Our History

CR Success Learning was created
by educators for educators…
providing science-based, comprehensive,
engaging materials for phonic instruction
at every level.

During the 1990’s, teachers at Denver Academy in Denver Colorado developed the literacy program Foundations of Analysis, Synthesis, and Translation (FAST).  In 2005 Cheryl Campbell joined the staff at FAST Learning LLC, at the time co-owned by Denver Academy and Stephan Tattum (Administrator and Educator).

Cheryl Campbell’s 30 years of teaching children with learning and language challenges gave her unique, practical knowledge as she helped guide production for Kindergarten, Spelling, Readers, and other resources and materials for the company.  

In 2013, when administration changed at Denver Academy, Cheryl purchased all rights to the First Steps program and the right to continue to create new programs, based fully on the flagship program F.A.S.T.

Since the purchase, Cheryl has employed valuable team members, including Tricia Grey and Cathy Ayers, who have made their own amazing contributions to help grow the curriculum and company to what it is today. From Teacher Training Manuals, Pre-K-6th learning materials, Handwriting and  Intervention programs CRSL has integrated the myriad of processes of our incredible complex English Language into a system of learning that is clear, engaging and memorable for students at all levels.  

All programs adhere to the latest educational research and relies heavily on teacher input to provide instruction that works in the busy classroom.

CRSL has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Education in areas of phonics, word study and fluency.  It is being used in a variety of public and private schools, including the Topeka School District, Brighton School District, KIPP schools, as well as other schools in Michigan, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and private tutors in various areas.

Why choose CRSL?

  • Our systematic phonics instruction is immediately connected to authentic reading and writing.

  • Our instruction is active, multisensory, and mirrors the neurological processing of reading.

  • Our research-based programs empower teachers to grow ALL students into confident readers and writers.

  • We provide many opportunities for critical thinking, which are essential for students to develop 21st century skills.

  • Our decodable books are meaningful, engaging, and written at developmental reading levels.

  • Our programs are flexible in order to meet students at their point of need.

Watch Our Story

What People Are Saying

  • Arlene Vigil-Olech

    ADAMS 14 SCHOOL DISTRICT

    “The new edition to the First Steps program is user friendly and offers many multi-sensory opportunities for students to become proficient in learning the letter sounds, segmenting, blending, and sight words. Also, the First Steps assessments pre/mid/post, formative and summative provide detail information on each student and determine next steps. Within the program there are games to reinforce concepts and suggestions on how to differentiate the lessons to meet the needs of the students. I would highly recommend this program to general and special education teachers.”

  • Teresa

    PARENT FROM MICHIGAN

    “My 3rd grade daughter has dyslexia and at the beginning of the school year she was a full 2 grades behind in reading. She began CR Success Reading and in 8 short weeks she has already improved her reading level by 2.5 levels. We could not be happier with her progress; CR Success Reading has been life changing for her and the confidence in her reading now is incredible!”

  • Stephen Pino

    PRINCIPAL MISSION AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALBUQUERQUE, NM

    “The CR Success Learning Reading System has made a big difference in our school. My team uses it with students in grades 1-5 and in special education. It is a marvelous to see veteran teachers fired up with the CR Success Learning reading tools.”

Meet the Team

  • A smiling older woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a patterned sweater, sitting in a room with a wooden cabinet and decorative items.

    Cheryl Campbell

    Cheryl Campbell has a B.A. in English Literature from Lake Forest College, an M.A. in Learning Disabilities from University of Denver, and postgraduate work in Early Childhood Special Education and in Literacy. She has taught a variety of grades and positions, but her primary emphasis has been teaching K-3, both in general education and special education. She began working with adult education and designing curricula in 2006. She became the owner of CR Success Learning in 2013. Her most enjoyable time with CRSL, when she can’t be with students, is working with other educators to create exciting and engaging programs that are based on the scientific research in literacy.

    Contact Cheryl

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling outdoors near a tree and railing.

    Tricia Gray

    Tricia Gray holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from George Mason University, an M.E. in Curriculum & Instruction (Literacy) from Lesley University, and a Virginia Professional License. With over 20 years of experience teaching Kindergarten through fourth grade and Head Start in Virginia and South Carolina, Tricia enjoys collaborating with team members to bring innovative materials as teachers navigate the switch to the Science of Reading. She began working with Cheryl in 2011 to adapt the F.A.S.T. Reading system for younger children. Tricia, as co-author of the programs, continues to work with CRSL as a trainer and supports special projects and recently led the effort to animate the 25 Concepts that are the instructional core of CRSL.

  • A smiling woman with glasses and shoulder-length gray hair

    Cathy Ayers

    Shipping fulfillment is one of the CRSL specialties, and Cathy oversees all the inventory and shipping, getting your materials to you quickly and correctly. She has been working with Cheryl for over 15 years. You can be confident that our delivery is accurate and well-packaged. And the beautiful, professional contents of CRSL materials is due to Cathy’s experience and skill as a graphic designer. She oversees all document design with a skilled and creative eye.

    Contact Cathy

  • A woman with short brown hair smiling in an indoor setting, wearing a blue sweater over a collared shirt.

    Renee McKeone

    Renee McKeone holds a BS in Elementary Education and a ME in Curriculum and Instruction both from Eastern Michigan University. Her experience spans 37 years of teaching in public and private schools as well as in adminisb Curriculum Development. She enjoys working with teachers to help them implement the CRSL curriculum and concepts effectively. She firmly believes in the efficacy of the programs and loves sharing the program with other educators. Renee serves as a trainer primarily in Michigan and supports CRSL with special projects.

  • A woman with blonde, wavy hair sitting in a restaurant, resting her head on her hand, holding a magazine, wearing a black sleeveless top and a bracelet.

    Patti Wheat

    When CRSL needed a fresh, user-friendly website, they turned to Patti for her blend of design expertise and technical know-how. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Westminster College and an M.B.A. from Bowling Green State University. Part artist, part tech guru, Patti has been designing Squarespace websites for over a decade. Now, she’s bringing that experience into the digital products world, helping CRSL expand its online offerings with seamless access and usability.

    Contact Patti