The mission of Sunnyside Literacy Lab is to provide affordable, high-quality educational services directly to families and empower families to support their children outside of school.

Our guiding principles:

  • All kids can learn.

  • Reading is a pleasure.

  • Literacy is a civil right.

  • Literacy instruction must be evidence-based.

  • Closing the opportunity gap involves play.

  • Families should be empowered as children’s first teachers.

Anna Young, Founder + Lead Educator

Hi! I’m Anna. I started my career with Teach for America and have worked in education for eight years. I most recently served as the Academic Interventionist at a middle school in Long Island City, Queens. In my role, I worked with students reading 3-4 years below grade level to develop their literacy skills and academic self-confidence.

I currently supervise graduate students at CUNY Hunter College.

I earned a B.A. in Political Science from McGill University and an M.S. in Adolescent Special Education from CUNY Hunter College. I am certified in the Orton-Gillingham method, a structured literacy approach to reading instruction.

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, experiencing the diverse food cultures of Queens, and reading my preferred genre… detective novels.

Family

Testimonials

My son who was diagnosed with dysgraphia and ADHD, was reading 2 years below reading level and his writing was completely disorganized. After 3 months with Anna, every one of his middle school teachers reached out to me to praise his progress. She truly is a miracle worker!!

She cares and has a gift connecting with her students. She’s just the right blend of firm and nurturing. Her words are always encouraging and my son has gone from doubting himself to having the confidence to share his writing. Most importantly he’s proud of himself!