MEET THE FOUNDERS
Hey, We're Amy & Sam!
We started Be the Light Academy because we saw firsthand how traditional education systems were failing to meet the needs of many students, especially those with language and learning differences.
We believed there had to be a better way — one that combined strong academics, Christ-centered formation, and personalized support for every kind of learner.
Ever since, we've been able to walk alongside families to create a new path — one where every child can grow, thrive, and build the skills and confidence they were designed for.
What Makes Us Unique?
Backgrounds in professional education and speech-language pathology with real-world classroom and intervention experience
Track record of helping students close learning gaps, regain confidence, and reach academic goals in flexible, personalized learning environments
Certified expertise in explicit instruction, Orton-Gillingham literacy methods, and specialized supp ort for students with dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and language-based learning differences
OUR STORY
Be the Light Academy didn't start as an academy.
It started with two advocates fighting for better solutions and refusing to accept that students with language and learning differences had to be left behind.
As non-attorney advocates, we (Sam and Amy) first partnered with families to help secure the right instructional supports inside the public school system. Time after time, we saw the same gaps. The right supports weren’t available, and the systems designed to serve struggling learners were often the least equipped to actually meet their needs.
We expanded our mission by consulting with private Christian schools and educators, leading professional development workshops to equip teachers and parents with better tools for instruction. We built tutoring programs focused on literacy. We delivered professional development centered around explicit instruction and language-based learning needs. We walked alongside families. And we listened carefully.
What we kept hearing and seeing was clear.
Families didn’t just need a little more support. They needed a completely different path.
Be the Light Academy was born out of that realization — a structured, Christ-centered academic program built on explicit, content-rich instruction, designed intentionally for students with language-based learning differences, disabilities, and diverse learning profiles, created to light the way toward deep knowledge, strong skills, and lasting confidence.
Today, Be the Light Academy is more than a tutoring program. It is a movement to reimagine what education can be when students are truly seen, supported, and equipped to succeed.
We are honored to walk alongside families who, like us, believe that every child deserves a path designed for their unique potential, not just a system to survive.
MISSION
At Be the Light Academy, we provide a Christ-centered education that empowers every student to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Through classical education principles and innovative teaching methods, we meet each child where they are, fostering foundational skills, critical thinking, and character development. Our mission is to nurture each child’s unique potential in an inclusive environment, equipping them with the confidence and resilience to succeed and make a meaningful impact on their community.
VISION
At Be the Light Academy, we provide a Christ-centered education that empowers every student to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Through classical education principles and innovative teaching methods, we meet each child where they are, fostering foundational skills, critical thinking, and character development. Our mission is to nurture each child’s unique potential in an inclusive environment, equipping them with the confidence and resilience to succeed and make a meaningful impact on their community.
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Amy Wall
Co-Founder
Amy Wall holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education, both from James Madison University. She also holds a Certificate in Special Education Law and Advocacy from William and Mary School of Law. Amy spent 7 years as an early childhood special education teacher before leaving the classroom to pursue advocacy. She trained in Orton-Gillingham to the Associate Level and works with children to provide literacy assessments and instruction.
Samantha Thomas
Co-Founder
Samantha Thomas is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from University of Redlands. Sam has strong background in language and learning disorders as well her experience working with children of all ages with language and literacy disabilities allows her to provide guidance on various aspects of educational needs. She is also trained in Orton-Gillingham to the Associate Level.
Behind Every Success is a Dedicated Team
