staff@illuminationsdyslexia.com
Illuminations in Meridian
Serving students across over 20 states
Dyslexia Therapy: in-office or by distance tutoring
Comprehensive Language Evaluations
staff@illuminationsdyslexia.com
Serving students across over 20 states
Dyslexia Therapy: in-office or by distance tutoring
Comprehensive Language Evaluations
The Illuminations Center for Dyslexia was established in May of 2013. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Illuminations Center for Dyslexia in Meridian works to change the lives of children in East Mississippi and West Alabama. In addition to our primary mission to teach children to read, write, and spell, we also offer a variety of tutor
The Illuminations Center for Dyslexia was established in May of 2013. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Illuminations Center for Dyslexia in Meridian works to change the lives of children in East Mississippi and West Alabama. In addition to our primary mission to teach children to read, write, and spell, we also offer a variety of tutoring services. We work to increase teacher and parent knowledge through public forums and professional development in Meridian and the surrounding areas. Advocacy has been effective in changing the way accommodations and modifications have been implemented for our students in the public school setting. We can work with your family to advocate, educate, and provide professional development.
All therapists at Illuminations have received training in structured literacy methods in a supervised practicum in excess of 800 clinical hours. We use individualized Orton-Gillingham materials from various programs including Neuhaus Education, Wilson Reading, Alphabetic Phonics, and Kendore Learning. Each lesson is individually planned
All therapists at Illuminations have received training in structured literacy methods in a supervised practicum in excess of 800 clinical hours. We use individualized Orton-Gillingham materials from various programs including Neuhaus Education, Wilson Reading, Alphabetic Phonics, and Kendore Learning. Each lesson is individually planned and based on student's unique needs within the structured scope and sequence recommended by the International Dyslexia Association.
We also have excellent, highly-qualified, tutors to help your child excel in school. We offer math, language, and subject area tutoring in addition to traditional therapy services.
We assure the three basic components of effective intervention:
We assure the three basic components of effective intervention:
In traditional therapy, direct instruction and practice are combined. We require 3-5 lessons weekly for new students. We recommend committing to 50 lessons in a semester to ensure effectiveness of our interventions.
"My mission is to impact the lives of children, adolescents, and adults with explicit, structured literacy instruction. I was privileged to study in the doctoral program at Vanderbilt University for a year before returning to the helm of Illuminations."
I love teaching, and now am blessed to teach teachers with LETRS as well as students at Illuminations. My students range in age from 5 to 75 and many of my former students are now graduates of college with careers of their own!
Leta C. Palmiter is an accomplished and highly qualified educator with extensive experience in reading interventions for students with reading disabilities, dyslexia, and intensive intervention. Leta is a National LETRS Professional Learning Facilitator for Lexia Learning, Inc. Palmiter has a Master's degree in Dyslexia Therapy and an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and National Board Certified Teacher. Palmiter has personally taught over 500 students how to read, write, and spell with confidence. She has also presented papers and conducted workshops, supervised practicum students, and served as a student teacher supervisor.
She is also the Founder of Illuminations Center for Dyslexia, where she developed in-school, after-school, and summer programs in reading, math, and art, and partnered with local private schools to provide therapy services at their locations. "Mississippi Rising: The Story of How the Last Became First in Literacy Growth" is her first book and was published in 2022.
Kelley Davis, M.Ed.
Kelley is an accomplished educator at Northeast Lauderdale High School, and she has been shaping young minds since 1997. A valedictorian from West Lauderdale Attendance Center and summa cum laude graduate with a BS in Secondary Education-English from Mississippi State University-Meridian, Kelley also holds a Master’s in the same field, graduating magna cum laude. With National Board Certification, Kelley's expertise spans English Composition, AP Literature, and a diverse range of subjects including mythology and debate. As English department head and a leader in various school activities, Kelley is committed to fostering academic excellence and student success.
