FORGOTTEN CHILD
JAKE SUSSMAN
Jake is a mission-driven advocate. Having overcome early childhood isolation and abandonment from the failed school system, he now facilitates conversations across the U.S., from large gatherings to 1-on-1 mentorship to support the LD community.
We discuss behavioral issues, anxiety & stress dueto dyslexia, hidden signs of dyslexia, golden ticket to success: findingstrengths, empowering children, message of the forgotten child.
ACHIEVING YOUR ASPIRATIONS
IZER MARTINEZ
Izer is a dyslexic entrepreneur. He is a gates millennium scholarship recipient & was selected as a top 25 most impressive high school graduates in 2013 by Business Insider. His passion is to help other dyslexic students succeed in education by using techniques and skills he developed that incorporate the dyslexic strengths.
We discuss failure to Ivy League, entrepreneurship strengths, being a dyslexic teenager, adjusting to college, passionate advocate, proud and confident dyslexic.
'LEARN TO READ' IN COLLEGE
PATRICK MCKENNA
Patrick always struggled at school because of his dyslexia. He had a tough time reading, writing and spelling. His biggest outlet was sports. He went to Landmark College (Associates) & Notre Dame College (Bachelor’s in SPED). After college, he played two years of professional baseball. Now he is an Admissions Counselor & also Asst. Coach for Landmark College while earning his masters in Sports Management.
We discuss struggling in the classroom, finding an outlet, social challenges, finding the right match for college, Magic 7: what to look for in a college, ‘Learning to Read’ in college.
SELF-ADVOCACY
MEGAN & MATTHEW
Megan and Matthew are siblings & passionate dyslexia advocates. In an effort to help others, they speak to educators, parents & students about LD, self-advocacy and assistive technologies. They have presented at national ®ional conferences, colleges & universities, as well as to many school districts.
We discuss their dyslexia story, importance of empowerment & advocacy, how they self-advocate, they are not just another IEP, their Yes Ambassadors & mentorship.
JUST BE YOU
PARIS GRAMANN
Paris struggled with anxiety and depression as a teenager. As she learned more about mental health, she was not only able to go through her day-to-day activities but also truly pursue all of her big ideas and dreams. Building upon her experiences, she created a children’s book that is a platform for mental health and empowerment conversation.
We discuss struggling with anxiety & depression, understanding & owning mental health difficulties, signs of panic attacks ,Just Be Books: importance of teaching kids coping skills and strategies.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DYSLEXIA
RICHARD SELZNICK, PhD
DR. SELZNICK is a psychologist & a nationally certified school psychologist. He is the Dir. of the Cooper Learning Center, Cooper University Health System, Dept. of Pediatrics. Dr. Selznick is also an Asst. Clinical Prof. of Pediatrics. He is the author of four books about dyslexia.
We discuss what dyslexia is, diagnosis, read flags, myths, stages of reading, the Matthew's Effect, extrinsic and intrinsic factors, self-esteem, confidence & dyslexic strengths.
DYSGRAPHIA
CHERI DOTTERER
Cheri Dotterer has been an occupational therapist for over 25 years and she is a Dysgraphia Consultant. She is the author of: ‘Handwriting – Brain/Body Disconnect’.
We discuss what dysgraphia is, the signs of dysgraphia, different types of dysgraphia, interventions and accommodations that help students.
SUPERD!VILLE
PEGGY STERN
Peggy Stern is a producer and a director with over 30 years of experience. In 2006, she won the Academy Award for best animated short film. Peggy received her BA from Harvard and is currently is the Founder and CEO of SuperD!ville.
We discuss SuperD!ville and its mission, how it all started, its emotional curriculum (life skills and building on strengths), SuperD!ville’s upcoming launch and expansion plans.
KIDS READ 2 KIDS
ALANA, JACOB & CAROL
Alana, Jacob and Carol are the Founders of Kids Read 2 Kids, an online platform that provides classic novels in audio format. They received 2018 digital media of the year award, top educational website and they were the winner of 2018 Parents' Choice Award. They were also speakers at the 2018 International Dyslexia Association Annual Conference.
We discuss their story and mission, the importance of active listening, focusing on strengths, building love of learning step by step while making reading fun and exciting.
