Summer Dyslexia Institute
ALTA CREDIT APPROVED EVENT
- In Region 10: $150
- Out of Region: $200
All registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE after July 12, 2024
All correspondence regarding the Summer Dyslexia Institute will be sent to the email address you have listed on your Region 10 account. To update your email click here.
For questions, please email dyslexia.services@region10.org
Know Before You Go!
Check out the Know Before You Go HERE to plan out your time at the Summer Dyslexia Institute-2024.
Summer Dyslexia Institute Program
COMING SOON
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Terrie Noland
For 25 years, Dr. Terrie Noland has put her energy into education and literacy; first as a teacher and administrator, and now as V.P. of Educator Initiatives for Learning Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to "Literacy for All." Terrie's mission is to spark a flame of enthusiasm in others for continued personal and professional growth and development.
In her daily work, Terrie mentors K-12 educators about the latest research around the science of reading and effective tools and resources that support reading skill practice and language development for underserved student populations. In addition, she hosts a podcast, Learning Ally Literacy Leadership, striving to unify stakeholders in schools and districts (administrators, teachers, specialists and parents,) to build a community of literacy champions and make transformative changes to smash the literacy divide.
Recognized as a thought-leader, Terrie speaks about literacy at national education conferences and webinars that draw thousands of educators to hear captivating stories, take-away strategies, research, and best practices, which she always delivers with humor, and inspiration.
She is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and stays grounded in a Structured Literacy approach by tutoring students weekly. Terrie has a Ph.D. in Literacy and Educational Leadership from St. John's University. She is a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach, trainer, and member of the President's Advisory Council. She also hosts the Spotlight on Dyslexia and Spotlight on Early Literacy series by Learning Ally and builds communities of educators to advance best practices in classrooms. Terrie's passion runs deep for children not proficient in reading. She is truly an advocate for them and the educators who serve them.
Dee Dee Wills
Deedee is an experienced teacher, literacy coach, educational consultant, and international presenter with a deep background in early childhood education with over 20 years of classroom experience. Her sessions are a great way to tap into her creative, fresh ideas for creating a classroom where every student has fun and succeeds.
Breakout Speakers
Amy Cushner, M.Ed., MACTE, CALT-QI, LDT
Amy Cushner is Head of the Upper Elementary (3rd -5th grades) and Associate Head of School at The Shelton School and Evaluation Center in Dallas, TX. She is certified in Sequential English Education and the Association Method programs for the remediation of written language disorders, as well as advanced levels of Montessori Applied to Children at Risk. Amy holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Montessori-credentialed (E1) MACTE, is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist(Texas), Certified Academic Language Therapist, QI, and, most important Amy has worked at the Shelton School for 30 years.
Casey Harrison, LDT, CSDLS, CALT
Casey Harrison, LDT, CSLDS, CALT, is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist with over twenty-seven years in education, specializing in literacy and dyslexia. She has a private practice, Wimberley Dyslexia & Learning Center, and is the founder of The Dyslexia Classroom®. Casey works with students, parents, and educators by providing dyslexia therapy, consultations, resources, and training. In addition to her private practice, she has a podcast, Together in Literacy, focusing on dyslexia, literacy instruction, and the whole child. She is also a national presenter, former LETRS National facilitator, director of the CALT training cohort program at her center, and author of Beyond the Diagnosis (release 2025). Casey's dedication to advocating for dyslexic learners and highlighting the connection between academics and social-emotional well-being concerning students with learning differences is evident in her work.
Carolee Dean, MS, SLP, CALT
Carolee Dean, M.S., CCC-SLP, CALT is a board-certified speech-language pathologist, a dyslexia interventionist, and a member of ALTA. She is a former president of the Southwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, the current representative for the Western Region of IDA, and a frequent speaker at educational conferences. Dean is also an adjunct instructor in the graduate school of education at Providence College and the author of Story Frames for Teaching Literacy: Enhancing Student Learning Through the Power of Storytelling (Brookes Publishing, 2021). Dean has spent over 20 years working in the public schools with students from K-12 and is now in private practice. She is the founder of Word Travel Press LLC where she creates decodable books for struggling readers. She is also the author of award-winning young adult fiction and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Christina Tipton
Christina Tipton is the Head of School at Fusion Academy in Dallas, a revolutionary accredited private school for grades 6-12 that offers a fully individualized classroom: one student, one teacher. The Fusion model offers an environment that is socially inclusive and maximizes a student’s academic potential all while experiencing the social and peer collaboration benefits. Christina was taught meditation in grade school and as a young adult began practicing, studying and teaching Yoga. In 2012, she created her own company, Imagine Yoga and specialized in teaching one-to-one yoga and facilitating workshops for children and adults. She has been teaching and coaching for over 25 years.
