Dr. Kris Smith - Educational Services

A journey I never expected began with my child. When my son was identified with dyslexia, I quickly realized that helping him succeed would require me to learn far more than I ever imagined. What started as a parent’s determination to understand how he learns became a path of specialized training, study, and professional growth.
Along the way, I sought out evidence-based approaches, learned from experts, pursued specialized training, and immersed myself in understanding reading difficulties, language processing, and how to support students who struggle in traditional educational settings. Each step built on the last, creating a lineage of knowledge and mentorship that has shaped the work I do today.
What began as a mission to help one child grew into a passion for helping many. I’ve had the privilege of supporting students and families facing similar challenges, advocating for effective instruction, and working to ensure that struggling readers are seen not for their difficulties, but for their potential.
My son was the reason I started this journey, but countless students have given it purpose. I’m grateful for the teachers, mentors, researchers, and fellow parents whose wisdom has influenced my training and practice. Their impact lives on in every child who discovers that struggling to read does not define their intelligence or limit their future.

A little bit of nerdy joy today! 🤓 One of the things I love most about being a dyslexia therapist is knowing that I’m part of a tradition of educators who have faithfully passed down the science and art of teaching reading. I recently traced my Orton-Gillingham lineage and was amazed to see that it reaches all the way back to Anna Gillingham and Sally Childs. Through mentors who invested in me, I can literally see the path of knowledge and dedication that has been handed down through generations. It’s humbling to realize that the lessons I teach every day are connected to pioneers who devoted their lives to helping struggling readers. I’m grateful for every teacher who poured into the next generation, and honored to carry that legacy forward for the students, teachers, and families I serve.

A little bit about me for my new followers. I’m all about helping teachers feel confident teaching students who struggle with reading, especially those with written language difficulties such as dyslexia. With a background as a K–12 Reading Specialist, campus administrator, Educational Diagnostician, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), and Qualified Instructor (QI), I’ve worked on all sides of the table. Now, I get to support educators as they make a real difference for their students.

What looks like procrastination in kids with ADHD is often overwhelm, time blindness, or trouble getting started. When a task feels too big or unclear, kids can stall, avoid, argue, or shut down.

A little support, structure, and a clear first step can help them move from stuck to started. What’s your go-to move when your child is stuck and avoiding a task?

Get 3 quick tips to help → https://u.org/4xBhsyJ

We’re giving away a fun Verbal Expression Resource to help students build communication, language, and expressive skills!🌞
Want to enter? It’s easy!
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Literacy is an equity issue. A child’s ability to learn to read should not depend on their ZIP code, the school they attend, or whether their family can afford private tutoring. Reading is not a privilege reserved for those with resources. It is a fundamental right. When schools fail to provide evidence-based instruction and intervention, families with means can often fill the gap. Families without those resources are left hoping the system will eventually catch up and too many children pay the price. Every child deserves access to high-quality, explicit reading instruction from the start.

When a child struggles to read, the answer isn’t simply, “Read more at home.” We wouldn’t tell a child struggling with vision to “look harder.” Reading difficulties require appropriate, evidence-based instruction and intervention, not more frustration. Children who struggle to read need explicit, systematic instruction and not just more exposure to the same thing that isn’t working. Effective teaching matters!

Apparently even Vowels Inc. is cutting hours! 😆
Good thing we know every sound matters-and we’re here for all the twists and turns the English language throws at our students.

Did you know that dyslexia can run in families?
Research shows that dyslexia often has a genetic component, meaning it can be passed from one generation to the next. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence or effort-it simply reflects differences in how the brain processes language.
Recognizing dyslexia as an inherited trait can help families understand why multiple relatives may share similar challenges with reading, spelling, or writing. Early identification and support can make a tremendous difference, helping children and adults build confidence and thrive.