ORTON-GILLINGHAM
EMILY GIBBONS, M.ED, FOUNDER OF THE LITERACY NEST
Emily is an International Dyslexia Association certified dyslexia practitioner. She has trained in Orton- Gillingham (OG) approach through an international multi-sensory structured language education council, accredited program as well as project read. She was an inclusion classroom teacher for over 13 years before starting The Literacy Nest.
We discussed OG instructions, OG based programs, multisensory language training, classroom implementations, finding the right tutor and tips for success.
DYSLEXIA BASICS
DEBBIE ABRAHAM, DYSLEXIA SPECIALIST
Debbie is a dyslexia specialist and has been working in the dyslexia field for over 12 years. She works mainly with children from 5-16 years old, developing their reading, spelling and writing skills. She currently does consultation work with schools as well as work privately for parents.
We discussed what dyslexia is, signs of dyslexia, working memory, effects of dyslexia on writing, support for dyslexic children and helping students retain what they learn.
PARENTS ADVOCACY
JAMIE LYNCH & KATE MAYER, PARENT ADVOCATES
Jamie, a mom of a child with dyslexia, has background in English literature. When she found out hat often schools and teachers were not aware of what dyslexia is and how it can impact a child’s academic progress and emotional well-being, She started exploring professional resources regarding the science of reading and became active in parent advocacy to ensure all children become readers.
Kate, a mom of five - 2 of which are dyslexics and possibly a set of 2 yr-old twins will be diagnosed, has experience in Silicon Valley start-ups, technology companies and in public education. She also served on the founding board of an all girls public charter school for 7 years. Now she is on a mission to impact reading change within public schools.
We discuss assessments, interventions, monitoring and adjusting the progress, educating the educators and parents’ advocacy.
DYSLEXIE FONT
CHRISTIAN BOER
Christian is a graphic designer from the Netherlands and the creator of Dyslexie font.
We discuss Christian’s story, how the Dyslexie font came to life, what makes Dyslexie font unique, research behind the font and how he believes it improves the reading experience for dyslexics of all ages.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH DYSLEXIA
SUSAN BARTON
Susan Barton is an avid advocate for dyslexia awareness. She supports children with dyslexia and their families. She is the founder of Bright Solutions for dyslexia where they educate parents and teachers on what dyslexia is and how they can find the right type of support. In 2009, Susan was inducted into the IDA’s hall of honor for her work and dedication.
We discuss common misconceptions about dyslexia, signs of dyslexia, strengths of dyslexics, Orton Gillingham (OG) based instructions, and more.
SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW
ROBERT THURSTON
Robert is a solo attorney and has been practicing law for over 30 years. His practice focuses on special education law. Rob has been an adjunct professor at McHenry County College and Harper College. Rob has two teenage sons, both with special needs, and a rescue dog named Maisey Blue.
We discussed rights of children with learning differences and the legal process, idea law, federal vs state laws, advocates vs lawyers.
PARENTING DYSLEXIA
JOHN HICKS
John Hicks is a parenting and neuro-diversity coach. As a father of two neuro-diverse daughters, John knows how dyslexia and ADHD can affect a family. He supports parents and children from all around the world on topics of self-esteem, confidence and self-advocacy, as well as helping these children recognize and reach their own full potential.
We discuss the emotional side of dyslexia, wrong assumptions about dyslexic, common challenges for parents with children with dyslexia and advice for parenting raising dyslexic children.
EVALUATIONS
MARIA TOGLIA
Maria Toglia worked for years as an outpatient therapist with children, adolescents and families. For the past ten years, she has been a school psychologist working with students in early intervention through grade 12. As a parent of a child with learning difference & ADHD, Maria not only has professional experience working on behalf of students and their families, but she also brings the perspective of a parent.
We discussed what is an educational evaluation, what is being assessed, what are we looking for in an assessment, Specific Learning Disability (SLD) and dyslexia, interventions.
DYSLEXIA IS MY SUPERPOWER
GIBBY BOOTH
Gibby Booth is a dyslexic entrepreneur, author, speaker, writing teacher and avid dyslexic advocate. She is the creator and host of Dyslexia is My Super Power podcast.