Krystie Griffin, LSSP
Krystie Griffin is a Coordinator of Special Services overseeing Dyslexia, Section 504, and MTSS for Lake Travis ISD. While completing her Masters' degree in School Psychology at the University of Houston, Clear Lake, she completed reading evaluations for a private pediatric neurologist, learning about reading assessments and interventions along the way. After graduating, Krystie served as a middle school LSSP for 13 years. When her daughter was classified as a student with dyslexia in the second grade, she threw herself into learning everything she could about dyslexia. Working for Lake Travis ISD, Krystie has guided a fast growth district's dyslexia, 504, and MTSS programs, implementing consistent evaluation processes and helped design effective IEP goals and programming for students.
Dr. Dena Crook
Dena Crook is a senior lecturer and elementary undergraduate co-program coordinator at Texas State University in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her areas of expertise include reading and dyslexia. Dr. Crook has over 25 years of experience in the educational system. She has taught students with dyslexia in K-12 public schools, assessed students for dyslexia, and trained teachers in dyslexia research-based reading programs. Additionally, she serves as an educational advocate helping parents navigate the 504 and Special Education systems. Dr. Crook is a past president of the Austin Area International Dyslexia Association.
Faren DeRieux, M.Ed., CALT
Hello! My name is Faren DeRieux. I have a Master of Arts in Education, and I’m a Certified Academic Language Therapist (registered with ALTA). I spent seven years teaching first and second grade. I went on to become the ESL and Dyslexia District Coordinator for four years, and I provided dyslexia intervention for 5 years. I am currently working as a Professional Learning Facilitator for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). As a national trainer, I deliver presentations on research-based reading instruction to educators across the nation. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with you!
Dr. Mertie M. Gomez
Dr. Gomez is a retired Associate Professor and program coordinator for the M.Ed. in Special Education (Educational Diagnostician) at Sam Houston State University. Before becoming a faculty member, she worked for 31 years as a special education teacher, educational diagnostician, and Senior Manager of Evaluation. Dr. Gomez specializes in assessment best-practices, report writing, and dyslexia assessment/identification. She consults with districts throughout Texas on matters related to assessment and disability identification.
Hailey Hunt, M.Ed., CALP, C-SLDI
Hailey Hunt, M.Ed., CALP, C-SLDI, is the Vice President of Professional Development at Neuhaus Education Center. She earned a Master of Education degree from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and government from The University of Texas at Austin. Hailey worked in public schools in the Houston area for ten years as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and instructional specialist, and has widespread experience working with special populations such as English language learners and students with learning disabilities. Hailey is passionate about literacy and promoting teachers’ ability to use research-based instructional strategies effectively.
Shonda Guthrie, M.E.d, MRT, CALT, LDT, SLDS
Shonda taught first grade and kindergarten for a combination of 12 years while also pursuing a certification to work with students with learning differences. She received her Certified Academic Language Therapist certification in 2007 through her work at Neuhaus Education Center in Houston, TX. After that, she worked in private practice with students with dyslexia and other language disorders in both Texas and Alabama before reentering the school system as a consultant to teachers. Shonda uses her Master of Education in Reading and Writing from Southern Methodist University, Master Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist certifications, and her nationally recognized dyslexia therapist licenses to develop teachers in schools across the state of Texas. Teacher preparation has become of great professional interest to Shonda. Her goal is to provide onsite training to teachers in the field of reading that will lead to better performance of their students.
