Mrs. Morgan Dietz

Owner and Founder of SOLidify Learning 

12+ years of experience in Education; Prior Director of Learning; Owner of SOLidify Learning; ELA

Morgan established SOLidify Learning to reach students with proven methods and a positive atmosphere. She began by creating and selling resources through her TeacherpayTeacher platform as a side hustle while working as a Director of Education at a nationally branded tutoring center.

Morgan's love of teaching began in middle school, when she led weekly childcare for her parents' bible group. A local principal attended weekly and told Morgan, "When you are old enough, pursue education, get your degree, come back to my school, and I will hire you." Morgan did just that. Unfortunately, the principal had passed of cancer years before she could hire Morgan. However, the door was opened at that school, and Morgan was hired on her birthday for her first full-time teaching job.

Over her years Morgan has taught in a large and energetic preschool, a rigorous private school, a resilient Title I school, and as a Director of Education at a nationally branded tutoring center. Throughout her career, Morgan has served on school STEM teams, planning committees, and helped develop effective curriculum. Morgan is familiar with the development and implementation of IEPs/504 and accommodation measures for students. She was the lead assessment giver and developed learning plans at the national brand tutoring center. Morgan was responsible for ensuring student success and communicating with parents and school facilitators. Tracking data, and moving students along to the next placements were key components of her job. Her most recent position was working as a behavior technician at an Autism clinic, trained in behavior intervention strategies. 

Morgan holds a state license in the state of Virginia. She graduated from Regent University in 2015 with her BS in Elementary Education K-6th. 

Dr. Carmen Wilson

Managing Tutor

 10+ years experience in Education, Previous Teacher of the Year, Current Reading Specialist for SPS; ELA/Mathematics

Dr. Carmen Wilson, has ten years of experience at the elementary level. She has served on numerous school committees, but most importantly has utilized her unique gifts to plan, teach, and assess students on a regular basis. 

Her excellent organizational skills enable her to pull resources together to plan creative and engaging lessons. She also is a teacher leader who holds multiple additional positions in our building. Dr. Wilson knows the value of frequent assessments. She uses formal and informal assessment data to guide instructional decisions. Often she will tier lessons based on assessment results. She strives to differentiate instruction.

 She not only meets students' academic needs but also their social-emotional needs.She is always  welcoming and inclusive. Her approach with her students fosters self-discipline and promotes positive interpersonal relationships based on mutual respect.  She is a reading specialist at a Suffolk Public School and has been an MTSS teacher leader, Teacher of Year, Reading Teacher of the year, teacher mentor and has written 504’s. She has a Masters in Mathematics Education, Masters in Technology Integration, a Reading Specialist Endorsement, and a Doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.  

Ms. Nicole Smith 

33+ years in education, Master's in Special Education, Bachelor's in Education, Teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ASL/SimCom Fluent

Nicole Smith (Snick) brings over 33 years of educational experience to SOLidify Learning. She has held various roles in the field, from educator and advocate to communicator. Nicole has worked for the Portsmouth and Virginia Beach public school systems. She is currently a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Virginia Beach. She is fluent in ASL/SimCom and desires to support families from all walks. 

Nicole says she is excited to join SOLidify’s team, stating that we all share the same beliefs. Nicole says, “It is our job as a team, parents, school, caregivers, and tutors to never set a limitation on a student. Instead, we are to assess where they are, allow them to seek their own expectations with guidance, and provide the tools they need for their own success!”

Nicole graduated from Radford University Summa Cum Laude honors, with her Master's in Special Education, and obtained a license in VA for Deaf Education. She also graduated from Old Dominion University Summa Cum Laude with a dual degree in Early Childhood Special Education and Adapted Curriculum Development for elementary to adult education.

Mrs. Michelle Rodgers

7+ years experienced Educator, BS. in Education, Elementary Math Endorsed, IMSE Orton-Gillingham Trained-Dyslexia Support, ELA/Mathematics

Michelle comes to Solidify Learning with seven years of in-classroom experience at public, charter, and private schools.  She is also beginning her second year as a homeschool teacher to her two children. She specializes in helping students build strong foundations in reading, writing, and language skills through individualized, research-based instruction. She is Orton-Gillingham certified and trained to support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences using a structured, multisensory approach proven to boost literacy and confidence.

As a proud military spouse, Michelle has taught in schools ranging from Key West, FL to Suffolk,VA and she understands the importance of flexibility, consistency, and support—both in and out of the classroom. Her teaching style is compassionate, patient, and responsive to each student’s unique needs, whether reinforcing foundational skills, overcoming learning challenges, or advancing academic goals.

She is passionate about helping learners discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Her goal is not just to improve performance in a subject, but to empower students with tools and strategies they can use for years to come. Progress happens one day at a time and Michelle is excited to walk the journey with you and nurture the growth!

Michelle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and is Elementary Math Endorsed. She is certified by Orton-Gillingham and specializes in supporting students with dyslexia.

