Location: Waxahachie, TX
Education: Masters in Education
Years Experience Teaching: 38
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 22
Teaching Experience
I have taught all ages and grade levels between my classroom teaching experience and my dyslexia therapy classes. My favorite grade to teach was second grade!
Professional Affiliations
ALTA
TRTA
Programs Trained In
MTA
Take Flight
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
Elementary ages
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
I have always loved to read. It was my safe place as I was a very shy kid growing up. When I became a teacher and saw how so many children struggled with learning to read, I wanted to learn how to help them. I believe every child deserves the right to be taught in a way that enables them to learn how to read. In addition to this, my daughter was identified with dyslexia when she was in third grade and that made me want to learn all I could about dyslexia and strategies to help her reading.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
After working for a while with a bright 2nd grader in dyslexia therapy, one morning the light literally came on for him. As he was reading for me and we were talking about how to decode the words, he said, “Ohhhh, so that’s how reading works!” He took off as a reader after that and even stood in front of his church one Sunday and read the scripture for that day.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
My goal is to meet them where they are and go from there. I’m not going to rush them along in a program just to appear that we are making progress. I will take the time to make sure they are understanding and mastering before moving on.
Your teaching style, personality?
My teaching style is to first and foremost get to know the child. I like to find out what they’re interested in and what they like to do. I want to relate to them and I also want to encourage their outside activities . Sometimes, their sport they play or the dance class they go to, may be the only positive in their day. I want to encourage and help them see their self worth. I tend to be playful with them, but can be stern when needed.
Any family details?
I’m married and have 3 daughters. Two of my daughters are classroom teachers. My daughter with dyslexia is a 3 grade teacher now. I have one grandson. My family loves to travel the world together.
