Location: Plano, TX
Education: B.S., M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Years Experience Teaching: 13
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 10
Teaching Experience
Grades 5-6 Language Arts
Grades 5-8 Science
Grades 6-8 General Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1
Private tutor for all grade levels, including AP courses and SAT prep
As a special education teacher, I have primarily worked in private schools (both in NC and TX) designed to meet the needs of students with learning differences. I have experience designing and implementing curriculum for many different learning profiles including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, executive functioning challenges, and ASD. I believe every child deserves to be able to reach his or her full potential. Though the route to that destination might be non-traditional, it is possible!
Professional Affiliations
AOGPE
ALTA
Programs Trained In
Texas Scottish Rite Take Flight
Orton-Gillingham Associate-Level Training
Multisensory Math
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
Any age!
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
I’ve always enjoyed being diagnostic and prescriptive in my teaching practices. My CALT training allowed me to dive deeply into the world of dyslexia in order to understand its neurobiological etiology, manifestations in the classroom, and creative teaching methods in which to address is. Moreover, I was looking for a network of other passionate, knowledgeable dyslexia educators and becoming a part of the CALT community has allowed me to elevate my teaching practices and secure a network of colleagues to learn from in my professional journey.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
My favorite moment of working with a dyslexic student is when I can see an excitement for independent reading emerge after being reluctant to read for so long. I recently had a student show me her summer reads which consisted of four novels that were written for her age that she read completely independently. She articulated beautiful summaries of each novel and described her reading experience so enthusiastically. Just two years prior, at age 10, she could barely read basic sight words and was extremely hesitant to read anything aloud. To see a student’s confidence grow by leaps and bounds with the appropriate intervention is so fulfilling as endless doors have been opened for imagination and education.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My first goal is ALWAYS connection. Often students with dyslexia come with battle scars from the classroom and can be intimidated by even the smallest academic task. By building a relationship first, a student can begin to take risks and learn. Additionally, being able to affirm that being dyslexic holds special skill sets such as creative thinking is critical to helping a student unlock his or her potential. I always try to find passages or connections related to a student’s interest to make reading feel more enjoyable and personable.
Your teaching style, personality?
I am a work hard, play hard person in every sense of the phrase. I believe in putting forth 110% effort into every aspect of my planning and teaching because that’s the only way I will get 110% effort from my students in return. When you work hard, big gains will come and we celebrate those every step of the way. Learning to read, write, and spell can be hard….but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!
Any family details?
I am married with two kids: Elly (age 6) and Harrison (age 3). We love to play outdoors, go to the local libraries, and be silly together. I also have a young dog, Ash, who frequently likes to say hello to my students online and wants to either cuddle on my feet or play fetch beneath my desk.
