Meet the Founders
Marianne Nice M.S. CCC-SLP
Marianne, the founder of Reality Ed, received her master's degree in speech-language pathology in 1998 from the University of New Hampshire. She began her career as a full-time SLP in elementary, middle and high schools before leaving in 2003 to pursue her life-long dream of starting a private practice. Marianne pursued her reading specialist credentials in 2008 and began consulting to schools on MTSS/RTI models. She is trained in over 11 different reading intervention programs and speaks both locally and nationally on best practices in literacy instruction, closing achievement gaps in reading and implementation of MTSS models. Presently, Marianne consults to over 12 schools. She provides case consultations, reading/dyslexia evaluations and leads schools in whole-school change movements to improve academic systems of support. Marianne lives at her home in New Hampshire with her husband of 19 years (Keith) and 2 teenage children.
Keith Nice
Keith received his master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1998. He received his reading certification in 2006 and has worked in pre-school and elementary settings for over 15 years. Keith works with students privately, specializing in the treatment of dyslexia. He is known for high-energy and ability to reach and motivate children with diverse emotional and educational needs. Keith is trained in over 7 nationally recognized reading programs and is a National Trainer for Reading with TLC. He provides professional development seminars and webinars with his wife of 19 years, Marianne. Keith is also a dedicated and recognized judo coach, with students competing at national and international levels. Keith served his country and received outstanding leadership training through his service at West Point Academy.
Marianne & Keith: A Dynamic Duo
I met my husband, Keith Nice, while working towards my master's degree in speech-language pathology at the University of New Hampshire. Keith was obtaining his master’s degree in special education. I remember thinking his last name was a bit strange, but certainly worked well for a career in education! We worked together on UNH’s LEND Project, a grant that provides supports for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Our first outing together was ironically a "class trip" to the NICU at Dartmouth Medical Center. Little did we know we would later share unforgettable experiences, as the parents of two NICU babies. We married in Boston in 2000 and honeymooned in Disney World - very predictable, if you know us!
We were ecstatic to be blessed with our first pregnancy in May of 2003. However, 7 months later on December 6th, 2003, I went into spontaneous labor. After an ambulance ride from NH to Massachusetts General Hospital, in the middle of a blizzard, I gave birth to our first child 10 weeks early - a tiny 3 pound boy we named Cameron. We were in the NICU for 6 weeks, over Christmas, and what a roller coast it was! I wish I could say that all of the challenges ended there, but Cam had many years of therapies (PT, OT, Speech/Language, & Vision), surgeries, and a long road to get to where he is now. In addition, he was diagnosed with a rare eye condition (a type of birth defect) called Marcus Gunn Syndrome. Keith and I were overwhelmed at times and I was especially nervous to have another child. My OBGYN told me the premature labor with Cameron was a fluke, and likely would never happen again. But the "fluke" theory didn’t hold up, as 3 years later we had our daughter, Natalie, 6 weeks premature on Christmas day.
Although these experiences were emotionally challenging and extremely stressful, they gave Keith and I perspective. We know what it is like to parents who are filled with worry and uncertainty; what its like to have to advocate for your child's needs. Ultimately, I believe these experiences instilled in us the passion to pursue bigger dreams of making a positive impact on the lives of children at risk for educational challenges. After growing up with a dyslexic parent, working with dozens of students, reading multiple grade levels behind, and watching my own children, as well as my nieces, struggle with learning to read, I decided that in addition to being an SLP, I needed to pursue my passion for literacy and become certified as a Reading Specialist. Keith followed suit, and ever since then, we have been dedicated to providing services to children, schools, and professional development to educators that is rooted in research and the realities of public education. Through it all, we have learned that it takes a well-coordinated effort by a dedicated team of educators, over many instructional years to close achievement gaps in literacy (and math).
Testimonials
National Experts
I have known Marianne Nice professionally for almost 25 years, and her dedication and commitment to her profession has been apparent in every one of her many accomplishments. Her passion for helping children build their literacy skills is obvious, and Marianne goes over and beyond the call of duty to close achievement gaps and ensure academic success. What I appreciate most, though, is the way that Marianne takes her vast knowledge in the fields of speech and reading and presents the information to colleagues and parents in a way that is clear and methodical with a style that is endearing and engaging. As a reading with TLC National Trainer, she is recognized as one of our most effective presenters. We are very thankful to be able to work with Marianne Nice– she is a gem!
Penny Castagnozzi
Co-director of Reading with TLC
Author of Sight Words You Can See
Teacher Testimonials
As a whole-school change facilitator, Marianne helped chart a new course for our school with regard to our literacy practices. She helped us integrate a variety of techniques and routines into our interventions that align with best practices in reading as well as helping us to become more proficient at and consistent with using progress-monitoring tools. Now we have a higher rate of release from out Tier reading support and fewer referrals to the special education process. School change is never easy, but with Marianne's professionalism, humor, and her deep well of resources, our school holds Marianne in very high esteem.
Jane Pollard, M. Ed.
Reading Specialist
No matter the question I have about Literacy, Marianne Nice has the answer most of the time. When she doesn't, she knows someone who does and gets back to me quickly.
Over the past 9 years of working with our reading consultant, Marianne Nice, our school has come from celebrating the few students who closed the gap to fretting over the few students who don't.
Joe Metz (Kindergarten Teacher)
Valuable asset to our District, whether for struggling readers or whole school improvement. Great leadership skills!
Kim White, M.Ed.
It is because of Marianne's contributions that I have gone from
being a mediocre reading teacher, to a skilled reading instructor
that can confidently increase the reading ability of all students
(especially struggling ones). Marianne's widespread knowledge
in reading instruction is a resource that anyone would be lucky to have.
Lena Houle
First Grade Teacher
Administrative Testimonials
".... Thanks to her expertise, our teachers are not only good at
diagnosing reading issues, but they also work together to provide
appropriate interventions tailored to each student’s needs. We have
successfully reduced the number of children identified for special
education in our school and increased our reading scores across all
grades. Marianne is a team-builder and trainer loved by our students
and staff."
Jude Chauvette
Curriculum Director
"Working with Marianne has transformed the way we talk about
students in our school. "
Chris Sousa
Principal
Parent Testimonial
Words cannot express enough how Marianne has been a positive influence in my daughter's life. First as a consultant to the speech pathologist that worked with my daughter at her elementary school and then as my daughter's outside speech pathologist, seeing her one on one. Marianne created a plan of instruction and assessments that effectively showed strategies to both my daughter and the staff at her school that were crucial for my daughter's needs toward becoming an independent learner in the classroom despite her language based disability. The strategies and practices that Marianne has put forth has enabled my daughter to be more confident in the classroom and overcome any obstacles that would impede her progress to accessing the curriculum. I would highly recommend Marianne to any institution as a consultant, advocate and as a model of best practices to use in the area of language based disabilities. I would also recommend Marianne to parents that are looking for an effective speech pathologist that uses both cutting edge techniques with previous learned ones that have withstood the test of time.
Christine, Parent, Newton NH