Board of Directors
Lisa Baker, M.Ed.,LDT,CALT
President
Vice President
Cynthia Edwards, M.Ed. is a national education consultant. Her work includes support to educator prep programs, districts, and schools on issues related to effective teaching practices with a focus on intentional and equitable evidence-based literacy instruction for all students.
For thirty-two years Cynthia worked in the Austin Independent School District in Austin, Texas. She taught for eighteen years within multiple grade levels and classroom settings providing special education services. Her teaching experience and continued education afforded her the opportunity to serve in several administrative leadership roles within Austin ISD. Her passion and expertise in the areas of language, literacy, and academic/behavioral support systems opened doors for a unique opportunity to create and develop several administrative positions within the district. She developed and refined academic coaching to enhance special educator preparation and development. This opportunity led to working collaboratively to design and develop a district-wide multi-tiered support system for academic achievement, focusing on evidence-based literacy instruction, further enhancing district-wide support for the identification and academic support for dyslexia services.
Beyond her work with the district, Cynthia shared her knowledge and expertise as an adjunct instructor in both undergraduate and postgraduate education preparation courses at the University of Texas, Austin, and Texas State University, San Marcos. Additionally, she was honored with the opportunity to present Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling and Early Childhood LETRS on a national level. Cynthia received her BS and M.Ed. in education from the University of Texas, Austin, and additionally earned certifications in both special education and language therapy. She is an active team member and certified inspector of Teacher Preparation and Inspection-US; a role she has held since 2013. Her professional memberships include the International Dyslexia Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, The Reading League, and The International Literacy Association.
Julien Khaleghy, CEO/Founder SERP/Api
Treasurer
Kathleen Gilbert, M.Ed., LDT, CALT-QI
Certified Academic Language Therapist & Educator
Secretary
Kathleen Gilbert brings over 20 years of experience in education, having taught in both private and public school settings. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs, specializing in literacy and language development. Kathleen is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and holds qualifications as a Qualified Instructor (QI), demonstrating her commitment to high standards in teaching and intervention.
Currently, Kathleen mentors teachers at the Rawson Saunders Institute, where she helps educators refine their skills in teaching Basic Language Skills. Her work empowers teachers to effectively address the unique needs of students with dyslexia.
Kathleen’s teaching approach is grounded in her belief that all students can succeed when provided with the appropriate support and instruction. She is passionate about helping students build foundational skills that enable them to become confident, capable readers.
Kathleen has lived in Austin for nearly thirty years with her husband, Jeff, their daughter, Ann—a social worker—and two cats, Teddy and Daniel. In her free time, you will find her on a tennis court.
Lorena de la Cruz
Dyslexia Strategist, bilingual CALT Candidate, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Alamo
Lorena is a dedicated dual language educator and bilingual dyslexia interventionist with over 20 years of experience at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD. She is a passionate advocate for students with reading disabilities, particularly dyslexia, and promotes the use of Structured Literacy with multisensory/ multimodal teaching strategies for all students.
Lorena is a Certified Reading Specialist K-12 and holds a Master of Education in Reading and Literacy from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). After completing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Bilingual Education at the University of Texas Pan-American, Lorena completed leveling courses in Speech-Language Pathology at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX. She is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) with the Rawson Saunders Institute (RSI) in Austin, TX.
Driven by the belief that building teacher capacity is paramount to achieving positive student outcomes, she is dedicated to fostering continuous professional growth and collaboration within educational communities. In addition to her district role, Lorena shares her knowledge and expertise as an adjunct instructor for undergraduate literacy courses with the Department of Bilingual and Literacy Studies at UTRGV. She also actively serves as a reviewer and lead reviewer in the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) cycles from the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education.
Currently, as a Dyslexia Strategist with PSJA ISD, she is committed to empowering educators with evidence-based instructional strategies and the latest advancements in the Science of Reading. Her commitment to professional growth and collaboration is central to her mission of enhancing educational outcomes for both students and teachers.
Sarah K. Blodgett
Founder & CEO, Noah Text, LLC
Sarah Blodgett is a skilled researcher and writer who developed Noah Text® after personally working with her child who faced challenges with reading. Her journey began in 2003 and was significantly shaped by Dr. Miriam Cherkes-Julkowski, an expert in learning and literacy at the University of Connecticut. Since its introduction in 2016, the patented Noah Text® method has garnered widespread recognition from structured literacy specialists and other education professionals. In 2017, Sarah was selected as an Innovation Showcase Panelist at the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) Education Business Forum. Since 2019, Sarah has partnered with New Century Education Foundation and Michigan State University to develop and research specialized Noah Text® lessons for New Century’s Online Intelligent Tutoring System. Their work with struggling readers has consistently demonstrated significant improvements in literacy skills and increased confidence and enthusiasm for wide reading.
