Location: Sugar Land, TX
Education: Bachelors Degree in Education, CALT
Years Experience Teaching: 11
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 3
Teaching Experience
I began my teaching career in North Alabama as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in a public school. I found my love for teaching reading in those years. I also worked in a private college preparatory school just outside of Atlanta, GA teaching early childhood, and then worked in the Dallas area for a public school system teaching kindergarten where I was trained and became a dyslexia therapist. I recently moved to Sugar Land, TX where I’ve decided to focus on private therapy. Working in three different states in public and private schools has given me tremendous insight into different cultures, school systems, and the need for dyslexia therapy.
Professional Affiliations
Member of ALTA, Academic Language Therapy Association as a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT)
Programs Trained In
Take Flight & Build
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
All ages! I started my career working with early childhood but really found a passion for older students when I started dyslexia therapy.
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
When I became a classroom teacher I quickly discovered that teaching reading was my favorite part of the day. I loved everything about it. When I became a mom and watched two of my children struggle to read and later get diagnosed with dyslexia my love for teaching reading and my compassion for those who struggled to learn to read due to dyslexia came together. I wanted to make a difference and open a door for all students to become readers.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
My favorite part of working with dyslexic students is watching their confidence grow as they reach their goals. When I first meet with a student I often find that their confidence has taken a hit. They may feel defeated or frustrated. They want to be a good reader but feel like it is impossible. I love cheering them on throughout our sessions and proving to them that they can do it, that they are gifted, and have much to offer. It’s the little grins, looks of pride, and the “I did it” moments that are my favorite.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My goals when working with students with dyslexia are building relationships, restoring confidence, and helping them reach their goals with reading. Building a positive relationship and helping restore confidence will help them feel safe to take risks and grow in our sessions and beyond. I want them to find a love for reading as we work to reach their goals.
Your teaching style, personality?
I’m generally known for being kind and cheerful. I have found that a balance of being firm yet gentle helps our sessions go smoothly. I also find that structure and routine are important for all students.
Any family details?
I have been married for 24 years to my husband who is a senior pastor at a church in our city. We spent 16 years doing youth ministry before he became a preacher. We have three children, one son and two daughters who are in high school and middle school. We have a golden retriever named Belle. We recently moved to Sugar Land, TX just outside of Houston and we are loving it so far. We love to travel and try to visit the beach as often as possible.
