Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Education: BS – University of Findlay; Teaching Cert. – iTeach TX; CALT trained – MCA MTT (McKinney Christian Academy Multisensory Teacher Training)
Years Experience Teaching: 7
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 3
Teaching Experience
I am a Certified Texas Teacher and CALT with 7 years of teaching experience. I taught 6th grade (Reading Language Arts and Math) in the mainstream classroom, and the past 3 years I’ve provided dyslexia therapy for students in 6th-9th grade. In the middle of last school year my family had a surprise need to relocate, but our wonderful small district allowed me to finish out the year remotely with my students. Now, I have the privilege of continuing to do what I love and provide therapy through Dyslexia on Demand.
Professional Affiliations
ALTA (Academic Language Therapy Association)
Programs Trained In
Take Flight (Scottish Rite)
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
4th grade – HS
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
Prior to becoming Take Flight trained, I taught 6th grade Reading Language Arts where I was constantly puzzled how to best help my struggling readers. A struggling slow reader myself in school, I related to my students and tried to find different ways to help them; but it just never seemed like enough. Not knowing much about dyslexia at the time, I asked every reading teacher where I could learn more about the science of reading. When the one dyslexia therapist position on our small junior high campus became available, I was eager to make a true difference in students’ lives and beyond grateful that the torch was passed on to me. When I began training to become a CALT at MCA MTT, it was the education about reading I had always been looking for. The more I learned about dyslexia and The Scottish Rite Take Flight program, the more passionate I became. Looking back I see how it is exactly what the Lord had planned for me all along. It is my privilege to provide therapy to students with dyslexia.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
A lot happens in a student’s life between 6th grade and high school, and being a witness to the transformation brings me true joy. Whether it be a major lightbulb moment, or the moment they realize I’m there to help and not judge or criticize, or when they take pride in having dyslexia and teach others about it, or when a student begs to continue reading a book, or the moment they decide to take ownership of their weaknesses, or at the end of the year when pride and confidence beam on their faces after seeing their growth data, I love being a part of it all. I’ve moved classrooms and now to another state, but there is always a space in my office for the trinkets and notes from my students.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
It is my goal to build an independent and confident person. To accomplish this, I give my students the tools they need to take ownership and pride in their dyslexia so they can have the freedom to be successful at anything they choose. The Take Flight program incorporates many different aspects to build student awareness, allowing them the knowledge to identify what tools to use or when to speak up and advocate for themselves.
Your teaching style, personality?
I want to enjoy my time with my students and for them to enjoy their time with me. I am laid back, sarcastic, and silly at times. I don’t mind being open and honest about my own faults or mistakes; I think it’s important for children to see that it’s normal – dyslexic or not. I adapt as needed for the greatest benefit and comfort of my students.
Any family details?
I am married to my wonderful supportive husband. We have a 12yro daughter who loves playing softball and baking, a 6yro son who loves being in Boy Scouts and training our dogs, and a 2yro daughter who currently climbs on everything and has no idea how little she is. We also have two dogs – a Dalmatian (my childhood dream) named Tech, and a French Bull Dog/Corgie named Taureaux (aka Torpedo because that’s what my son says he looks like when he runs). When I have the time I love training horses, doing crafts/decorating projects, playing the violin/viola, and going on adventures to new places with my family.
