SWIDA CONFERENCE SESSIONS & PRESENTERS
Keynote Speaker
Brad Tyra – Track Cyclist 2016 Olympics
Structured Literacy – Judy Carter & Mari Reyes
A look at the Orton-Gillingham instructional approach and its components; and the systematic classroom application to help students make gains in reading and writing.
504 Accommodations – Jennifer Haan
In this session, participants will discuss the critical components required for a 504 Plan. These components include: documenting specific needs, creating appropriate accommodations and determining criteria for evaluating success. In addition, participants will learn helpful strategies in order to hold a successful 504 Plan meeting that respects the needs of all stakeholders.
Understanding Diagnostic Report – Charlotte Peterson
This session will provide basic vocabulary and definitions of commonly used terms and abbreviations found in evaluation reports. Guidance in understanding different types of scores and their meanings will also be provided.
Dyslexia 101 – Erin Brown
This is an introductory session, which focuses on developing an understanding of dyslexia basics and is intended for newcomers to the field. Mini-simulation exercises will be used to explore the neurobiological definition of dyslexia, including common characteristics and misperceptions. Participants will also be introduced to useful accommodations and appropriate remediation supported by research.
Brad Tyra – Track Cyclist 2016 Olympics- Keynote Speaker
The International Dyslexia Association is currently sponsoring Brad, track cyclist, for the 2016 Olympics. He will be wearing the IDA logo during training and competition to increase awareness of dyslexia. Brad was diagnosed with dyslexia in the fourth grade and although he struggled through school, he is currently studying communications in a graduate program focusing on dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.
Brad served in both the Air Force and Army, but he was always behind the curve in officer training school because of his reading challenges. He left the service making a commitment to find a way to help others who faced similar learning challenges.
Brad has a degree in culinary arts and currently owns his own catering/private chef business. When he’s not training for the Olympics or managing his business, Brad performs on stage in musicals and other theater productions. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and four children who are the light of his life and inspiration.
Erin Brown
Erin Brown is a Certified Academic Language Therapist who works in private-practice in Albuquerque, NM. In addition to providing dyslexia therapy services, Erin also works as a clinical supervisor for the Multisensory Language Training of NM, where she provides practicum observation and guidance for dyslexia therapists in-training. Previously, Erin worked for Albuquerque Public Schools as an elementary teacher, Title 1 Reading Specialist and a support interventionist. A SWIDA board member since 2008, Erin currently serves as the Correspondence Secretary and Conference Co-Chair.
Jennifer Haan
Jennifer Haan is Coordinator for Elementary Instruction in the Las Cruces Public Schools. With 10 years of administrative experience, she served as the 504 Coordinator at the school site and district levels in New Mexico, California and Texas. Her expertise is in effective instruction for English Language Learners.
Charlotte Peterson
BiographyCharlotte Peterson is the Lead Diagnostician for Las Cruces Public Schools. Shebegan her career in education as an elementary school teacher in 1996. She taught in both English and Spanish bilingual classrooms before earning her Master’s degree in Educational Diagnostics and has worked as a Certified Bilingual Diagnostician since 2006.
Judy Carter
Judy Carter is the Director of Scottish Rite Learning Center of Las Cruces. She is a Certified Instructor of Language Therapy and has been a Language Therapist for the past 25 years. Judy also was a teacher for the public schools for 11 years.
Maria (Mari) Ramondo- Reyes
MariReyes, is a Title 1 Coordinator in the Las Cruces Public Schools. She has twenty-three years’ experience in elementary, middle school and higher education including three years as an Instructional Specialist and Take Flight instructor.