Meet Wendy Callister Spencer

Founder & Literacy Educator
Reading Instruction Expert | Central Valley Native | Advocate for Educational Equity

A Multi-Generational Commitment to the Central Valley

Education runs deep in my family roots. My grandfather taught Agriculture at Livingston High School, and my grandmother taught elementary school in Madera. Today, my extended family continues to serve as teachers and counselors throughout Merced County.

I’m not an outside consultant. I’m a lifelong resident of Merced County who understands this community and the students we serve.

Our kids are more than statistics—they are future leaders, and they deserve dignity, opportunity, and a strong foundation in literacy.

Our Mission

We build confident, lifelong readers and close critical reading gaps through dynamic instruction using our 40-year proven SkyRocket Reading curriculum and integrated enrichment experiences for children at all stages of reading development. We empower schools, nonprofits, and families to unlock every child’s reading potential.

The SkyRocket Reading Story

SkyRocket Reading is a high-impact literacy program with a 40-year track record of success. Originally developed in the Bay Area, the curriculum has helped thousands of students become confident readers.

I trained directly with Lynne Hanson, the program’s founding author, in 2000 and acquired the company in 2023 to ensure this life-changing methodology continues to serve the students who need it most.

Lynne Hanson

Author & Creator

For over 40 years, Lynne has taught hundreds of children to read.

It all began when Lynne was a resource teacher and noticed how frustrated her 2nd – 6th grade students became while trying to learn to read using a confusing curriculum.
The reading rules always seemed to change… No wonder it was so difficult for them!
Additionally, these students were often considered ‘discipline problems’, simply because of their difficulty learning.

It just didn’t seem fair.

Lynne became determined to make the how-to-read process easier and faster for all students.

She studied and discovered unique patterns to English words that became the beginning of her unique reading curriculum. She developed a system that teaches beginners how to read in a clear, organized sequence of skills.

We are so grateful for Lynne’s vision, tenacity, and commitment to giving the gift of confidence to hundreds of children by developing and teaching this amazing curriculum!

Some children zing through the process and others take longer (students aren’t robots!), but all are successful! She has not yet found a child she could not successfully teach to read.
Thank you, Lynne!

Visit Lynne's Legacy and Tribute page

What Sets SkyRocket Reading Apart:

Designed for all grade levels
Strong results with students who have learning disabilities and students with ‘holes’ in their reading abilities
Systematic, multi-sensory, evidence-based instruction
Enrichment activities that reinforce targeted skills
Proven to work in both school-based and community settings

A Story That Stays With Me

A few months ago, a grandmother reached out to me, deeply worried about her two granddaughters, ages 9 and 14. Neither of them could consistently read even simple one-syllable words. They didn’t have fluency with consonant sounds, and reading had become a painful, frustrating experience.

After just three one-hour sessions, everything started to change. The girls were reading hundreds of words confidently, and they understood how they were doing it.

Later that summer, I asked the older sister how she felt about going back to school. She said, “I’m excited... because my friends aren’t going to make fun of me anymore for not being able to read.”

Her grandmother told me she’s a completely different person now—standing tall, wearing bright colors, and showing up with confidence. And her younger sister? She was just named Student of the Month in her special ed class and is now helping other kids learn to read.

That’s why I do this work. I believe every child deserves the chance to feel confident, capable, and proud of their reading journey.

My Background & Experience

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Former 2nd-grade classroom teacher
Over 20 years of instructional and leadership experience
Experience adapting instruction for neurodivergent learners, including my own child with autism
Known for a patient, responsive, and joyful approach to teaching

Local Results That Speak for Themselves

Supporting Special Education students in Merced City School District who entered the program as non-readers and are now thriving
Implemented literacy programming in three Boys & Girls Club sites across Merced County
Training daycare providers through a First 5 Innovation Grant to support early reading instruction
Partnering with Ci4Ci to expand community-based literacy support

Leadership & Program Management

Before founding SkyRocket Reading, I led Building Young Leaders, an enrichment and arts program that served hundreds of students annually. I managed all aspects of operations, from staffing and curriculum development to compliance with charter school vendor requirements.

I also served as Executive Director of the American Leadership Forum – Great Valley Chapter, where I worked alongside regional leaders to improve quality of leadership and life across the Central Valley.

Why I Do This Work

I believe that learning to read is a vital stepping stone to a successful life. Whether I’m training a room full of educators or working one-on-one with a 15-year-old discovering reading for the first time, my mission is the same: to provide the highest-quality literacy support to the children of the Central Valley who need it most.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're a parent or a school leader, I'd love to learn more about your child or students.
Families, click below to fill out an interest form for classes.
Educators, use the button to schedule a consult with me so we can talk about programming that fits your school’s needs.