Location: Amarillo, Texas
Education: M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Years Experience Teaching: 28
Teaching Experience
In Canyon ISD, I was a classroom teacher in First and Second grades for 14 years, and Dyslexia Therapist and Reading Interventionist for 7 years . I was an Educational Specialist at Region 16 for 7 years. I have been involved in Private Dyslexia Therapist for 6 plus years and with Dyslexia on Demand for a a year and a half.
Professional Affiliations
ALTA
Programs Trained In
Alphabetic Phonics and Take Flight
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
K-6
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
I love to read! I feel like reading is the most important skill needed to be successful in school and life. Being able to read opens so many doors to opportunities and enjoyment. Because of my love for reading, I received a Masters in Curriculum and Reading Instruction. As a classroom teacher, I saw many students struggle with reading. I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could to become a better teacher and help those who struggled. This began my journey into more training. First, I received Classroom Phonics training (now known as Saxon Phonics) in order to better teach First grade. After teaching Classroom Phonics and then Saxon Phonics for several years, I wanted to learn more and this led me to Scottish Rite Learning Center in Lubbock, Texas for training in Alphabetic Phonics and then Take Flight.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
My favorite moment working with dyslexic students is seeing their confidence in themselves improve. When they become more confident readers, it is like seeing and listening to a person – it is such an awesome moment!
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My ultimate goal when working with kids with dyslexia is to instill a love for books and reading. If I’ve been able to accomplish that then I feel I’ve made a difference!
Your teaching style, personality?
I am very low key. I like to have fun but also get the work done. I like being able to get to know my students on a personal level.
Any family details?
I am a retired teacher and have been married for almost 40 years. I have two grown children and three beautiful grandchildren!
Any extra anecdotal info you want to add?
Just that if parents have the opportunity and the means to do so, please do not hesitate to get your child the help he/she so desperately needs. Reading is so important! We can’t afford to lose one child who just may be the next doctor or architect or engineer or artist or teacher or…
