a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 1020 22nd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39301
Executive Director
Leta Palmiter, Ed.S., CALT, S.L.D.S
Leta Palmiter is an accomplished educator, dyslexia therapist, and literacy leader dedicated to helping students and teachers unlock the power of reading. She serves as Executive Director of the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia in Meridian, Mississippi, and as Chief Education Officer of VTO Reading, an AI-powered platform that creates individualized decodable practice for students.
With over 25 years of experience in literacy intervention, Leta has taught more than 500 students to read, write, and spell with confidence. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy, a Certified Academic Language Therapist, and a CERI-certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. She is the author of Mississippi Rising: The Story of How the Last Became First in Literacy Growth (2022).
A passionate advocate for structured literacy and teacher empowerment, Leta’s mission is simple: help every educator understand how the science of reading translates into classroom practice.
Meet the Executive Team
Brooke Dewease Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP
Evaluation Director
Brooke began her career as a speech therapist in 2002. She spent over 16 years providing early-intervention therapy in a pediatric setting in Lauderdale County.
She completed clinical practicum hours in 2019 and joined Illuminations as the Evaluation Director in 2020.
Brooke is dedicated to supporting students and their families as they navigate the evaluation and therapy process.
Sabrina Bailey
Account Manager and Tutor
Sabrina holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mississippi State University and brings experience in scientific research, education, and customer service to her role at Illuminations. She previously conducted research at Belmont University School of Pharmacy, focusing on macular-degeneration studies and innovative drug-delivery systems.
Sabrina has also tutored children and teens in mathematics and ACT preparation and has worked in client-support roles. She is committed to supporting families and helping ensure a positive experience for students and parents at Illuminations.
April Willis
Executive Assistant
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. She pays attention to detail, values teamwork, and handles customer communication with ease. April 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.
Van Gower
Media and Publicity Specialist
Van Gower brings more than two decades of experience in copywriting, editing, and administrative support to the Illuminations team. A skilled communicator with a sharp eye for detail, Van has worked with national brands and local organizations to craft clear, engaging content across print, web, and digital media. His background includes roles with DreamHost, Word Out Digital Marketing, and Thomson Reuters, where he supported teams in producing accurate, high-quality materials under tight deadlines.
At Illuminations, Van combines his expertise in writing, organization, and client service to ensure our communications reflect the clarity and care that define our mission. A Meridian native, Van is passionate about using words to connect people, tell meaningful stories, and advance literacy through effective communication.
Meet the Neurocognitive Engineers
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Dyslexia Therapist
Anna’s passion for literacy support began as both an educator and the parent of a child with dyslexia. After her family found support at Illuminations, she discovered her calling and earned her degree in Dyslexia Therapy from William Carey University.
She now provides after-school and summer dyslexia therapy, helping st
Dyslexia Therapist
Anna’s passion for literacy support began as both an educator and the parent of a child with dyslexia. After her family found support at Illuminations, she discovered her calling and earned her degree in Dyslexia Therapy from William Carey University.
She now provides after-school and summer dyslexia therapy, helping students build reading and writing confidence through structured literacy and compassionate support. For Anna, this work is deeply personal and fulfilling — a chance to pay forward the hope and guidance her family once received.
Sophia Seltzer-Hill, B.S.
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Anna Griffin, M.Ed., CALT
Dyslexia Specialist and Educational Tutor
Sophia is an experienced educator with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. While teaching second grade at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary in Starkville, she created an engaging classroom environment that supported diverse student needs and led to sign
Dyslexia Specialist and Educational Tutor
Sophia is an experienced educator with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. While teaching second grade at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary in Starkville, she created an engaging classroom environment that supported diverse student needs and led to significant academic growth — including a 95% increase in reading proficiency and 87.5% growth in math.
Certified through the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program, Sophia integrates technology to enhance learning and is also certified in First Aid and CPR. She is committed to continuous growth and building supportive learning spaces where all students can thrive.
Megan Landis
Megan Landis
Megan Landis
Tutor
Megan is a dedicated educator who designs standards-based lessons in English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies aligned to the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards. She uses whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction to build skills and confidence.
She has strong RTI experience, delivering Ti
Tutor
Megan is a dedicated educator who designs standards-based lessons in English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies aligned to the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards. She uses whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction to build skills and confidence.
She has strong RTI experience, delivering Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions in math, ELA, and behavior, and monitors progress with data-driven assessments using tools such as Canvas and Mastery Connect. Megan is known for fostering positive relationships and creating an inclusive, collaborative learning environment.