Shelley Ratcliff, MOT, OTR
Shelley Ratcliff has had quite an extensive and diverse career within the realm of occupational therapy, particularly in educational settings. With over 20 years of experience, her work spans across various age groups and grades, both in schools and in home health care for pediatric patients. Her current role as the Instructional and Assistive Technology Specialist for Region 10 Education Service Center underscores her expertise in leveraging technology to support students with diverse learning needs. She has served as an AT specialist in the school setting, supporting students with their technology needs within the classroom. Her role at Region 10 is to support educational staff throughout the assessment process, implementation and resources available.
Layne Pethick, Ph.D.
Layne Pethick is a Behavior and Autism Spectrum Disorders Master Consultant for Region 10 ESC. He has a PhD in Business and Organization Leadership (with an MBA) and has a Master’s degree in Special Education with specialization in Human Behavior, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Reading. Layne has experience as a general and special education teacher, school administrator, district trainer, program director, and in higher education as a professor of special education, assessment, early childhood and teacher education. He has been deeply involved in brain research for the past 20+ years with a focus on the following areas: behavior, learning, autism, trauma, mental health, screen time, and various disabilities. He has had several articles published and presents at local, state, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Lisa Hamilton, CALT-QI
My name is Lisa Hamilton and this is my 23rd year in education. After completing my Masters in Education and dyslexia therapist training at SMU in 2007, I have been working specifically with students with dyslexia. In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to train as a Qualified Instructor at Scottish Rite for Children. As a QI, I’ve had the opportunity to train teachers in Take Flight toward their credentialing as dyslexia therapists. I’ve learned that I love working with and coaching adults as much as I love teaching students. I decided to pursue my Educational Doctorate and wrote my dissertation about best practices in providing professional learning and coaching for dyslexia therapists.
Jason Stewart, M.Ed.
Jason is Director of Customer Success for ObjectiveEd. He is a former teacher, educational diagnostician, and district level administrator with over 20 years of educational experience. His passion for education is now focused on helping students achieve their best educational outcomes through educational technology. Jason has a Masters in Special Education from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Dr. Lori Gassert, NCED
Lorie Gassert is Assistant Superintendent of Accountability, Effectiveness, & Outcomesat Faith Family Academy. She has worked in the field of special education for the past 27 years. Lorie earned her doctoral degree in Special Education with emphasis on Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in 2005 from the University of North Texas. She is passionate about advocacy and creating meaningful partnerships between school districts and families. She has fourteen-year-old boy/girl twins who are here world. In her free time, she likes to get together with family and friends, scrapbook, and bake.
Vanessa Conatser M.Ed., MRT
Vanessa began her career as a secondary English language arts teacher while coaching various sports. However, earning an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction led to her educational passion for serving students and teachers in leadership and literacy. Pursuing a second M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading extended her passion for digital innovations in education. She is currently obtaining an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis on educational technology innovations. Vanessa is presently the Coordinator for Dyslexia Services for Plano ISD where she brings the worlds of language acquisition and dyslexia together. She is also a certified reading specialist and master reading teacher in Texas. Vanessa has presented at the Texas TESOL Regional Conference, TABE Regional Conference, CESD, TEDA, and Region 10 Coordinator’s Roundtable, Digital Coaching Conference, Summer Dyslexia Institute, and Multilingual Symposium.
Dr. Samantha Echebelem, LDT, CALT
Samantha Echebelem, PhD, is an accomplished educational leader with over 12 years of central administration experience, specializing in intervention services for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Currently serving as the Director of Intervention Services in Duncanville ISD, she oversees the MTSS and dyslexia departments. Additionally, Dr. Echebelem leads the team of district instructional support specialists. Through this role, she developed a districtwide coaching framework to enhance instructional practices and positively impact student learning outcomes. Beyond her district role, Dr. Echebelem works in private practice as a dyslexia therapist and diagnostician at ProLearning in Arlington, TX, extending her commitment to supporting students with learning differences. Holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership with a minor in Language and Literacy from the University of North Texas, she maintains teaching, principal, and diagnostician certifications.
