Location: Colorado Springs
Education: BA in English Literature Westmont College, MAT-Dyslexia Specialist Colorado College
Years Experience Teaching: 16
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 3
Teaching Experience
My teaching journey has taken a less traditional path. Since 2009, I’ve been homeschooling my children, weaving together Charlotte Mason’s gentle philosophy with the rich content of Classical Education. With my younger ones still in elementary, I’m thankful to have many years of homeschooling ahead of me. One of the greatest gifts of this work has been learning to recognize and nurture the unique strengths of each child while cultivating curiosity. If you’re wondering how this approach has shaped my students? My oldest two sons recently graduated college with honors and are pursuing careers in philanthropy and filmmaking. Watching them thrive as adults has been such a joy.
Programs Trained In
Take Flight, Jet
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
As a therapist my experience is working with younger students. However, I have homeschooled every grade and love working with older students.
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
I began my journey to become a CALT shortly after my son was diagnosed with dyslexia. I immersed myself into research and decided I wanted him to experience the Take Flight program with a CALT. I have always loved learning and have taught in many different settings since I was a teenager. (My first job was a horseback riding instructor!) Becoming a CALT felt like natural extension of my strengths. After 14 years of educating my own children, I am excited to use my skills and experience to serve and support others.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
Hearing my son say, “Mama, I can read!” shortly after completing Take Flight Book 1. He completed the program last school year and his results have been life changing.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My goal is to help build confidence while teaching children the skills they need to read, advocate for themselves, find delight in the English language, and to foster curiosity. Curiosity is the wind in the sails on the sea of knowledge!
Your teaching style, personality?
I’m energetic, fun, and warm. I like to teach the Take Flight program with fidelity while meeting the individual needs of students. I encourage students to think about the material asking them to explain concepts in their own words so “the rules” are not just memorized but become useful lifelong tools. My son recently told me, “Take Flight is fun!” My hope is that all my students will find enjoy the process of learning to read.
Any family details?
Family is everything to me! My husband and I got married in 1999 and we are blessed to have four boys and a daughter-in-law ranging in age from 25 to 9. We spent 4 years living full-time in an RV road schooling and took our oldest two boys to every state. In 2015, we put down roots in Colorado. Community is a core value and we believe in investing in people. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring Colorado, cooking, or cuddling on the couch with my pets and a good book! Our family was featured in the documentary, Homeschool Awakening, if you want to learn more about us!
