MVISD Dyslexia Parent Newsletter
March 2021
Parent Education Program - TAC 74.28 (k)
We will utilize this recurring newsletter as an access point for our parent education program. Here we will share program information, updates, parent training opportunities, resources and helpful tips! All information shared will also be housed on our district dyslexia page linked below.
Virtual Dyslexia Parent Training
Save the Date!
4/20/21 from 9:00 AM -11:00 AM
Meet the MVISD Dyslexia Department
Loni Switzer, M.Ed., LDT, CALT, ED DIAG
I have been in education for 15 years. Over these years I have been a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, Dyslexia Therapist and District Dyslexia Specialist. I earned my Bachelor's Degree at Texas State University and my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Literacy from the University of Texas at Arlington which resulted in certifications as a Reading Specialist and a Legacy Master Reading Teacher. I earned my Dyslexia Therapist Licensure (LDT) and my Academic Language Therapist Certification (CALT) through training at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. After that I felt I wanted to obtain more knowledge regarding identification of dyslexia and related disabilities, so I earned my Educational Diagnostician Certification through Lamar University.
Dyslexia is a true passion of mine and I am very excited to be part of your child's journey!
Email: loni.switzer@mvisd.org
Dee Spannagel, M.Ed., MRT
I have been in education for 12 years. After teaching in the general education classroom for 8 years, I earned my Master's Degree in Literacy through University of Texas at Arlington and became a certified Reading Specialist and Master Reading Teacher. I am in my second year of Dyslexia Therapist training through Scottish Rite Hospital. I am excited to graduate from the program this spring at which time I will obtain my License as a Dyslexia Therapist (LDT) and my certification as an Academic Language Therapist (CALT).
I am happy to be working with the students, staff and parents at Castroville Elementary!
Email: dee.spannagel@mvisd.org
Location: Castroville Elementary
Brandi Dansby
I am the Dyslexia Specialist at LaCoste Elementary. I graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I have been a teacher for 15 years and I have always loved helping kids learn to read. I'm in my first year of Dyslexia Therapist training through Scottish Rite Hospital. I have also been trained in Reading by Design through Region 20.
I firmly believe that a strong foundation in phonological awareness is a key for success, so I'm very excited to be in this position. I love working with my students each day and seeing the growth they are quickly making.
Email: brandi.dansby@mvisd.org
Location: LaCosted Elementary
Christy Ramirez, M.Ed.
I have been teaching for 15 years in grades PreK-3rd and now as a Dyslexia Specialist. I have a Master's Degree in Education where I have earned a Reading Specialist, Legacy Master Reading Teacher and Principal certifications. I am in my first year of Dyslexia Therapist training through Scottish Rite Hospital where I will become licensed as a Dyslexia Therapist and certified as an Academic Language Therapist.
Email: christy.ramirez@mvisd.org
Location: Potranco Elementary
Jayna Kemnetz, M.Ed., LDT, CALT
I have been in education for 10 years with 6 of those years as a Dyslexia Therapist. I received my Bachelor's Degree through Texas A&M University and my Master's Degree of Education in Dyslexia through Midwestern State University. I earned my Dyslexia Therapist Licensure (LDT) and my Academic Language Therapist certification (CALT) through training at Scottish Rite Hospital.
I love my students and what I do. There is no greater feeling than seeing their amazing growth through this program!
Email: jayna.kemnetz@mvisd.org
Location: Luckey Ranch Elementary
Kristen Scheetz, B.S.
My name is Ms. Scheetz, and I currently serve as the Dyslexia Intervention Specialist at Medina Valley Middle School. I'm certified in and utilize the Reading by Design Program to help service my students. I have been employed with Medina Valley Independent School District for (4) years, and have been in education for (7) years. I also have experience as an English/Language Arts and Special Education Teacher. I have a love for reading and writing, in addition to helping my students grow in these areas!
Email: kristen.scheetz@mvisd.org
Location: Medina Valley Independent School District Middle School, Castroville, TX, USA
Tracie Garcia
I am currently a Dyslexia Specialist and Special Education Teacher at Loma Alta Middle School. I am a graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey. This is my 10th year with the district and 12th year as a teacher. I have served in many capacities over these years including 5th Grade Teacher; 6th Grade Math Teacher; Inclusion Teacher for 6th-8th grade (all content areas); Resource Math and Reading Teacher; Special Education Case Manager; ARD Facilitator/Coordinator; and Dyslexia Intervention Teacher. I have been trained in the Reading by Design dyslexia intervention program through Region 20. I have been providing dyslexia services at MVISD for the last 4 years.
Email: tracie.garcia@mvisd.org
Location: Loma Alta Middle School
Billie Jo Ricord
I have worked 19 years at Medina Valley High School. I graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2002 with a Master of Education In Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading. My certifications include Reading Specialist, Legacy Master Reading Teacher, Special Education, English as a Second Language, English Language Arts and Reading 8-12, Elementary English 1-8 and Elementary Self Contained 1-8. I am also trained in the following dyslexia programs: Reading By Design, Project Read and Read 180 (transitional dyslexia instruction). I love my students and look forward to coming to school each day. The best part of my job is seeing a students confidence and self esteem rise when they see that their hard work has paid off and they have acquired the skills necessary to be successful in any career that they choose. I feel extremely blessed to be part of our MV family.
Email: billie.ricord@mvisd.org
Location: Medina Valley High School