I’m a Speech Language Pathologist and Educational Specialist. Since 1999, I have been dedicated to helping children overcome communication and learning challenges.
I’ve been using Structured Word Inquiry to address my client’s literacy needs since 2018. I help make sense of our English orthography through meaning instead of memorization. Every word has a story, and it is these stories that anchor the meaning and spelling for a child as we dive into studying words and their families.
My journey in this field began in Baltimore, Maryland, where I grew up facing learning difficulties in reading, spelling, and math. However, I persevered, driven by a passion for teaching sign language during my high school and college years.I envisioned a career focused on play-based therapy, integrating my sign language skills to help children communicate effectively.
I graduated from Loyola College in Maryland with a Bachelor’s in Speech Language Pathology in 1997, followed by a Master’s from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee in 1999.
I live in Orcutt, California, CA with my husband, 4 homeschooled children, donkeys and poodles! As a family we spend our free time playing on the beach and camping.
From 1999 – 2006 I specialized in serving children with autism and apraxia of speech.
From 2007-2014 I continued my private practice and added additional support services to school districts by providing Individualized Education Evaluations and therapy. I also provided training to school district staff on speech, language, literacy and AAC.
In 2015, my journey took a personal turn when I discovered that my own four children were dyslexic. Determined to address their struggles, I delved into extensive coursework in literacy, math, and IEP advocacy, eventually homeschooling them to accommodate their unique learning needs.
Since 2017, I have specialized in serving children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Through Lights On Learning’s online membership, I aim to share my wealth of knowledge and experience with parents, teachers, therapists, and children, enabling them to access resources and support tailored to their needs.
My initial decade of practice centered on serving children with autism and apraxia, emphasizing the importance of communication.
Utilizing methodologies such as PROMPT and AAC, alongside Floortime and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I helped nonverbal individuals find their voice.
In subsequent years, I added literacy using Structured Word Inquiry, math using Making Math Real methodology and handwriting intervention to my private practice in addition to helping families advocate for their children’s educational needs.