Location: Austin, Texas
Education: Masters in Education, Colorado College
Years Experience Teaching: 10
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 8
Teaching Experience
Special Education Teacher K-8 , 2015-2019
Reading Interventionist K-8, 2018-2019 (dual position)
Dyslexia Teacher, 2019-2022
MTSS Lead Elementary, 2018-2019
MTSS Lead Middle School, 2015-2018 & 2020-2022
Positive Behavior Intervention Systems Team Member 2015-2022
STEM Computer Science Club Leader (Girl & Guy Gamers)
Middle School Soccer Coach
Paraprofessional, Emotional Needs Room, 2014-2015,
Children’s Home Caretaker for children with Emotional Needs 2013-2014
Professional Affiliations
CERI IDA Dyslexia Specialist
CALT, ALTA
Decoding Dyslexia Volunteer
ALTA Board Member 2018-2020 for the Rocky Mountain Region
Programs Trained In
Take Flight
Neuhaus
Wilson
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
5-13
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
I was working as a special educator and I had many brilliant students who really struggled to learn to read and write. I became curious about why this was so challenging and wanted to find the most research-based methods to empower them to succeed. When I found my dyslexia and dysgraphia training program it was life-changing and it has been such a joy to be a part of so many students’ literacy journies.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
My favorite moments with students are watching them do something they have never done before or something they thought they couldn’t do. The look of self-pride and joy when a student reads a page for the first time on their own or breaks apart a multi-syllable word independently, THOSE moments are why I love working with my students!
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My goal for students is to give them the tools they need to succeed at whatever dream they have or may have someday. I want them to be able to come across any word and be able to spell and read it on their own. I also want them to fall in love with reading and writing. There is nothing better for the world than people who love to read!
Your teaching style, personality?
In my classroom, mistakes are OK! We foster a growth mindset where growth is the goal, not perfection. I believe in building positive relationships with each student. I can’t lead someone in learning who doesn’t feel safe and cared for. As of 2023, I will have worked with neurodiverse students for a decade. I love overcoming challenges together as a learning team. I ask a lot of my students and am a no-nonsense nurturer. I know the secret sauce for success is kids knowing that you care about them and you believe in them and THAT is why you are asking for hard work in class. “Why” is my favorite three-letter word. If I’m asking a student to do something, I want them to know why we are doing it and how it is going to empower them to be a great reader and writer. I have a background in emotional needs settings and have been to many trainings on classroom management (and have trained others). I use positive behavior management, and restorative justice ideals, and have been trained in Love & Logic as well as other methods.
Any family details?
I have a son named Theodore who is one year old, a dog named Morrie, and two cats. My husband and I met as teachers in 2015 and education is an important part of our lives.
Any extra anecdotal info you want to add?
I love board games, biking, hiking, swimming, and playing video games with friends.
