Meet The Minds
Behind LIL
Why We Started Language Inspired Learning
We’ve seen the moment when a student’s eyes light up because English finally makes sense. We’ve also seen how demystifying the writing system transforms not just literacy skills but confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
And we knew we couldn’t keep that magic to ourselves.
We created Language Inspired Learning to reach more kids by reaching more parents, teachers, and districts. Our mission is to expand teacher knowledge and elevate literacy instruction in ways that have lasting, measurable impact for students of all backgrounds and abilities.
For every educator who teaches literacy—general classroom teachers, dyslexia/SLD specialists, ELL instructors, gifted educators—LIL is a partner in student success. Our workshops and courses don’t replace your curriculum; they enhance it. We blend creativity with proven linguistic strategies to help you tailor reading and writing instruction to each child. Why? Because expert teachers create better readers and writers, improving literacy outcomes across schools.
Peg Hollenback
Peg Hollenback is a CALT-accredited, advanced Orton-Gillingham trained educator with nearly two decades of experience supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences. She began her journey into literacy education unexpectedly, prompted by the birth of her son and his unique learning needs.
Her curiosity quickly grew into a calling. Goaded by her students’ big questions and her own love of learning, Peg became a serial student of English, diving into classes, conferences, and any book about the writing system she could find.
Peg’s tutoring style empowers students to investigate and hypothesize, encouraging discovery through thoughtful exploration. She’s committed to uncovering the explanations, not the exceptions, of the English language. Her goal is to make literacy more accessible, meaningful, and even fun.
When she’s not geeking out about morphology or etymology, you’ll likely find her solving crossword puzzles, reading in her garden, planning her next adventure, or enjoying time with her dogs.
Kelly Young, M.A.
Kelly brings a deeply personal perspective to her work as an educator because she’s walked the path herself. As a dyslexic learner, Kelly has experienced the compensatory strategies, misunderstood moments, and powerful breakthroughs that shape so many neurodivergent journeys.
With a Master’s degree in Education and over a decade of experience in special education, Kelly has supported a wide range of learners in navigating the complexities of reading, writing, and language. Her training through the Children’s Dyslexia Center and hundreds of hours studying orthographic linguistics (including etymology, morphology, and orthography in both English and Spanish) have shaped her into a guide for students, and fellow educators, ready to dig deeper.
She loves listening to audiobooks, trail running, traveling, and discovering the best cortado in any town (bonus points if there’s biscotti involved).