Deke Cross
Megan Landis
Megan Landis
Foster Grandparent
Thanks to a generous grant from the Multi-County Community Service Agency, we are blessed to have Deke "Granny Deke" Cross as part of our team. Granny Deke brings love and dedication to our students from the moment they enter our lobby, ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the day. She reads with children, assis
Foster Grandparent
Thanks to a generous grant from the Multi-County Community Service Agency, we are blessed to have Deke "Granny Deke" Cross as part of our team. Granny Deke brings love and dedication to our students from the moment they enter our lobby, ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the day. She reads with children, assists with homework, and helps build their character. Her deep passion for the Lord shines through in all that she does, making her an invaluable member of our community.
We are truly grateful to have Granny Deke with us!
Tele-Therapy Team of Neurocognitive Engineers
Elizabeth Douge’ M.A., ET/P
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Dyslexia Therapist and EF Coach
Elizabeth is committed to reducing the effects of illiteracy and supporting learners with diverse needs. She is certified in executive-function intervention and provides targeted support to help students strengthen learning strategies and build confidence.
Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Sociology from the Uni
Dyslexia Therapist and EF Coach
Elizabeth is committed to reducing the effects of illiteracy and supporting learners with diverse needs. She is certified in executive-function intervention and provides targeted support to help students strengthen learning strategies and build confidence.
Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Southern California, an M.A. in Special Education from Point Loma Nazarene University, and an Educational Therapy Certificate from the University of California–Riverside. She also holds Education Specialist credentials in Mild-to-Moderate and Moderate-to-Severe Disabilities and is a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist.
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Dorina has worked with children of all ages and understands the importance of early identification and effective intervention for learning differences. With training in both Montessori and Orton-Gillingham methods, she uses evidence-based instruction to support struggling readers.
She also incorporates Lexercise to s
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Dorina has worked with children of all ages and understands the importance of early identification and effective intervention for learning differences. With training in both Montessori and Orton-Gillingham methods, she uses evidence-based instruction to support struggling readers.
She also incorporates Lexercise to strengthen collaboration between child, parent, and therapist, helping students build strong, lasting literacy skills.
Shauna Kelln, B.S.
Dorina Nimigean , BS, OG Tutor
Shauna Kelln, B.S.
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Shauna is passionate about helping students become confident, successful readers using the Lexercise platform. She tailors instruction to each learner and is motivated by the powerful growth she sees in her students.
She earned her B.A. in Secondary Education from Western Washington University with concentrations in
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Shauna is passionate about helping students become confident, successful readers using the Lexercise platform. She tailors instruction to each learner and is motivated by the powerful growth she sees in her students.
She earned her B.A. in Secondary Education from Western Washington University with concentrations in History, English, and Theatre, and completed a two-year special education program at the University of Virginia with endorsements in Emotional Disability, Learning Disability, and Mental Retardation. Shauna has over 30 years of teaching experience across grade levels.
Jinji Donato, MLS
Kristen Weaver, C-SLDS
Shauna Kelln, B.S.
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Jinji helps students build reading, writing, and self-expression skills while developing confidence and a love of literacy. She believes that reading support opens doors to joy, independence, and lifelong learning.
She holds a Master of Liberal Studies from Rollins College and has completed accredited structured-lit
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Jinji helps students build reading, writing, and self-expression skills while developing confidence and a love of literacy. She believes that reading support opens doors to joy, independence, and lifelong learning.
She holds a Master of Liberal Studies from Rollins College and has completed accredited structured-literacy training through Lexercise. Jinji is committed to supporting and advocating for every family she serves.
Laura Rich
Kristen Weaver, C-SLDS
Kristen Weaver, C-SLDS
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Laura brings experience in education, human resources, and homeschooling to her work supporting students with dyslexia and learning differences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Liberty University and applies her background to curriculum development and client support.
In addition to struc
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Laura brings experience in education, human resources, and homeschooling to her work supporting students with dyslexia and learning differences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Liberty University and applies her background to curriculum development and client support.
In addition to structured-literacy teletherapy, Laura has homeschooled children with dyslexia, autism, and other learning differences, fostering a love of learning and providing individualized support for each child’s needs.
Kristen Weaver, C-SLDS
Kristen Weaver, C-SLDS
Kristen Weaver, C-SLDS
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Kristen is an experienced educator with a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Delta State University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. She recently completed her practicum to become a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist.
A National Board-c
Dyslexia Tele-Therapist
Kristen is an experienced educator with a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Delta State University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. She recently completed her practicum to become a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist.
A National Board-certified teacher since 2013, Kristen has taught multiple grade levels and currently serves as a kindergarten teacher at East Rankin Academy. She has worked as a tutor, substitute teacher, and teacher-support-team advisor and is dedicated to helping students grow and thrive.
Mississippi Rising: How the Last Became First in Literacy Growth