We discuss Gibby’s personal story: How she went from hating dyslexia to accepting it, then to loving it, calling it her superpower.
BUILDING READING-CONFIDENCE
CIGDEM KNEBEL, FOUNDER OF SIMPLE WORDS BOOKS
When Cigdem struggled to find decodable "big-kid" chapter books a dyslexic child could painlessly read, she began to write one herself for her son. Her mission is to improve fluency, comprehension, and most importantly, reading-confidence of dyslexic children. She believes that all children love to read. This is no different for children with dyslexia; they just need to find that right book for them. And Simple Words Books aspire to be those books.
Cigdem talked about dyslexia, how the dyslexic and a non-dyslexic brain reads, decoding, fluency and comprehension, building reading confidence & decodable chapter books.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
MARIA TOGLIA, CERTIFIED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
Maria has been a school psychologist working with students in early intervention through grade 12. As a parent of a child with a learning difference & ADHD, Maria not only has professional experience working on behalf of students and their families, but brings the perspective that comes with watching one’s own child struggle, advocating for him and supporting him through the educational process. Maria has a MS in Clinical Child Psychology and is a certified as a school psychologist.
Maria talked about dyslexia, signs of dyslexia, diagnosis/classification, benefits of early intervention, advocating for your child in the school system, dyslexia label, if and how to discuss dyslexia with your child, dyslexia: learning disability vs learning difference interventions: multisensory/OG based instructions, how to get continued support when the child begins doing well.
BUILD YOUR CHILD'S SELF ESTEEM
ELISHEVA SCHWARTZ, DYSLEXIA RESEARCHER & FOUNDER OF THE DYSLEXIA QUEST
Elisheva is a dyslexia researcher, mother, wife, intelligence re-definer and pod cast host. She’s on a mission to decode the dyslexic mind and empower parents of kids with dyslexia to fully understand the strengths and difficulties with concrete tools to support and unleash the potential of their children. Her academic background in cognitive science & education and her personal experiences with dyslexia allows Elisheva to bring a unique perspective.
Elisheva talked about building blocks of self-esteem & self efficacy, tools to support and grow self-esteem, how to connect vs control, self-compassion, growth mindset, mindfulness, Elisheva's personal journey with dyslexia and discussing dyslexia with the child.
NAVIGATING THROUGH SCHOOL SYSTEM
NANCY DUGGAN, CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIR OF DECODING DYSLEXIA MA
Nancy is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Decoding Dyslexia (DD) MA. She participates in DD activities nationally as part of the leadership network of DD. She has a Masters in counseling and is a licensed school counselor, trained reading specialist including the Orton-Gillingham method, and a professional member of the IDA. She is on the advisory group for the International Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction and represents DD in the Coalition for Reading Excellence. She has done professional development programs in both dyslexia or differentiated instruction in many states including MA, NJ, CT, FL, IL, UT and NM.
Nancy talked about IDEA Law, essential components of reading, explicit and systemic instruction, building foundational reading skills, decoding, fluency, comprehension, IEP meetings, figuring out if the teachers have the right training to meet your child's needs, what if your child's school does not recognize "dyslexia", asking for the right support, evidence-based methodology.,
HOW RETAINING PRIMITIVE REFLEXES AFFECT BRAIN FUNCTIONING
KATHY JOHNSON, MS ED & FOUNDER OF POTENTIAL OF PYRAMID
Kathy works with children to help overcome related to school struggles and improve brain functioning. She trains and works with professionals and parents with kids with learning disabilities using the pyramid of potential system.
Kathy talked about primitive reflexes (PR), effects of retained PR and how to integrate PR, Moro (startle or embrace) Reflex, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), Spinal Galant Reflex, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), Palmar (Grasp) Reflex.
HEALTHY LIVING
KATIE YEVMENOVA, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDUCATOR
Katie was born and raised in Ukraine where holistic and natural way of life is predominant. After moving to the U.S., she realized that healthy diet and natural living is a big contributor to raising healthy families. She has co-founded a learning community for Young Living essential oil members, where she educates families how to incorporate essential oils in daily lives.
We discuss Christian’s story, how the Katie talked about functional and emotional sides of the brain, effects of diet, sleep, mediation, exercise and essential oils.
