Location: Rowlett, TX
Education: University of North Texas, Scottish Rite Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia
Years Experience Teaching: 30
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 10
Teaching Experience
I started my career teaching third grade for ten years. Then, I became the interventionist for my campus for ten years, and that led me to become a dyslexia therapist where I have spent the last ten years. All thirty years were in Garland ISD.
Professional Affiliations
ALTA
IDA
Programs Trained In
Take Flight
BUILD
Turbo Start
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
All ages
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
Throughout my career as an educator, I developed a strong desire to help students, especially those with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences, develop the literacy skills they need to succeed. To achieve this, I needed to deepen my knowledge of structured literacy, multisensory instruction, and diagnostic teaching practices, which led me to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT).
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
One of the most powerful and rewarding moments when teaching kids with dyslexia is the “lightbulb moment”—that instant when a student who has struggled for so long suddenly gets it. For example, imagine working with a student who has avoided reading out loud for months—head down, silent, defeated. After weeks of structured, multisensory instruction using an Orton-Gillingham-based approach, they decode a full sentence independently for the first time. They pause, look up, and smile—not a shy smile, but one that says “I did it.” That moment isn’t just about reading a sentence—it’s about confidence, dignity, and a shift in identity. They start to see themselves not as a “bad reader” but as someone who can learn, someone who is smart and capable. It’s electric. And it never gets old.
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
I believe reading and writing are foundational to success and want to empower students who struggle with these skills. My goal is to make a direct and meaningful impact on your student’s academic and emotional well-being, including their self-esteem and confidence.
Your teaching style, personality?
I would describe my personality as patient, empathetic, and easygoing. Students with dyslexia often need more time and repetition, so it is critical to remain calm, supportive, and consistent, even when progress is slow. I deeply understand the frustration and self-doubt that students with dyslexia can feel, so I am here to offer encouragement without being patronizing. I will keep searching for the right strategies, even when the first (or fifth) approach doesn’t work. I believe in my students’ potential, celebrate small wins, and balance high expectations with compassion.
Any family details?
I am married to my high school sweetheart and we will celebrate 32 years this summer. We have two amazing sons, one is an ER nurse and the other is in law school. And this year we were blessed with our first grandchild!
