Executive Director

 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," says Anna. Her journey into dyslexia therapy began not only 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."

This transformative experience led Anna to discover her 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. It wasn’t just an academic achievement—it equipped me with the knowledge, strategies, and understanding necessary to provide effective dyslexia therapy."

Today, Anna has the privilege of working with Illuminations, the very place that once provided hope for her own family. "I offer dyslexia therapy sessions after school and during the summer months, dedicating my time to helping children unlock their potential through literacy." Her experience as both a parent and a therapist has reinforced her belief that, with the right support, every child has the ability to overcome obstacles and thrive. "It’s incredibly rewarding to be 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."

Amber Willis-Hayes, B.S.

"As a mother of a child with learning challenges, I know firsthand the importance of specialized support and intervention," says Amber Willis-Hayes. This personal experience has fueled her passion for special education and her commitment to helping children with dyslexia and other learning differences. Currently serving as the Math Interventionist at the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia, and special education teacher for Meridian Public Schools, she lives her passion every day.

Amber’s dedication to the mission of Illuminations is evident in every task she undertakes. "This work is personal for me. I’ve seen the impact that the right support can have on a child’s confidence and ability to learn, and I want to be part of making that difference for other families." She is also actively involved in curriculum development, tutoring math, and creating a specialized math curriculum for children with dyscalculia.

Now studying special education, Amber will complete her Master's Degree in Education in 2025. "I’m excited to continue learning and growing so I can better serve students who need the right tools to succeed. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and I’m honored to be part of that journey." 

 Deena White, M.Ed., CALT

"Teaching has been my passion for the past 14 years," says Deena White, a dedicated educator who recently earned her Master’s Degree in Education – Dyslexia Therapy from Mississippi College. "I have a deep commitment to helping children who struggle with reading and writing, and I understand the challenges they face. My goal is to guide them in overcoming these obstacles and building the skills they need to succeed."

White finds joy in witnessing a child’s moment of understanding. "There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the light come on in a child’s eyes when they finally grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with. Watching their self-confidence grow assures me that we’re on the right path." For White, the pride a child gains in themselves as they become more confident readers is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her work. "It’s a wonderful thing to watch."

 Colin M. McIntyre, B.A.

•  I bring a wealth of experience in cognitive behavioral training, social-emotional learning, and conflict resolution to the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia. I have a demonstrated ability to work in urban school districts, identifying and addressing children's needs while fostering a healthy learning environment. My professional background includes roles such as SEL teacher at Art Tatum Zone and Alternative Suspension worker at Garfield Elementary. I also have experience in customer service and store management. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in English Creative Writing from the University of Toledo, and I am dedicated to educational equity for every student I teach. 

Sophia Seltzer-Hill, B.S.

"Inclusive and high-quality education is my passion," says Sophia Seltzer-Hill, an experienced educator dedicated to fostering student success. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University, she has made a lasting impact in the classroom. "Teaching second grade at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary in Starkville, MS, allowed me to create an engaging learning environment while supporting the diverse needs of my students."

Her innovative teaching methods have led to remarkable academic growth. "During the 2022-2023 school year, my students achieved a 95% increase in reading proficiency and 87.5% growth in math proficiency," she shares. Certified by the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program, Seltzer-Hill is also credentialed in several technology-related areas, emphasizing her commitment to integrating digital tools into education.

Beyond the classroom, she remains actively involved in professional growth and community engagement. "I believe in continuously learning and evolving as an educator to best serve my students." Additionally, she is certified in First Aid and CPR, further demonstrating her dedication to student well-being. "For me, teaching is about more than just academics—it’s about creating a supportive and inspiring environment where all students can thrive."

Deke Cross

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!