Meet Your Tutor

More Than Scribbles LLC was created through the shared passion and expertise of two women dedicated to helping children succeed. Kassidy Lair, a pediatric Occupational Therapist, and her mother, Gretchen Newman, a retired elementary school teacher, combined their experience to create an educational resource that supports students, empowers teachers, and partners with families. Together, they are committed to making learning more accessible and equipping every child with the tools they need for lifelong learning.

Kassidy Lair is a licensed Occupational Therapist with more than 10 years of pediatric experience across a variety of settings. Her path to occupational therapy was shaped by the experiences of both of her parents. Watching her father navigate life with Multiple Sclerosis inspired a lifelong commitment to accessibility and helping individuals reach their fullest potential. Equally influential was her mother, whose career in education sparked Kassidy's passion for working in public schools and supporting students where they learn every day.

As a school-based Occupational Therapist, Kassidy has seen firsthand how explicit handwriting instruction can strengthen not only writing skills but also students' overall confidence and academic success. These experiences inspired her to create More Than Scribbles LLC to support teachers with practical classroom strategies while also providing individualized handwriting instruction for students who benefit from additional support beyond the classroom. Kassidy is passionate about partnering with teachers and families to help every child develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.

Gretchen Newman spent more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher, dedicating her career to helping young learners grow in confidence and ability. Throughout her years in the classroom, she also worked as a tutor, discovering how meaningful it was to support students in small groups and one-on-one. Those experiences inspired her passion for providing individualized instruction while partnering with teachers and families to help every child succeed.

Although Gretchen officially retired from teaching, her love for education brought her back to the classroom as a teacher's assistant, where she continued to support students and teachers. As a lifelong advocate for reading and literacy, Gretchen believes More Than Scribbles LLC provides meaningful opportunities to strengthen foundational skills that support reading, writing, and lifelong learning. She also enjoys sharing that passion with her eight grandchildren, encouraging a love of books and learning that spans generations.