Brooke Dewease Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP
Brooke embarked on her professional journey after obtaining her Master’s degree in Speech/Language Pathology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002. Since then, she has been a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in the local area, passionately serving the community for over two decades. With the birth of her first child, Brooke's practice underwent a significant transformation, veering towards pediatric speech and language pathology. Over the last sixteen years, her work has primarily focused on supporting the youth of Lauderdale and surrounding counties, enhancing their communication skills and overall development.
Brooke has offered specialized services to children of all ages, while placing a special emphasis on early intervention for the 0-3 years age group.
As the Evaluation Director at Illuminations, Brooke leverages her profound experience and passion for pediatric speech and language pathology. Her commitment to early identification and intervention positions her as a key asset to further serving the children and families of the community, enhancing the support and resources available to them through Illuminations.
Amber Willis-Hayes, B.S
.
Amber Willis-Hayes serves as the Assistant to the Directors at the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting the executive, deputy, and evaluation directors. Amber has been recognized for her exceptional contributions, dedication, and the positive impact she has on the organization's growth and success. Her passion for the mission of Illuminations Center for Dyslexia shines through in every task she undertakes, making her a valuable asset to the team. She tutors in math and is working on a math curriculum for children with dyscalculia. Amber will finish her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 2025.
Anniston Williams
Anniston Williams joins the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia team as our dedicated Fundraising and Publicity Coordinator, bringing a vibrant blend of creativity, organizational skill, and a proven track record of successful fundraising initiatives. Her educational foundation, laid at Northeast High School and furthered with 40 hours of credits from MCC, is complemented by her USAG and Safety Certification. A linchpin in Anniston's career has been her innovative approach to fundraising and publicity. Her adept use of tools like Microsoft Word, Canva, Google Forms, Epic, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Docs has enabled her to create compelling fundraising campaigns, host competitions, design captivating merchandise, and curate engaging social media content. At Illuminations, Anniston is poised to spearhead our fundraising and publicity efforts with her characteristic enthusiasm, strategic vision, and a deep-seated commitment to our mission. Her role is crucial in ensuring that we continue to make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve, through enhanced community engagement, strategic fundraising events, and compelling storytelling that captures the essence of our work and the hearts of our supporters.
April Willis
April brings a unique and valuable set of skills to our team, derived from her diverse background and experiences. Her journey has taken her from being a correctional officer to stepping into educational settings as a substitute teacher.
April's roles involved close observation and supervision, critical thinking in assessing behaviors, and a firm grasp on emergency management protocols. April demonstrated her versatility and commitment to student success by managing classrooms, ensuring that learning objectives were met with the same precision and care she applied in her previous roles.
April pays attention to detail, values teamwork, and handles customer communication with ease. She is the first point of contact for our visitors at Illuminations., welcoming every guest with a smile and ensuring a warm, supportive environment for all who walk through our doors.
Deena White, M.Ed.
I have been teaching for the last 14 years and have recently earned my Master’s Degree in Education - Dyslexia Therapy from MIssissippi College. I have a passion for teaching children and working with children who struggle to read and write. I understand the struggles that some children have with reading and writing and
Deena White, M.Ed.
I have been teaching for the last 14 years and have recently earned my Master’s Degree in Education - Dyslexia Therapy from MIssissippi College. I have a passion for teaching children and working with children who struggle to read and write. I understand the struggles that some children have with reading and writing and it is my desire to help these children understand how to overcome those challenges. I love seeing the light come on in a child’s eye when he/she “gets” a concept he/she has been struggling with; to know that the child’s self confidence is growing allows me to know that we are heading in the right direction! A child’s pride in him/herself as he/she gains confidence in reading is a wonderful thing to watch!
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Teaching children to read, write, and spell with confidence isn't just a job for me; it's a deep-seated passion that fuels my every day. This journey began not just as an educator but as a parent to a wonderful dyslexic child. We found hope and support at Illuminations. The therapists there didn't just help my da
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Teaching children to read, write, and spell with confidence isn't just a job for me; it's a deep-seated passion that fuels my every day. This journey began not just as an educator but as a parent to a wonderful dyslexic child. We found hope and support at Illuminations. The therapists there didn't just help my daughter; they illuminated a path for me, showing me how profound an impact understanding and targeted support can have on a child's life. It was a transformative experience that led me to find my own mission in helping children navigate the complexities of dyslexia.
