Our Team
Cherry Frierson
Founder of The Apple Group Author of CONNECTIONS: OG in 3D
Cherry Frierson is an experienced educational professional with over 50 years of experience in teaching and dyslexia therapy. Since 1997, she has served as the Director of The APPLE Group for Dyslexia, Inc. in Jonesboro, AR, where she also instructs the Dyslexia Therapy Training Program. Frierson is an accomplished author, having created several educational resources including CONNECTIONS Science-Based Spelling and "Teach Me HOW to Spell" manuals. Her career began in 1967 when she founded the first desegregated kindergarten in Jonesboro, and she later established the Jonesboro Presbyterian Kindergarten Program in 1988. She has extensive certification in various Orton-Gillingham methodologies and holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Arkansas State University. Throughout her career, Frierson has been actively involved in educational consulting, private practice therapy, and professional development for Arkansas teachers. She is affiliated with multiple professional organizations and has received recognition for her work, including the Arkansas Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children 2013 Business Award. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply involved in community service, particularly through educational and religious organizations in Jonesboro.
Mary-Margaret Scholtens
Founder and Executive Director of The Apple Group Author of CONNECTIONS: OG in 3D
Mary-Margaret Scholtens is a distinguished expert in dyslexia education and intervention based in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with over 25 years of experience in the field. As the Founder and Executive Director of The APPLE Group, Inc. since 1997 and owner of CONNECTIONS: OG in 3D, LLC since 2013, she has made significant contributions to dyslexia education and policy. Scholtens holds an M.S.E. in Reading with Dyslexia Endorsement from the University of Central Arkansas and is a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. She developed the first pilot program for implementing Arkansas Dyslexia Law and created numerous educational programs and materials for dyslexia intervention. Her expertise has been recognized through various achievements, including being named the National Right to Read Foundation 2016 Teacher of the Year and qualifying as an expert in dyslexia in Arkansas Circuit Court. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Arkansas and a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, Scholtens has dedicated her career to developing effective teaching methods for students with dyslexia, training educators, and advancing dyslexia awareness and intervention at both state and national levels. She serves on multiple advisory boards and professional organizations, demonstrating her commitment to improving dyslexia education and support across the country.
