Ascend SMARTER Intervention team.

At Ascend, we help students reach their potential.

And we know that it takes a village to make it happen, which is why we support students, families, and educators.

We believe that literacy creates a future of possibility…

…and we know that evidence-based instruction is the key to getting ALL students to their highest potential.

Our mission is to make evidence-based instruction accessible.

We provide educator training, curriculum, resources, family advocacy, and direct student services in order to get effective instruction and knowledge into the hands of everyone. Because nobody can do this alone. 

Meet our team

Corey Pollard is the executive director and founder of Ascend SMARTER Intervention.

COREY POLLARD

Executive Director & Founder

With a background in research and clinical psychology, Corey brings an analytical and data-driven approach to everything we do at Ascend, including curriculum development, educator training, and direct student support.

Mikayla Storey is an educational therapist at Ascend SMARTER Intervention.

MIKAYLA STOREY

Chief Experience Officer & Educational Therapist

With a background in special education, Mikayla knows exactly what it takes to meet both students and educators where they are. Mikayla supports outreach, educator development, and provides direct student support.

Matthew Pollard is an operating officer at Ascend SMARTER Intervention.

MATTHEW POLLARD

Chief Operating & Financial Officer

With a background in research and project management, Matt makes sure that all the projects at Ascend remain on track. He supports school contracts, content development, and scoring tool development to support our research program.

Laura Boak is an educational therapist at Ascend SMARTER Intervention.

LAURA BOAK

Content Manager & Educational Therapist

With a background in both general education and intervention, Laura manages curriculum development and content creation in addition to providing direct student intervention.

Lindsey Buck is an educational therapist at Ascend SMARTER Intervention.

LINDSEY BUCK

Curriculum Developer & Educational Therapist

With a background in general education and intervention, Lindsey supports curriculum development and provides educator training in addition to providing direct student intervention.

We are a team of educational therapists…

…with backgrounds in research, psychology, special education, and general education. We provide support for students with learning difficulties across multiple settings.

We know that all students have different needs and abilities.

In our Denver-based clinic, we've worked with and analyzed the growth trajectories of over 500 students of varying ages and abilities.

SMARTER Intervention team plans educational materials.

We understand that all schools and educators need flexibility!

We've worked with over 25,000 educators supporting over 250,000 students in all 50 states, in more than 25 countries, and across 6 continents.

Matt plans start your literacy practice training materials.

We stay on top of the latest topics and research to share with you!

We've presented at conferences and provided professional development throughout the United States.

How can we help?

It takes a village, so let's work together.

Learning evaluations, student support, training, and advocacy for families.

FAMILIES

Learning evaluations, student support, training, and advocacy

Resources, activities, curriculum and training for teachers.

EDUCATORS

Resources, activities,
curriculum, training, community & more

Implement research-based reading instruction in your school.

SCHOOLS

Implement research-based
instruction in your school

SMARTER Intervention team creates custom training for school.

Not sure where to begin?

Contact us and let’s get started!

Interested in Working at Ascend?

If you’re interested in learning more about career opportunities at Ascend, visit our careers page using the button below.

What people are saying…

  • Not only does she love reading again, she has the desire back to read on her own.

    “The program at Ascend has been so amazing for my daughter who is now in 5th grade. Not only does she love reading again, she has the desire back to read on her own. The skills she has gained has helped with her self-efficacy and self-esteem. The staff at Ascend are not only great at their jobs but they are also empathetic and caring. I'm super grateful to have this resource for my daughter who has dyslexia.”

    - Mindy R. (Parent)

  • It's kinda life changing.

    “I'm so excited to be using this program with students. It's kinda life changing.”

    - Cara Z. (Educator)

  • It has lit a fire in me again!

    “I can't say enough about this program. It has lit a fire in me again!’”

    - Laura S. (Educator)

  • This approach is exactly what we needed.

    “WOW! This is fantastic! Thank you so much this approach is exactly what we needed ☺️ You never disappoint! You excel at setting others up for success. :) Thank you!”

    - Emily K. (Educator)

  • I feel so inspired and less alone!

    “You guys make my job so much easier and less stressful! Thank you for everything yo do! I feel so inspired and less alone! I am so grateful for this community!”

    - Kelli W. (Educator)

  • Ascend has been one of the best things to happen to our son...

    “Ascend has been one of the best things to happen for our son since he was diagnosed with dyslexia. They have helped improve his reading, writing, and confidence.”

    - Joseph O. (Parent)