staff@illuminationsdyslexia.com
Illuminations in Meridian
Serving Mississippi & Alabama
Dyslexia Therapy: in-office or by distance
Tutoring
Comprehensive Language Evaluations
About Us
Our Background
Personalized Lessons
Our Background
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.
Our Expertise
Personalized Lessons
Our Background
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.
Personalized Lessons
Personalized Lessons
Personalized Lessons
We assure the three basic components of effective intervention:
- An expert therapist who has the required knowledge and skills;
- An appropriate, research-backed curriculum that retrains the brain in skills needed for upper-level literacy.
- Deliberate, daily practice to establish the accuracy and fluency needed for the automatic application of l
We assure the three basic components of effective intervention:
- An expert therapist who has the required knowledge and skills;
- An appropriate, research-backed curriculum that retrains the brain in skills needed for upper-level literacy.
- Deliberate, daily practice to establish the accuracy and fluency needed for the automatic application of literacy skills.
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.
Meet the Team
Assistant Director/Tutor
Assistant Director/Tutor
Assistant Director/Tutor
Amber Willis-Hayes, B.S
.
I am focused on providing both group and individualized instruction with excellence for our struggling learners. I am proficient in helping struggling and special needs students enhance their own learning. You might see me volunteering around town, as I love to give back to the community.
Dyslexia Therapist
Assistant Director/Tutor
Assistant Director/Tutor
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Teaching children to read, write, and spell with confidence is my passion. As the parent of a dyslexic child, I found my mission in helping others just like the therapists at Illuminations helped me and my daughter. My degree from William Carey University in Dyslexia Therapy helps me pay it forward. I provide
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Teaching children to read, write, and spell with confidence is my passion. As the parent of a dyslexic child, I found my mission in helping others just like the therapists at Illuminations helped me and my daughter. My degree from William Carey University in Dyslexia Therapy helps me pay it forward. I provide dyslexia therapy after school and during the summer for Illuminations.
Dyslexia Therapist
Assistant Director/Tutor
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
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!
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
Maya Johnson, BA
Maya E. Johnson is an experienced educator with a passion for helping young children learn and grow. She has worked as a Pre-K Teacher at Robinson Elementary in Birmingham, AL from September 2020 to June 2022, and recently became a 1st Grade Teacher at West Hills Elementary in Meridian, MS. Maya has also served as an After
Maya Johnson, BA
Maya E. Johnson is an experienced educator with a passion for helping young children learn and grow. She has worked as a Pre-K Teacher at Robinson Elementary in Birmingham, AL from September 2020 to June 2022, and recently became a 1st Grade Teacher at West Hills Elementary in Meridian, MS. Maya has also served as an After School Teacher, providing students with additional support and enrichment opportunities. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Dyslexia Therapy from Mississippi College. Maya has received training in Teaching Strategies, Phonics First, and LETRS, and is skilled in time management, organization, technology, and redirection.
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
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.
Dyslexia Therapist
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
Dyslexia Therapist in Training
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.
Dyslexia Therapist
Dyslexia Therapist
Dyslexia Therapist
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.
Dyslexia Therapist
Dyslexia Therapist
Dyslexia Therapist
Elizabeth Douge’ M.A., ET/P
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 Modera
Elizabeth Douge’ M.A., ET/P
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). Experience 18 years
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.
Tutor
Dyslexia Therapist
Dyslexia Therapist
Brandi James, BA
Brandi James is an enthusiastic and experienced Teacher based in Meridian, MS. With 6 years of experience instructing students with a wide range of learning abilities, Brandi is committed to creating motivational and collaborative learning environments that encourage social and emotional growth. She has excellent leaders
Brandi James, BA
Brandi James is an enthusiastic and experienced Teacher based in Meridian, MS. With 6 years of experience instructing students with a wide range of learning abilities, Brandi is committed to creating motivational and collaborative learning environments that encourage social and emotional growth. She has excellent leadership and communication skills, and works well with children, parents, colleagues, and supervisors. Brandi is skilled in interdisciplinary teaching, emergent curriculum, differentiated learning techniques, positive reinforcement, parent communication, relationship building, learning assessments, lesson planning, and classroom management. She holds a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. Brandi is also certified in Special Education Services for Mild to Moderate Disabilities and has been recognized as the Legendary Data Warrior for consistently tracking and improving student outcomes.
Dyslexia Therapist
Evaluation Director
Dyslexia Therapist
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.
Evaluation Director
Evaluation Director
Evaluation Director
Brooke Dewease Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP
I graduated with my Master’s in speech/language pathology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002 and have been a locally practicing SLP since that time. Around the birth of my first child, my practice focus shifted to pediatrics, and I have spent much of the last sixteen years serving the
Brooke Dewease Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP
I graduated with my Master’s in speech/language pathology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002 and have been a locally practicing SLP since that time. Around the birth of my first child, my practice focus shifted to pediatrics, and I have spent much of the last sixteen years serving the children of Lauderdale and the surrounding counties. I have spent time contracting with Lauderdale County schools and served at three of their four elementary schools. Since 2012, I have recently worked in private practice, serving children of all ages, with a primary focus on the early intervention (0-3 years) population. In my role as an SLP with EI, I have significant experience in the early identification of language disorders and other developmental delays. I look forward to bringing this experience to further serve local children in this new role as the Evaluation Director at Illuminations.
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Don't let dyslexia hold your child back this summer. Illuminations offers personalized therapy to help your child overcome their struggles with reading. Take action now to ensure your child's success.