Laurie Endsley, M.Ed., ALT
Laurie Endsley began her journey into the dyslexia and dysgraphia world when her daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia six years ago. Knowing that the best way to help her child would be to learn everything she could about dyslexia, Laurie jumped in with both feet learning as much as she could about dyslexia and related disorders. During her journey she became a dyslexia therapist working with Allen ISD and Gunter ISD, teaching students from 1 st to 8 th grade. When her youngest son was diagnosed with dysgraphia, she was just as driven to become knowledgeable about the diagnosis and related therapy. This led to creating a multi-sensory program he could work on at home to help with his motor control, phonemic awareness and penmanship. When you can’t find her teaching students with dyslexia or dysgraphia at Gunter Elementary, you will find her outside, enjoying her three children and trying to convince her husband that they need another houseplant.
Heather Fisher, M.Ed., LDT, CALT-QI
As special education and dyslexia coordinator for Lovejoy Independent School District, Heather has extensive background serving students in general education, special education, and dyslexia. She earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2019, and currently holds a state of Texas principal certification. After completing her Qualified Instructor Training through Scottish Rite for Children in 2020, Heather has provided Take Flight CALT training for therapists from Lovejoy ISD and surrounding districts, through LISD’s Dyslexia Therapist Training Center. Heather is a mission-driven educational leader, who frequently provides professional development and training as adjunct professor and literacy advisor.
Lisa Tyson, M.Ed.
My name is Lisa Tyson and I have worked in the DFW metroplex as a bilingual diagnostician for 25 years. I am both a part-time district employee in Prosper ISD as well as an independent contractor. Over the past several years the landscape of assessment has changed related to dyslexia. However, our responsibility to provide adequate support and accommodations to ensure our students are able to access the curriculum has not changed at all. As both an evaluator, and a mother of a dyslexic and dysgraphic child, I am committed assessment, identification, and accommodation plans that allow our unique learners to chase their dreams with confidence, as we launch them out of the school system into their post-secondary pursuits, whether or not those take place in a university classroom.
Karen Avrit, M.Ed., LDT, CALT-QI
Karen Avrit is the Director of Dyslexia Education at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. She is the lead author of Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia, Bridges: A Dyslexia Intervention, Build: A K-1 Early Reading Intervention, Turbo Start: A Dyslexia Curriculum for Newly Identified Students, and Jet: A Fast-Paced Reading Intervention. Karen has been with Scottish Rite Hospital for 28 years. Karen has served on many state committees, most recently the Texas Dyslexia Handbook committee and the ELAR Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill Expert Revision committee. Karen is a past president of the Academic Language Therapy Association and the current president of the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC).
Jenna MacDonald, M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Jenna Macdonald is a dedicated educator with 13 years of experience in the sector, including 5 years specializing in dyslexia therapy. As a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, Jenna combines her deep expertise with a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas to lead and innovate in her field. In her school district, Jenna holds a pivotal leadership role, driving initiatives that support tailored learning experiences for students with dyslexia. Additionally, she is the proud founder of The Literacy Light, a venture that offers private dyslexia therapy sessions. Through this business, Jenna provides individualized support, ensuring each student garners the skills and confidence needed to thrive academically.
Susan Cooper, M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Susan Cooper is a seasoned educator and certified academic language therapist and licensed dyslexia therapist (CALT, LDT) who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her field. Her academic pursuits led her to Ball State University, where she completed her undergraduate studies, before earning her Master's degree at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Susan's teaching career spans 27 years across three different states—Indiana, Ohio, and Texas—showcasing her adaptability and commitment to education. Specializing as a K-2 classroom teacher and reading interventionist, she has been instrumental in shaping young minds. Susan has also contributed to higher education as an adjunct professor at Indiana University Kokomo. Her dedication to students extended beyond the early elementary classroom, as she became a middle and high school dyslexia interventionist, as well as a dyslexia therapist and private tutor, demonstrating her passion for helping students overcome learning challenges.
Erica Amachigh, M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Erica Amachigh is a dedicated and experienced educator who has made significant strides in the field of dyslexia therapy. Erica possesses a solid educational foundation and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in learning. As a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, Erica has committed over a decade to teaching. Her passion for supporting students with dyslexia or those who struggle with reading led her to establish Good Ground Learning Services LLC, specializing in providing personalized, one-on-one reading intervention. Currently, Erica serves in a leadership capacity within a Texas school district as a District Dyslexia Specialist where she plays a pivotal part in enhancing the district's dyslexia program.