Mrs. Mary Philpot

25+ years in education, Previous Department head of Tutoring Intervention, ELA/Mathematics 

Mary Philpot brings over 25-years in the field of education to SOLidify Learning. She has taught in the elementary school, middle school, and high school levels. She brings a unique approach after teaching in several schools-Paducah City Schools, McCracken County Schools, Huntsville City Schools, Suffolk Public Schools and currently at StoneBridge School.

 She has experience creating and developing lesson plans that meet every student’s diverse needs. She cultivates foundational and social-emotional skills and develops strong motivation to do well. Mary’s approach is strong, steady, and encouraging.

She believes having close relationships with parents, as well as grandparents, is key to having a child succeed. She highly values communication with all partners. She has provided tutorial sessions for students for several years, which include assessing student needs, creating effective lesson plans, engagingly delivering content, helping with homework, and developing study skills and strategies. She loves working with students, rewarding them, and observing their personal growth. Her passion is ensuring each student is successful in whatever comes their way.

 Mary Philpot has a  BS degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. She later found her passion in education and in motivating the next generation!

Mrs. Janice Phillips

16+ years of experience in Education, previous department chair, 7 years in direct intervention program, Mathematics

Janice Phillips brings sixteen years of classroom experience to Solidify Learning. Throughout 

her career, she has held positions as a department chair and participated in various school 

committees, including those focused on planning and curriculum development. Her multiple

 endorsements have allowed her to showcase her versatility, enabling her to take on a range of 

teaching assignments. Most notably, she has consistently used her unique talents to plan, 

instruct, and assess students effectively. 

For seven years, Janice contributed to a 21st Century Learning Program with the Virginia

 Department of Education, which centered on core subjects like reading and math while also 

providing enrichment opportunities such as STEM activities. She played a key role in designing engaging lessons and implementing diverse strategies to enhance academic success. 

Janice is committed to assisting students in recognizing their strengths, fostering self-

confidence, and nurturing a lasting enthusiasm for learning. Her aim extends beyond improving subject performance; she strives to equip students with the tools and strategies necessary for long-term success. 

Janice Phillips holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Collegiate Professional License 

from the Virginia Department of Education, obtained at Old Dominion University. 

Ms. Jordynn Toliver

2+ years experience in education, Master's in bioengineering, Bachelor's in mechanical engineering, Tutoring intervention/Substitute teacher- ELA/Mathematics 

Jordynn brings a strong academic background, extensive educational experience, and a genuine commitment to student success to her role as a tutor at Solidify Learning. She has worked as an elementary school math and reading/comprehension tutor within

Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, where she supported students with a wide range of learning needs and helped students build strong foundational skills. Her experience as a substitute teacher across multiple grade levels provided her with valuable insight into classroom expectations and allowed her to effectively adapt to meet individual student needs.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s in Bioengineering, which support her structured, analytical approach to teaching… especially in mathematics. Jordynn specializes in helping students strengthen their mathematical understanding by breaking down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps while reinforcing problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills. She places emphasis on building student confidence alongside academic growth because she too knew the feeling of being called on to answer and not knowing how to go about solving the problem or being too worried to answer a question. She believes confidence plays such a key role in long-term success.

In addition to her academic and tutoring experience, Jordynn has held a variety of leadership roles, including serving as a resident assistant for much of her college career. Through these roles, she developed strong communication skills, as well as the ability to build positive and supportive relationships. Jordynn is dedicated to creating a patient, encouraging and structured learning environment where students can feel supported, motivated, and empowered to be their very best.

Ms. Samantha Schnabel 

2+ years of experience in education, ABA senior behavior technician 

Samantha brings 2+ years of experience in applied behavior analysis (ABA) to SOLidify Learning. While there, she worked with students in home, daycare, and clinic settings, focusing on building basic language and writing skills, fine motor skills, and improving self-confidence. Working with a wide variety of children on the autism spectrum, Samantha brings patience, understanding, support, and flexibility. Her experience will help every student gain increased independence and confidence. 

Her experience working in ABA has given her the skills to meet each student where they’re at and to assess which methods work best for their development. Sam is an excellent data collector and is excellent at tracking trends to support effective intervention.

In addition to this role, Samantha has several years of leadership experience, including serving as a senior behavior technician in the ABA field. Through these experiences, she has developed strong communication and problem-solving skills while training new employees and helping them adjust to their new roles. 

Samantha has a BS in Community Health with a minor in Nutrition from George Mason University. She has always been passionate about helping those in her community. 

Mr. Wesley Dietz 

Administrative 

Wesley Dietz brings 10+ years of support in administrative work. He currently works as a sales representative for Above AVL, selling lighting and sound boards for productions and holiday lights. You may see him around SOLidify supporting the team and parents in their technical or payment needs.

He is the loving husband of Morgan Dietz, and currently volunteers his time to support the dream!