Location: Lonoke, Arkansas
Education: Bachelors in Education from Arkansas State University, Masters in Education with an emphasis in reading and dyslexia endorsement from Arkansas State University, Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership–Principalship
Years Experience Teaching: 9
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 4
Teaching Experience
Over the last 9 years, I have taught many students in a few districts in central Arkansas. For 5 years, I taught fourth and fifth grade literacy in the general education setting. During this time, I struggled with helping many of my students who were reading significantly below grade level. I wasn’t sure how to help them, as I was certified in the middle school ages and had no experience teaching children how to read. I asked to be trained in a phonics program that our younger grade levels were using, to deepen my knowledge and understanding of how to better teach my students. This ignited my passion and desire for continuous learning about reading and dyslexia. Later that year, I decided to begin my Masters in Education with an emphasis in reading and dyslexia. Additionally, I have a personal connection and desire to continue learning about dyslexia and advocating for those with literacy challenges. I currently serve as 1 of 2 CALTS within my district, serving students with dyslexia and literacy challenges daily.
Professional Affiliations
ALTA – Academic Language Therapy Association
CALT – Certified Academic Language Therapist
Programs Trained In
Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia
Build: A K-1 Early Reading Intervention
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
1st Grade and Up
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
Having worked with students with dyslexia for the past 4 years, 3 years ago, I set out to find more education for myself to better help my students. While I was building spelling skills, my students were still struggling with becoming more confident readers. My mom and sister had both been through Take Flight training and raved about how much more prepared they felt to serve their students. I wanted to find something that would build a better foundation for my students, while simultaneously building their self-esteem and confidence. In addition, my own personal children have shown characteristics of dyslexia. As an educator and a parent, I want to be the person that champions for students, when they don’t have the confidence or self-esteem to be their own champion. Becoming a CALT has been the most rewarding experience to date!
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
Last year, my favorite moment to date occurred when I was working with one of my severely dyslexic students. I was finishing up my Take Flight training and winding down at the end of the school year, when a teacher came running and screaming down the hallway in excitement. Little did I know she was coming to my classroom. One of my students–then a third grader, that I had been working with since the beginning of first grade opened up a chapter book and read every word to her without struggling to decode. She brought the student down to me, and I will never forget the immense amount of pride that I felt, nor the look of accomplishment and success on her face. For me, it will always be about those ‘light bulb’ moments–celebrating the milestones, no matter how big or small!
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
I love empowering students with knowledge and strategies to help them become better readers, and to better advocate for themselves. Working as a CALT, I strive to build a love for reading that will far outlast the classroom, by providing systematic, explicit, multisensory structured interventions.
Your teaching style, personality?
My teaching style is an equal mixture of fun, structure, and high expectation. Everyday, I strive to make a difference in a child’s life, by building relationships that will encourage them to strive for excellence. I enjoy finding common interests with children and their families. Finding their own strengths and abilities while working towards a goal together is incredibly empowering. Making learning fun and exciting, while engaging in learning together is so rewarding!
Any family details?
My husband and I have been married since 2018. Together, we have one son who is almost 6, and a daughter who just turned 2–both are red heads! Most of the time, we can be found playing outside or at the ball field! We have a Mini GoldenDoodle, Stetson, who just turned 3! We thoroughly enjoy each other’s company whether we are spending time together adventuring on vacation or relaxing with a family movie night!