Librada Gil Durham, M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Librada Durham is a certified reading specialist with a master's in triple literacy from UTA, from which she graduated in December 2017. She also graduated from SMU as an academic language therapist. Work at Dallas Independent School District for 19 years as a bilingual teacher for 12 years and as a Lead Bilingual Dyslexia Interventionist for seven years using the Esperanza Spanish Intervention curriculum, Wilson Reading System, Alphabetic Phonics, and MTA. She was interested in Dyslexia in 2006 when the school looped her in as a bilingual teacher with kindergarten, First, and 2nd grades. Having the same 8 to 10 students for three years, she experienced that three students still could not read, so she did small groups all day and applied research-based bilingual teaching strategies since taking bilingual education courses at SMU. That was her aha moment when reading Thank You, Mr. Falker, to the students. She is very passionate about her job; her mission is to unlock the potential and mystery of reading for every student struggling to read, especially underserved kids and their families.
Becky Khoury-Mantecon
Becky Khoury-Mantecon is a Lead Bilingual Dyslexia Interventionist with the Dallas Independent School District. Her experience as an educator started out as a youth, tutoring fellow students around her while she was in high school. She started out as a first grade classroom teacher and stayed in that position for 5 years. She made the move to the dyslexia department with DISD and has been there for six years, teaching children how to read using systematic and explicit curriculum. She is trained in the Wilson Reading System, Alphabetic Phonics/MTA, and Esperanza Spanish Program. She is currently enrolled in the SMU reading practicioner program.
Julie Ross
Julie Ross is a certified Special Education teacher in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Disorders, and Educable Mental Handicaps. Julie has over 26 years of teaching experience with students at all education levels, K-12; in both private and public school settings; including 20 years with the Alton Community School District in Illinois where she worked extensively with struggling readers and students with disabilities. Julie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and her Masters of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Mia Carr, M.Ed., MRT, RS, LDT, CALT
Mia Carr has been a dyslexia therapist for the last 14 years with Grand Prairie ISD. Her work experience also includes classroom teacher, Literacy Coach, and Reading Support Teacher. Mia is a member with the Academic Language Therapy Association and International Reading Association. Mia is a LDT and CALT and currently a QI in training. Mia has been a curriculum and assessment writer as well as a presenter in addition to being featured in Teaching Comprehension by Cathy Collins Block by Allyn & Bacon, Table 4-8.
Lindsay Esparza, M.Ed., CALT
Lindsay Esparza has worked in education for 19 years; the last 6 of which as a Dyslexia Therapist. Currently serving as a Dyslexia Facilitator with a Special Education Certification for Grand Prairie ISD, Lindsay is a facilitator and mentor to Elementary and Secondary dyslexia teachers, and provide Dyslexia Therapy for students. Lindsay graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree and Walden University with a Masters of Science Degree in Education. Lindsay received her CALT Shelton School and is currently a QI in training, as well as completing my Diagnostician Practicum year.
Carla Moriel, M.Ed., SLDS, LDT, CALT-QI in training
Carla Moriel is a District Relations Executive and Subject Matter Expert on Dyslexia at Amplio. Carla has provided Dyslexia therapy to English and Spanish speaking students for the last 8 years. She received her CALT certification in 2018 from Southern Methodist University and is currently working on her QI certification which she will receive shortly. Carla is trained in multiple dyslexia curricula.
Valencia Ashley, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Valencia Ashley has been in education for over 25 years. She is a Texas-certified teacher, principal, and diagnostician, as well as a certified Non-Violent Crisis Intervention CPI Trainer. Additionally, she provides annual Charter School Application reviews and state-wide ARD facilitation services for the Texas Education Agency. Valencia has a Masters Degree (M.Ed) in Instructional Design, an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree in Special Education, and is a doctoral student specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis; pursuing BCBA certification. She is the Owner and Director of ElevatED Solutions, a consultancy company specializing in behavior interventions, training and professional development, and special education evaluations. Her company, ElevatED Solutions, is a CPE-approved provider by the Texas Education Agency. She is also the newly elected Board Member at Large for the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC).
