Location: Spring, Tx
Education: Bachelors in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University
Years Experience Teaching: 27
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 5
Teaching Experience
For 27 years, I have dedicated my career to helping students achieve academic success. I earned my teaching degree from Texas Tech University in 1998, and for much of my career, I served as an elementary school teacher, covering all subjects. Over time, I discovered my passion was teaching young children to read. In 2020, I transitioned into the role of District Reading Interventionist, where I specialized in working with students with dyslexia, helping them overcome challenges and achieve reading success. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in special education to enhance my ability to support all learners.
Professional Affiliations
Academic Language Therapy Association
Programs Trained In
Take Flight
Build
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
K-12th grade
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
After a few years of working with students with dyslexia, I had the opportunity to pursue my CALT certification through specialized training at the Dyslexia Center of Austin. This opportunity was exciting, as it allowed me to deepen my understanding of dyslexia and, more importantly, gave me the tools to better communicate with parents and help them understand the challenges their child is facing. Over the next two years, as I completed 200 hours of therapy-level training and 700 hours of supervised practicum with Take Flight, these extensive hours provided me with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge, enabling me to understand my students’ struggles and providing me with the tools I needed to help them.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
During my CALT training, I had the privilege of working daily with three groups of students using the Take Flight program. Since it was my first experience with Take Flight, I was learning right alongside my students each day. It was a journey of growth, for them and for me. One of the most meaningful moments came during their graduation celebration at the end of the program. Watching them sit confidently around the table, proud of their reading abilities, was truly gratifying, especially knowing how far they had come in just two short years. I’ll never forget when one little boy told me, “Mrs. Adams, before I came to see you for Take Flight, I just pretended to know how to read even though I was just guessing the words, but now if I see a hard word, I just break it apart, and I figure it out!” His words perfectly captured the transformation I witnessed in each student around the table. I’m incredibly proud of all they achieved, but I believe they may have taught me just as much as I taught them.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My goal in working with kids with dyslexia is to do everything I can to unlock the written language system for these students who have often struggled deeply with reading despite their best efforts. At the same time, I strive to build their self-esteem, helping them rediscover a sense of confidence and capability. I’m passionate about doing my part to mitigate the emotional toll that comes from sitting in classrooms, sometimes for years, watching their peers progress with reading as if it comes naturally, while they continue to feel stuck and defeated. I want these students to understand that their difficulties with reading have nothing to do with their intelligence or potential, but rather with the need to be taught in a way that works for their brains. Through systematic, structured literacy instruction, they begin to make meaningful connections and ultimately experience success with language. This approach isn’t just effective; it’s essential for learners with dyslexia. My goal is to help them recognize their strengths, feel empowered by their progress, and fully believe in their ability to succeed, both in the classroom and far beyond it.
Your teaching style, personality?
My teaching style is centered around building trust, scaffolding learning, and getting to know each student’s learning style to tailor my instruction to their unique needs. I approach each session with respect, creating a safe, supportive space where students feel comfortable taking risks and celebrating progress, no matter how small. I value hard work and consistently reinforce effort with specific, positive praise to help build confidence and motivation. I’m highly attuned to each student’s emotional and cognitive needs, recognizing when a student may need a moment to regroup. I incorporate quick, purposeful brain breaks when required to keep sessions balanced, focused, and engaging. Even in a one-on-one setting, I hold high standards for participation and growth. I tailor instruction to each student’s learning style, ensuring that lessons are both structured and responsive. My goal is to make every student feel capable, respected, and genuinely proud of their progress.
Any family details?
My son, Colton, graduated in May of 2025 and is now at Texas A&M University, majoring in Business. My daughter, Allie, is currently attending Baylor Law School, working on her dream of becoming a lawyer. I live at home in Spring, Texas, with my husband, Robert, and our four beloved dogs. Our twin English Cream Golden Retrievers are two years old and keep me super busy, alongside our sweet 12-year-old chocolate Labrador, Dutchess, and our delightfully grumpy Shih Tzu named Odie. Together, we share a lively and loving household and enjoy taking road trips around the United States in our motorhome. And yes! All four dogs tag along for the ride!
