
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Education:
M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Years Experience Teaching: 23
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 6
Teaching Experience:
I have worked with students at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels throughout my career. As a dyslexia therapist, I focus on the whole learner by building strong literacy skills while also supporting confidence, independence, executive functioning, and self-advocacy. I am especially passionate about neurodivergence and continually learning more about the many ways students think, process, and experience learning.
Professional Affiliations:
Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA)
Programs Trained In:
Alphabetic Phonics
Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA)
Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
Third grade through college
Haylene Plotnik
M.Ed., LDT, CALT
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
A student I taught early in my career inspired my desire to better understand and support students who learn differently. That experience stayed with me and gave me the determination to keep learning so I could better serve students who needed a different path to success. Over time, that desire became something much deeper. Understanding dyslexia and neurodivergence has become part of my purpose as an educator. Becoming a CALT gave me the knowledge and tools to support students in meaningful ways while helping them build skills, confidence, independence, and the ability to advocate for themselves. This work is deeply meaningful to me and truly feels like where I am meant to be.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
My favorite moments are when something that once felt difficult suddenly clicks. Hearing, “Oh, that makes sense!” or “I did it!” makes my heart happy every single time. I love watching students recognize their own progress and realize that their hard work is paying off. Seeing the pride, relief, and confidence that comes with those breakthroughs is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My goal is for students to become confident, independent learners with a toolbox of strategies they understand and know how to use. I want them to recognize their strengths, understand how they learn best, and feel confident advocating for what they need. Most of all, I want students to leave our time together knowing themselves better, trusting in their abilities, and believing they are capable of continued growth.
Your teaching style, personality?
My teaching style is patient, peaceful, and encouraging. I want students to know that I am genuinely happy to see them and that our time together is a safe place to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and try again. I believe deeply in meeting students where they are and celebrating progress along the way. Sometimes the biggest growth begins with the smallest steps. I want every student to feel seen, understood, and supported, and to know that I will be right there encouraging them as their skills and confidence grow.
Any family details?
I am married to my college sweetheart, and we have two children. We also have a pug and two Chihuahuas who bring plenty of personality and laughter to our home. I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with my family, and learning new things. I especially love history and historical fiction. I am naturally curious and consider myself a lifelong learner, particularly when it comes to neurodivergence and understanding the many different ways people learn, think, and experience the world.