Location: San Antonio, Texas
Education: Bachelor of Education: ELAR 4th -8th; Master in Reading Instruction and Curriculum
Years Experience Teaching: 11
Years Experience In Dyslexia: 5
Teaching Experience
My journey in education began in the elementary classroom, where I taught 1st and 3rd grade for seven years. During that time, I developed a love for helping struggling readers build confidence and a strong literacy foundation. For the past four years, I’ve served as a Reading Specialist, and I currently work as a Dyslexia Therapist in a public school setting.
Professional Affiliations
ALTA- Academic Language Therapist Association
CALT- Certified Academic Language Therapist
LDT- Licensed Dyslexia Therapist
Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators
Programs Trained In
Take Flight
Build
Turbo
Age Range You Feel Most Comfortable With:
All ages
Why did you decide to become a CALT?
As a 1st grade teacher, I quickly realized the importance in explicit phonics instruction to help struggling readers. As a Reading Specialist, I had the opportunity to focus more on struggling readers, specifically those identified with dyslexia. I learned the importance of advocacy for this special population, and how important it is for them to have someone that is trained to provide the explicit instruction they need to excel. Realizing that becoming a CALT would provide the highest level of training in multisensory structured language intervention to specialize in working with students with dyslexia, I knew it was an opportunity I could not miss.
Favorite moment working with dyslexic students?
It is very difficult for me to find just one moment, as there have been so many! Ultimately, my favorite moments are when I see my students’ confidence grow as readers and learners. Beginning as shy students, reading quietly and very unsure, I love to see my students transform into students who read loudly with pride and confidence. Parents sending me pictures of their children reading for enjoyment always makes me so proud! The moment that my students realize that they CAN read is always my absolutely favorite moment!
Your goal when working with kids with dyslexia?
Of course my ultimate goal is always to grow my students into confident readers. However, one of the most important things that I try to instill in my students is the confidence to advocate for themselves and understand their disability. I want them to understand what it means to be dyslexic; how to overcome their difficulties but also how to tap into their strengths.
Your teaching style, personality?
While I firmly believe in the importance of maintaining a therapy setting for my students, I also take into account the personality of my students to encourage and motivate them. For each student, it is a fine balance of making the lessons engaging but also therapeutic.
Any family details?
I have a wonderful husband and 8 year old son who I love to share my teaching stories with. They too become invested in the success of my students and are definitely the background cheerleaders for them!