Mahnaz Pater-Rov, M.Ed., Educational Diagnostician
Mahnaz Pater-Rov has been in education for over 25 years with 17 years of experience as an Educational Diagnostician. She has Leadership certification. She mentors diagnosticians and collaborated with leaders of dyslexia programs. She has an interest in following and disseminating research and public policy regarding learning disabilities. She's channeled this interest into hosting several interviews with various well-regarded researchers in the field on a platform called Clubhouse, and a related podcast. Over the last 3 years, she's gathered over 1500 followers on the Clubhouse app and several hundred others who listen to the podcast. The listeners generally consist of both diagnosticians and providers of dyslexia. Her dissemination work has been recognized by the Institute of Educational Sciences and the Texas Education Agency Special Education Department.
Jennifer Thomas, MS, CALT
Jenny is a veteran educator, with experience teaching elementary general education, working as a dyslexia specialist at the middle school level, and working as a literacy instructional coach. She has taught first grade through eighth grade students in five states across the country. She received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University where she majored in elementary education and a master’s degree in education as a Reading Specialist from California State University, East Bay. In addition, Jenny completed her Certified Academic Language Therapy program through The June Shelton Training Center in Dallas TX. Her life’s mission is to assist administrators, coaches, and teachers in the process of implementing quality explicit instructional practices that allow all learners to reach their potential. Jenny is currently the West Regional Consultant Manager for 95 Percent Group, LLC.
Jennifer Luftop, M.Ed., Educational Diagnostician, LDT, CALT
Jennifer Luftop is the Legislative Committee Chair for Texas ALTA. During this past legislative session, she worked with other stakeholders to help draft HB 3928. As the SBOE has begun to finalize the draft of the 2024 Dyslexia Handbook in light of recent legislation, she has provided both written public comment and oral testimony on areas specifically pertaining to Texas ALTA members. Over the last twenty-years, she has worked in various roles in Texas public education including Dyslexia Interventionist, Literacy Instructional Coach, and Dyslexia Coordinator. Her passion is to provide the best support for students with dyslexia and other reading struggles in our Texas Public Education System.
Laura Axtell, M.Ed., MCC
Laura Axtell has master’s degrees in special education and counseling and has worked in K-12 regular and alternative education in the U.S. and internationally, served as a community college and adult education instructor, hosted the educational podcast, Podclassed, and conducts training and workshops in diverse settings around the world. She is an Education Consultant with Reading Horizons where she specializes in literacy for older students and adults and helped to develop a free dyslexia screener.
Aimee Rodenroth, M.Ed., SLDS, CALT-QI, LDT
Aimee Rodenroth is a licensed CALT-QI and owner of Dyscoveread Dyslexia Services, LLC. Aimee graduated from the University of North Texas in 1991. She was trained in the MTA curriculum and instructed students identified with dyslexia. Aimee received her CALT from LEAD, pursued her Masters from the University of Texas/Arlington in Curriculum and Instruction, and received her QI from Southern Methodist University. Aimee retired from Texas public education in June 2021. She began work with Region 4 as part of the Texas Dyslexia Project as one of the dyslexia instructors training teachers. She was the Subject Matter Expert of Dyslexia for Amplio. Aimee has been trained in Alphabetic Phonics/Situation Learning, MTA, Take Flight, Build, Turbo, Multisensory Grammar, Scientific Spelling, and Reading By Design.
Ashley Mendoza, M.Ed., LDT, CALT
Ashley Mendoza is a Certified Academic Language Therapist for Waxahachie ISD. She holds a Masters in Special Education from Midwestern State University and is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist with the state of Texas. She is passionate about all things dyslexia. Her mission is to support parents, teachers, and children in their understanding of dyslexia and the reading process. Having the right tools and knowledge is power!
