Location: Terrell, Texas
Education: BS Education, UT Tyler; M.Ed. Educational Diagnostician, Lamar University; CALT, Scottish Rite Hospital
Years Experience Teaching: 15
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 10
Teaching Experience
CALT/Dyslexia Therapist
District Dyslexia Evaluator
Inclusion Teacher High School English
2nd, 3rd, 4th Grade Teacher
Professional Affiliations
ALTA – Academic Language Therapy Association
Programs Trained In
Take Flight – A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia
Reading by Design – An Individualized Reading Intervention
MTA – Multisensory Teaching Approach
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
I have worked with students in kindergarten through high school and am comfortable with all age groups.
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
I began my dyslexia journey at the teacher level with training in the MTA program and saw what a huge difference the program made with struggling readers in middle school. So when I was given the chance to get my therapist level training directly from Scottish Rite Hospital, I jumped at the opportunity.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
My favorite moments are when my students excitedly tell me about friends or family members noticing how much their reading has improved. My students can tell that reading is getting easier for them, but having others validate their achievement is always a huge confidence boost and motivation to keep working at getting better.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
The ultimate goal of reading is comprehending what you read. A huge part of reaching that goal is helping students with dyslexia understand there are ways to make reading easier with consistency and hard work. Therefore, a core part of my goal when working with any dyslexic student is building up their confidence in themselves and in their ability to do hard things. I want them to know that their reading struggles do not define who they are.
Your teaching style, personality?
I use a discovery-based approach to learning. I ask guiding questions to help lead students to discover why certain methods help us read more easily and effectively. I show students how making mistakes helps us grow and deepens our understanding of our learning. I keep a positive and upbeat atmosphere with lots of encouragement while teaching.
Any family details?
I have been married for 24 years to my college sweetheart and we are blessed to have three beautiful daughters and two precious granddaughters.
