I am a clinical social worker with an extensive history of working with children and families. I have always been drawn to advocating for those who do not have a voice. Whether I was working with foster children, children, and families in a hospital child development center or working with minority populations in a school setting, I wanted to help bring about change.

When my daughter began having problems in first grade, I was sure that I would know exactly how to get her help with my background in Social Work. I had worked with other children who had disabilities and delays, and I got them help, so this should be easy, right? Little did I know that Dyslexia would be a whole different world for me and that even with my education and background, it would still be the biggest struggle in being a mom. I wondered, “If this is hard for me, what must it be like for other parents?” I soon found out that they had similar or worse situations. I spent the next few years dedicating all my time to learning more. I took many training classes in Dyslexia and Special Education Law. I received a Special Education Advocacy certificate from William and Mary Law School, and I am a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPPA). I have continued to advocate in my local school district and act as the parent liaison for my daughter’s middle school dyslexia group. I volunteer much of my time with Decoding Dyslexia to help spread its mission of educating and advocating for dyslexia. I also speak to many parent groups on topics related to Dyslexia and Special Education.