Why I advocate

Why I Am an Advocate for Dyslexia

My advocacy for dyslexia is personal because it began at home—with three of my own children. Each of them, in their own way, showed me what dyslexia looks like behind closed doors: the quiet frustration, the courage it takes to try again, the exhaustion of working twice as hard for half the recognition, and the incredible creativity and resilience that shine through once they are understood.

Walking alongside Emily, Malachi, and Abigail changed the trajectory of my life. Their journeys opened my eyes to how easily bright, capable children can be overlooked simply because they learn differently. They taught me that dyslexia is not a limitation; it is a different kind of wiring—one that requires the right support, the right instruction, and the right people fighting in their corner.

I became an advocate because I had to fight for them: for accurate evaluations, for structured literacy, for teachers who understood, for therapy that actually works, and for environments where they could thrive instead of feeling defeated. Every barrier they faced became my motivation to make the path smoother for the next family.

As their mother, I’ve seen the emotional side of dyslexia—the tears over homework, the fear of being called on to read aloud, the feeling of being “behind” no matter how hard they work. But I’ve also seen the victory: the breakthroughs, the confidence returning, the moment a child finishes a book they never thought they could read. These moments cemented my commitment to this work.

My advocacy extends beyond my home. Working at the Dyslexia Center has allowed me to take what I learned raising three dyslexic children and help other families navigate the same challenges. Every child who walks through our doors reminds me of my own. Every parent who feels overwhelmed reminds me of where I once stood. And every success story reminds me why this mission matters.

I advocate because no child should feel broken simply because their brain learns differently. I advocate because no parent should have to fight alone. I advocate because too many families are still being told to “wait and see,” while valuable time slips away.

I advocate because Emily, Malachi, and Abigail deserve a world that understands and supports them—and so do all the other children who learn like they do.

This is not just work for me. This is a calling. A responsibility. And a promise I intend to keep.

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