Location: Greenbrier, Arkansas
Education: Bachelors Degree in Communication Science and Disorders
Years Experience Teaching: 0
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 4
Teaching Experience
My first three years of teaching experience was part-time while finishing my bachelors degree in Communication and Science Disorders at the University of Central Arkansas. This background helps me have a broad knowledge on different disorders, which has helped me understand my students who struggle with more than just dyslexia.
Professional Affiliations
Bachelors Degree in Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) and a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT).
Programs Trained In
Take Flight
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
7-18, but happy to help any and all ages!
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
I am dyslexic and have struggled academically my entire life. The Take Flight training changed my world! I am blessed to have learned how to read, spell and comprehend. I was not diagnosed until middle school, but did not receive help within my public school until I was a senior. Thankfully, with a 504 plan I was able to receive accommodations in college. I became a CALT because I know how it feels to go all your childhood feeling different, behind, and less than. I want to teach students that no matter their age, they can learn too! A dyslexic brain is amazing in the way it operates, but we need specific instruction to help us learn.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
I had a 7 year old student that could not identify letters or sounds. Take Flight helped him so much. My favorite memory is from a conversation his mom told me. His grandma was spelling “ROOTBEER” out loud so that way he wouldn’t know she was going to take the kids for root beer floats. He yells out, “ROOTBEER” while his grandma and mom were speaking. They were so shocked and impressed that he went from a kid not even knowing his letters, to listening to the spelling of a word.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My goal is to teach my students that they are capable of anything they put their mind to!
Your teaching style, personality?
I am patient and understanding. I make sure I am gentle with my approach because I never want a student to feel “dumb”. That is something that would frustrate me, is a teacher saying “No, that’s wrong” or making me feel stupid. I like to say “let’s look at this again.”
Any family details?
I am a 24 year old and married to my high-school sweetheart. We have been together for 10 years, and married for 4. We do not have any children yet, but we have a wild, spoiled beagle. I grew up with both parents who have been married for 35 years. I have a older and younger brother. I was fortunate to have grown up in tight-knit home.
Any extra anecdotal info you want to add?
I love my job and look forward to educating students across the globe.