Harley Brooks, CALT
Harley Brooks is a dedicated educator with eight years of experience in the field of education. Harley currently serves as the Dyslexia Department Coordinator for Irving Independent School District (ISD). In this role, Harley ensures that students receive the specialized instruction necessary for their academic success. Having previously held positions as a Dyslexia Specialist and Dyslexia Interventionist, Harley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current role. As a Certified Academic Language Therapist, she possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of dyslexia and employs evidence-based strategies to address the unique needs of each student.
Octavia Gray-Essex, M.Ed.
Octavia Gray-Essex. joined Lexia Learning in June of 2023 with 17 years of Texas public school education experience where she served as a Kindergarten and 1st Grade teacher, Data Analyst/Testing Coordinator, Elementary Literacy Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal, and K-12 District Literacy Coordinator. In her role as Senior Education Advisor, she continues to employ her passion for ensuring effective and equitable instructional practices to improve outcomes for all students. Octavia is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University where she also serves as a K-State College of Education Graduate Teaching Fellow. She is a member of the Literacy Research Association (LRA), Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), International Literacy Association (ILA), and Texas Association of Literacy Educators (TALE).
Miriam Bennett, M.Ed., LDT, CALT
Miriam Bennett is a lover of literacy, and as an educator, has shared her passion for reading with students and adults for over 27 years. She has been an elementary school teacher, reading instructional coach, adult ESL literacy teacher, adjunct college instructor, and a dyslexia therapist in Duncanville ISD. Beyond the classroom, Miriam is a life-long learner. She continues to learn best practices in literacy instruction to engage readers of all ages.
Dr. Malvika Behl, LPS, School Counselor
Dr. Malvika Behl is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and Licensed School Counselor in Ohio. Dr. Behl is an Associate Professor at West Texas A&M University in Texas, US. She has been in the field of Counseling since 2013 and has experience working with adults and children. She has experience counseling children with learning disabilities and parents of children with disability through individual and group counseling sessions. She has worked with different international, state, and local organizations to bring about awareness regarding mental health of children with learning disabilities through research and presentations.
Dr, Betty Coneway
Dr. Betty Coneway currently serves as the Department Head for Education at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon, TX. Dr. Coneway is an associate professor of Reading and Early Childhood Education. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy and early childhood education. She is a former early childhood classroom teacher and district curriculum specialist with 20 years of experience in the field. Her research interests include early writing development, early childhood intervention, teacher education, and dyslexia diagnosis and intervention.
Juliette M. Betancourt, M.Ed., RS, MRT, B.S.
Juliette Betancourt, M.Ed, RS, MRT, is a seasoned educator with over 15 years of dedicated service in emergent bilingual instruction and dyslexia. Her academic background includes a Masters Degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with UTA, with a focus on triple literacy, complemented by a certificate in Educational Leadership. and a B.S. in Business Management. With extensive expertise in various bilingual education models, Juliette has established herself as a versatile educator. Throughout her career, Juliette has held diverse roles such as bilingual teacher, reading specialist, dyslexia specialist, campus administrator, and college instructor, where she taught literacy developmental courses. Currently serving as the Lead Dyslexia Specialist at HEB ISD, Juliette's commitment to effective literacy instruction led her to pursue additional training in methodologies such as MTA, Alpha Phonics, and Esperanza, as well as Intervenciones Tempranas de Lectura. Juliette completed the Dyslexia Expert certification from Diverlexia in Madrid, Spain. Currently, Juliette is pursuing a second Master's Degree in Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities at the Instituto de Estudios Aplicados in Spain, furthering her dedication to this field.
Roxana Stanley, M.Ed., Educational Diagnostician
Roxana is a Spanish native speaker and a Bilingual Educational Diagnostician based in Texas. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Texas and a Master's degree in Special Education from Midwestern State University. Currently serving as the Lead Bilingual Diagnostician at HEB ISD, Roxana's commitment and passion lies in ensuring accurate identification and assessment of emergent bilingual students. With over a decade of experience in educational evaluations, Roxana is deeply committed to mentoring and instructing others to excel as evaluators and case managers. Her approach emphasizes efficiency and resource-sharing to maximize outcomes in her field. Roxana is the content creator and owner of The Bilingual Diag and strives to use the platform to mentor, provide targeted professional development, and share resources with other professionals in the special education field.
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For questions, please email dyslexia.services@region10.org