their school and/or home settings. Today her teaching continues mostly remotely, allowing her support to reach a greater number of students who may not have access to intensive, specialist dyslexia services in their local international schools or countries.
Janelle believes that private dyslexia tutoring yields the best results when the school, parents, other professionals and tutor work as a team to provide a consistent approach for the students. Collaboration is key!