With a newfound purpose, I pursued and obtained my degree in Dyslexia Therapy from William Carey University. This wasn't just an academic achievement for me; it equipped me with the knowledge, strategies, and understanding necessary to provide effective dyslexia therapy.
Currently, I have the privilege of working with Illuminations, the very place that was a beacon of hope for my family. I offer dyslexia therapy sessions after school and during the summer months, dedicating my time to help children unlock their potential through literacy. My experience as a parent and a therapist has taught me that with the right support, every child has the ability to overcome obstacles and shine brightly. It's incredibly rewarding to be a part of that journey, to witness the transformation as children develop the skills they need to read, write, and spell with confidence. At Illuminations, I'm not just teaching; I'm paying it forward, one word at a time.
Maya Johnson, BA
I'm absolutely thrilled about guiding young minds in their learning and growth journeys! My adventure began as a Pre-K Teacher at Robinson Elementary in Birmingham, AL, where I spent my days from September 2020 to June 2022. Recently, I've taken on a new challenge as a 1st Grade Teacher at West Hills Elementary in Meridia
Maya Johnson, BA
I'm absolutely thrilled about guiding young minds in their learning and growth journeys! My adventure began as a Pre-K Teacher at Robinson Elementary in Birmingham, AL, where I spent my days from September 2020 to June 2022. Recently, I've taken on a new challenge as a 1st Grade Teacher at West Hills Elementary in Meridian, MS. I've also had the joy of extending my passion beyond the regular school hours as an After School Teacher, providing my students with the extra support and enrichment they deserve.
My academic journey led me to the University of Southern Mississippi, where I earned my Bachelor's degree, and I'm currently diving deeper into the world of education by pursuing a Master's degree in Dyslexia Therapy at Mississippi College. I've been fortunate to receive training in various educational strategies, including Teaching Strategies, Phonics First, and LETRS. These experiences have sharpened my skills in time management, organization, technology use, and the art of redirection, all of which I bring to my classroom every day. I'm buzzing with excitement for what each new day brings and the opportunity to make a difference in my students' lives!
Kara Jones, BS
Kara is pursuing a Master's degree in Dyslexia Therapy at Mississippi College. Currently working as a Kindergarten Teacher at Southeast Lauderdale Elementary, Kara implements diverse teaching strategies to integrate subjects and meet students' needs. She previously served as a K-6 Interventionist and First Grade Teacher Inte
Kara Jones, BS
Kara is pursuing a Master's degree in Dyslexia Therapy at Mississippi College. Currently working as a Kindergarten Teacher at Southeast Lauderdale Elementary, Kara implements diverse teaching strategies to integrate subjects and meet students' needs. She previously served as a K-6 Interventionist and First Grade Teacher Intern, providing targeted interventions and instruction. Kara also has experience as a Medical Coder and Camp Counselor, demonstrating her versatility. Dedicated to serving others, she actively volunteers at church and community events. Kara holds certifications in Elementary Education, Pre-Kindergarten, and Social Studies/Science, as well as First Aid CPR/BLS. Her academic achievements include graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving scholarships. With her passion for education and commitment to student success, Kara is poised to make a positive impact in the field.
Elizabeth Douge’ M.A., ET/P
I have personally seen the impact that illiteracy can have on a person’s life. Because of this, I have made it my personal goal to tackle illiteracy as a way of changing the lives of clients that I work with.
I am certified to help students with Executive Functioning difficulties and look forward to adding
Elizabeth Douge’ M.A., ET/P
I have personally seen the impact that illiteracy can have on a person’s life. Because of this, I have made it my personal goal to tackle illiteracy as a way of changing the lives of clients that I work with.
