City/Town: Charlotte

When did you join the Decoding Dyslexia North Carolina (DDNC) Board? September 2021

Why did you decide to join the DDNC Board? I joined the DDNC Board because I wanted to help spread awareness about dyslexia and help people that are beginning their journey know that they are not alone. As the marketing director I know how important it is to spread the word that DDNC is here with open arms and ready to help you either start or continue your journey to an education your or your child deserves. 

Who inspired you to learn more about dyslexia? Myself, I have dyslexia and was fortunate to have a support system and family that already knew to look for the signs of dyslexia (because my dad is also dyslexic). After I graduated college I learned that not everyone’s journey to receive an education was as easy as mine. After learning of the hardships others have gone through even to be considered for testing and accommodations I knew I had to help advocate for those with disabilities, or as I like to call them diffabilities (different abilities). 

What is the best piece of advice you have received on your dyslexia journey? I learned that I have to be my biggest advocate and that I need to learn what works well for me. Learning study skills was also really important in my dyslexic journey to success.

What is one piece of advice you would like to give others? You might not be good at everything but you will find something that you are good at and better than anyone else at and you should play to your strength. It took me a long time to stop focusing on what I can’t do and begin to focus on what I can do well!

What are some of your favorite dyslexia resources? I’m not sure if they are specifically for dyslexia but a few apps that I use on the daily include Grammarly and Speechify! I wanted to include my favorite book that helped me with my dyslexic journey – “Thank you, Mr. Faulkner” by Patricia Polacco. I have 4 copies!