Sarah has facilitated professional development workshops for respected organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association, the Coalition of Adult Basic Education, the Correctional Education Association, Connecticut TESOL, and numerous other educational and literacy-focused groups. She currently serves as a member of the Collective Impact Group for the Texas branches of the International Dyslexia Association, working to advance evidence-based literacy practices and teacher training throughout the state. With a passion for expanding the reach of Noah Text®, Sarah continues to grow its technology tools and publications through strategic partnerships. Her unwavering mission is to make Noah Text® available across all print and digital media, ensuring its availability to ALL readers.
Patricia Baker, CALT
Patricia is a Professional Development Strategist at Amplify Education. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist who began her education career as a bilingual school teacher in her home state of Santa Fe, NM. Her undergraduate work in education was completed at the University of New Mexico, go Lobos!
After working as a school teacher in various elementary grades, Patricia received her training to become a language therapist with the Austin Scottish Rite Learning Center in 2006. It was the most comprehensive and difficult course she had ever taken, and it was the most rewarding one by far. Her interest and experience in dyslexia would set her professional course for the rest of her tenure in public education. Patricia worked 15 years as a Dyslexia Coordinator for Judson ISD in San Antonio where she focused on fostering student success and advocating for effective literacy instruction and support. She provided private dyslexia therapy for a few years as well.
Patricia’s expertise and passion for supporting teachers in effective literacy instruction did not stop when she retired from public education 3 years ago. In her role at Amplify, she is dedicated to ensuring district partners receive high-quality professional development in products that use a structured literacy approach. She draws on her background in dyslexia education to empower teachers, coaches, and district leaders to unlock the full potential of every student.
Erin Modde M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Erin began her career as a 3rd grade teacher in a small town south of San Antonio, called Pleasanton, Tx. After a year of teaching, she then moved to San Antonio and enrolled in the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for a Masters program. She completed her Masters in Reading while teaching in San Antonio in Northside ISD. Upon graduation, she was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to teach as a Reading Specialist in a neighboring Title 1 school in Northside ISD. She spent 3 years as a Reading Specialist at Esparza Elementary working with 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade struggling readers in a predominantly inclusion model capacity.
Erin decided to move to Austin and with that choice, found herself back in the classroom as a third grade teacher in Lake Travis ISD. Over the next twelve years she taught Reading, Language Arts and Social Studies in 4th and 5th grades as a classroom teacher at Lake Pointe Elementary. Ten of those years she also served as Team Leader for the 4th grade team. The opportunity to teach as the Dyslexia Interventionist at Lake Pointe arose in 2019 and she completed her work as a CALT at Rawson Saunders Institute in March of 2023. She continues to work teaching students with dyslexia in Lake Travis ISD at Lake Pointe Elementary where she’s teaching in her 25th year in the profession, 17th year at Lake Pointe Elementary, and 5th year as the Dyslexia Intervention teacher.
When Erin is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her 6 year old daughter, Reese, and husband, Don. They enjoy listening to live music and exploring new places in Austin and the surrounding area, as well as trips to the Texas coast.
Rama Tandon
Rama Tandon, originally from New Delhi, India, holds a Master of Education from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Commerce. A Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), she brings over 22 years of experience in special education and currently serves as a Dyslexia Interventionist with Austin ISD. As an active member of the Academic Language Therapist Association (ALTA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), Rama has conducted numerous workshops for teachers and parents across India and internationally, sharing her in-depth knowledge of dyslexia and intervention strategies. Her dedication to spreading awareness about dyslexia is evident through her YouTube channel, where she has uploaded more than 100 videos in Hindi and English, offering valuable insights and practical tips for educators and parents. Serving on the IDA board, Rama aims to harness her extensive experience and passion to make a significant impact in the fields of literacy and learning disabilities. She is particularly focused on advancing her expertise in reading, literacy, and cognitive development, while exploring innovative approaches to early intervention, reading instruction, and language-based learning disorders.
Shannon Heinzen, M.Ed., CALP
Shannon Heinzen took her first Basic Language Skills class as a mom trying to help her child learn how to read. The instructors encouraged her to consider teaching and the seed was planted. Shannon began her career in education in 2007 in Round Rock, Texas, where she enjoyed teaching first graders for nine years. She and her family moved to Salado, Texas, and she continued teaching first grade at Salado ISD for another two years. When the opportunity arose to move into a reading and dyslexia intervention position, Shannon eagerly accepted the new role to continue her passion to help struggling readers. She currently serves as an instructional coach to support both teachers and students. Additionally, she has served as a team leader, mentor, and response to intervention contact for her campus.