I am certified to help students with Executive Functioning difficulties and look forward to adding clients to my therapy roster.
Education B.A. Sociology- University of Southern California (USC); M.A. Special Education with a concentration in Moderate to Severe Disabilities (Point Loma Nazarene University); Certificate in Educational Therapy- University of California Riverside (UCR); Education Specialist Credentials in Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe Disabilities. Professionally Certified Educational Therapist (Association of Educational Therapist).
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Working with children of all ages, I realized the importance of early detection and
appropriate remediation to address learning difficulties. Both Montessori and
Orton-Gillingham programs equipped me with science-backed and research-based
methods to help struggling readers. Lexercise takes the intervention to a
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Working with children of all ages, I realized the importance of early detection and
appropriate remediation to address learning difficulties. Both Montessori and
Orton-Gillingham programs equipped me with science-backed and research-based
methods to help struggling readers. Lexercise takes the intervention to a new
level, where the triangle of child-parent-educator is restored to work together.
Hence the faster, better, and lifelong lasting results.
Shauna Kelln, B.S.
I love empowering students to become confident and successful readers. Teaching struggling readers via the Lexercise platform is so effective – and seeing the amazing outcome of this instruction is most rewarding! I like being able to tailor the program to meet the individual needs of the student – it works!
I received m
Shauna Kelln, B.S.
I love empowering students to become confident and successful readers. Teaching struggling readers via the Lexercise platform is so effective – and seeing the amazing outcome of this instruction is most rewarding! I like being able to tailor the program to meet the individual needs of the student – it works!
I received my Bachelor's of Secondary Education from Western Washington University in History, English, and Theatre, and then completed another 2-year program in Special Education through the University of Virginia with endorsements in ED, LD, and MR. I have taught for 30 years in all grade levels.
Jinji Donato, MLS
I love to help my clients develop their skills and self-confidence in reading, writing, and self-expression. Helping individuals work toward overcoming their reading challenges is important to me because it means they can access the joys of literacy. I earned my Master's of Liberal Studies degree from Rollins College. I
Jinji Donato, MLS
I love to help my clients develop their skills and self-confidence in reading, writing, and self-expression. Helping individuals work toward overcoming their reading challenges is important to me because it means they can access the joys of literacy. I earned my Master's of Liberal Studies degree from Rollins College. I have received accredited training in structured literacy from Lexercise. I look forward to supporting and advocating for every family I work with.
Laura Rich
As someone deeply rooted in the fields of education and human resources, I find immense joy and fulfillment in cultivating enriching learning environments and fostering strong client relationships. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Liberty University, my educational foundation has been pivotal in shaping
Laura Rich
As someone deeply rooted in the fields of education and human resources, I find immense joy and fulfillment in cultivating enriching learning environments and fostering strong client relationships. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Liberty University, my educational foundation has been pivotal in shaping my approach to curriculum development and client engagement.
My professional path has led me to the role of a Dyslexia Therapist in Structured Literacy Teletherapy. Parallel to this, my experience as a homeschooling parent-teacher has equipped me with the skills to instill a love for learning in my children, addressing the unique needs of those with dyslexia, autism, and other learning differences. Whether in the classroom, the real estate market, or the broader community, my goal remains the same: to make a meaningful impact through dedication, innovation, and a heart for service.
Every student has unique needs for support. Please contact us and tell us your story. Let us help you create a plan to begin the journey to success.
1020 22nd Ave Ste C, Meridian, Mississippi 39301, United States
second floor of Anderson's Education Building (601) 484-7430 Office staff@illuminationsdyslexia.com
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 8:30-6:30
Friday: 8:00-1:00
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed
Illuminations
1020 22nd Ave., Suite C, Meridian, MS 39301
Copyright © 2024 Illuminations - All Rights Reserved.
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Don't let dyslexia hold your child back. Illuminations offers personalized therapy to help your child overcome their struggles with reading. Take action now to ensure your child's success.