Shannon graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and completed her teacher training through the Region XIII Alternative Certification Program in Austin, Texas. She earned a M.Ed. from the University of Texas at Arlington and received her certification as a Certified Academic Language Practitioner through the Rawson Saunders Institute.
Shannon enjoys reading, baking, crafting, and gardening. She and her husband Mike enjoy being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family. Shannon and Mike are proud parents of their two adult children, Hayden and Ava.
Dianne Watts
Dianne has been in education for over 20 years. Past experiences include preschool, elementary, and middle school classroom teaching and working in the Curriculum & Instruction and Assessment Divisions at TEA. Currently, Dianne is a Dyslexia Specialist at Pfluger Elementary in Hays CISD. She has trained at Rawson Saunders Institute working toward earning CALT. Dianne is excited to be part of the Austin IDA Board of Directors to further serve the dyslexia community.
Dianne has three adult children, a witty husband, and three somewhat behaved dogs. In her free time, Dianne can be found with her 6 pound Chihuahua “Monty” in her lap or tucked inside her cardigan while watching documentaries.
Veronica Baltierrez
Bilingual Reading Interventionist/Dyslexia Teacher, Del Valle ISD, Austin
Originally born and raised in Mexico, migrated to the United States, where she completed her education and embarked on a fulfilling career in teaching. After graduating from Progreso High School in the Rio Grande Valley, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Veronica’s commitment to education led her to pursue an Alternative Teaching Certification from Austin Community College.
With 19 years of experience as an educator at Creedmoor Elementary, Veronica has taught students across a range of grades, from Kindergarten through 3rd grade. She currently serves as the Bilingual Reading Interventionist and Dyslexia Teacher at her school, where her focus is on empowering students with the literacy skills they need to succeed. Veronica’s personal connection to dyslexia deepened when her own daughter was diagnosed with the condition. This experience drove her to become a more dedicated advocate for dyslexic students, and she has worked tirelessly to ensure that all students receive the support they need in their reading journey.
In addition to her work, Veronica is pursuing her CALP (Certified Academic Language Practitioner) certification and has completed Slingerland training, both of which strengthen her ability to help students with dyslexia. Veronica is passionate about raising awareness of dyslexia among Spanish-speaking parents and empowering them with the tools and knowledge to advocate for their children’s educational needs.
When she’s not working, Veronica enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two children, and close-knit family and friends. She also treasures the moments she shares with her soon-to-be 95-year-old mother, who has been a continual source of love and support throughout her life. Veronica’s dedication to both her profession and her family reflects her deep commitment to fostering growth, understanding, and success.
Ana Garcia Rawson Saunders School parent, Austin
Jennifer Gonzalez
Director of Intervention for Del Valle ISD, Lago Vista
Dr. Jennifer Gonzalez is a passionate educator and advocate for literacy with over a decade of experience as a bilingual and special education teacher before transitioning into school administration. She now serves at the Texas Education Agency, supporting teacher preparation programs and aligning educator training with evidence-based practices. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Gonzalez earned her Ph.D. in Education Policy from The University of Texas at Austin, where she focused on improving K-2 reading instruction. Her career includes leading district-wide initiatives, developing professional development programs, and advancing the science of reading to empower teachers and improve student outcomes.
Kimberly McEathron
Curriculum Coordinator, Teacher Certification Program Instructor, Science of Teaching Reading Instructor, Austin Community College, Austin
Kimberly McEathron brings 24 years of experience in education, with a deep passion for teaching reading and literacy. Throughout her career, she has worked across diverse areas, including special education, music, elementary education, and college-level courses, allowing her to develop a well-rounded approach to student learning and engagement.
Currently a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literacy, Kimberly is committed to advancing her expertise in teaching practices and educational research. She is excited to expand her impact by joining the Adult Education and Literacy team at Austin ISD, where she aims to help learners of all ages develop the skills they need to succeed. Kimberly’s extensive background and dedication to fostering a love of learning make her a valuable asset to the field, and she looks forward to contributing to the growth and development of all learners.
Janna Oliver
Dyslexia Specialist for Lago Vista ISD, Lago Vista
Janna is the wife of a dyslexic husband and mom to two dyslexic children. Watching her children struggle to read, she trained with the Rawson Saunders Institute to better understand how to help them. Through that process, she was hired by Lago Vista ISD as the District-Wide Dyslexia Specialist and has been with them for 11 years. She has fostered Lago Vista’s dyslexia program into what it is today and has a passion for helping struggling readers.
She is most proud of watching her two children thrive into successful college students and adults. She is passionate about seeing other kids succeed and continuing to assist them in learning to read.
Janna holds a Master’s degree in Education from Texas State University and is working towards her Certified Academic Language Therapy certification.
When not teaching dyslexia students, Janna enjoys teaching pottery classes at her local pottery studio, swimming, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Linda Romero
CALT in Private Practice, Harlingen
Linda Romero is a Certified Academic Language Therapist from Harlingen, located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of deep South Texas. She has a private practice and works with both private and public school children.
While working on her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication-Journalism at The University of Texas-Pan American, Linda was diagnosed with dyscalculia. Her own struggles with dyslexia drive her passion for teaching children who struggle with reading and writing. With a double emphasis in print and advertising/public relations, Linda covered the Arts and Humanities beat at the University for Student Publications, and then the Office of Public Relations while working on her degree, then worked as a freelance editor and press release writer. She later served the Harlingen Literacy Center as a volunteer adult ESL instructor, and began working in private schools in McAllen and then Harlingen as a teacher aide for pre-kinder and kindergarten students.
In 2010, Linda founded Vidas Cruzadas, a community-based creative writing workshop that served women of different generations. The group began as a service learning project led by student writing mentors, and was supervised by UTPA faculty. Poets from around the RGV served as community mentors, and the womens’ work was published in chapbooks at the end of each semester. The project is currently inactive, but lasted several years. That same year, Linda had the opportunity to tutor a student diagnosed with dyslexia. That experience, combined with her own as a math dyslexic, was her path forward when she left the school in 2016 to be trained as a dyslexia therapist through Rawson Saunders Institute in Austin. Linda is a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association and the International Dyslexia Association.
When not teaching, Linda hones her skills in sourdough baking, art and poetry. She has been published by several indie presses in the Rio Grande Valley, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2017.
Clover Yordanova
Educational Diagnostician | ARD Facilitator | Dyslexia Specialist | Certified Academic Language Therapist | Reading Specialist
With a deep passion for supporting students in overcoming learning challenges, Clover is an Educational Diagnostician, ARD Facilitator, and Dyslexia Specialist at Lake Travis High School. As a Certified Academic Language Therapist and licensed dyslexia teacher, Clover brings expert knowledge and experience to help students reach their full academic potential. Clover uses evidence-based methods and tailored interventions to guide students with learning differences toward success. Clover holds a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist from Teachers College, Columbia University, and obtained her Educational Diagnostician degree from Midwestern State University. She also earned her CALT certification from the Dyslexia Center of Austin, which further strengthens her ability to provide specialized and effective support for students with dyslexia.
In addition to her current role at the high school level, she previously spent 7 years as a Dyslexia Specialist in Lake Travis ISD, where she developed a student-centered approach to dyslexia intervention. She works closely with educators, parents, and students to create a supportive, collaborative environment fostering academic growth and confidence. Before she moved to Texas, Clover worked at The Bronx Charter School for Children, where she served as a Literacy Coach and a Lead Interventionist.
A dedicated member of the International Dyslexia Association and the Texas Educational Diagnosticians’ Association, Clover stays committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring the latest research and best practices in dyslexia education are integrated into daily work.
Outside of work, she enjoys staying active with Pilates, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her three dogs. Balancing work and family life, she also enjoys raising two children—one in high school and the other in college—and continually pursuing personal and professional growth.
Carla Walk M.Ed., CALT
Carla Walk is a veteran teacher and dyslexia specialist in the RGV of Texas. She has 36 years of experience, an M.Ed. in Gifted Education, and a passion for creativity. These areas became intertwined as opportunities to explore STEALTH dyslexia and 2E students merged in her career.
Ms. Walk studied at Marshall University in her home state of West Virginia. During her undergraduate years, she reconnected with children’s literature and decided to become a teacher. Her relationship with storybook characters continues to this day. As her career continued, she used her expertise in concept-based curriculum as an International Baccalaureate Coordinator and campus administrator. In those roles, she was tasked with educational leadership, teacher training, and program implementation.
In June of 2023, she co-founded the Office of Arguelles and Walk and is now in private practice. She is a frequent presenter in the areas of 2E, Executive Function, and gifted services. Ms. Walk lives in South Texas with her husband and two dogs. They have three sons who are grown and busy on their own exciting journeys.