Region 4 Dyslexia

What's New?

The Reading by Design® Structured Literacy Certification Program is an International Dyslexia Association Accredited Program. Learn more.

Jan Cook

Senior Education Specialist

I have been in education since 1989 as a teacher, interventionist, Reading Specialist, and Program Coordinator. Prior to working for Region 4 ESC, I was a Program  Coordinator for Reading Intervention in a district. In this capacity, I coordinated the Dyslexia program and Response to Intervention for K-12th grades. I have worked with students with dyslexia and other struggling readers at all levels (K-12). I am passionate about the topic of dyslexia and how to help our students with dyslexia reach their fullest potential. E-mail

Mary Yarus

Education Specialist

My career in education began in 2001 as a dyslexia specialist, then later as a dyslexia therapist. Beginning in 2008, I worked in family support and adult literacy at a nonprofit professional learning center. In this capacity, I provided information and programs for parents, taught adult literacy students, and coordinated the adult literacy program for students 18-80. Teaching reading is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I love the “Aha!” moment when the letters and sounds form words and begin to make sense to the struggling reader. E-mail

Sharon Garcia

Education Specialist

During my 19+ years in education I have taught in self-contained Pre-K/PPCD inclusion, Kinder, and second-grade settings. Additionally, I was privileged to provide tier 3 literacy intervention as well as dyslexia intervention for grades K-5th. Continuing my passion in elementary and early childhood education as a Region IV Elementary Education Specialist, I enjoy building educator capacity in the areas of elementary ed and dyslexia intervention delivery. Through professional development design and delivery, professional coaching services, as well as technical assistance, I support professional educators in and out of our regional area. E-mail

Siobhan Johnson

Education Specialist

I have been serving a diverse population of students in public schools (K-12) for nearly 20 years. I began my career as a special education reading teacher and have had the privilege of also serving as co-teacher, reading facilitator, Response to Intervention Specialist, special education department chair, general education teacher, and educational diagnostician. As a diagnostician, I administered psychoeducational evaluations to determine if a student had a learning disability. I am knowledgeable in identifying the needs of struggling learners and helping teachers implement students’ individualized education plans (IEPs). I am passionate about supporting struggling learners and am committed to ensuring students of all ages learn to read.   E-mail 

JaneAnn Brown

Education Specialist

I started my career in 1982 as a bilingual teacher. I spent 30 years in the classroom serving Pre-kindergarten through Second Grade bilingual students. I was honored to serve for six years as a Program Coordinator for Reading Intervention working with students in grades K-12 who struggled with reading and writing and their teachers. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to serve students, teachers, and parents in the areas of Bilingual Education and Dyslexia. It is an honor to continue working with stakeholders as a Region 4 Education Specialist. 

Wanda Davis

Education Specialist

I have had the honor to serve in public education for 30 years, both in New York State and most recently in Texas. I have been extremely privileged to have worked with students and teachers in a variety of K–12 settings including as a classroom teacher, new teacher mentor, literacy specialist, writing coach, campus dyslexia interventionist, and district dyslexia specialist. During part of this time, I served as a research fellow and created structures within my classroom around the idea of developing communities of learners and student-led conferencing. The last 5 years have been spent invested in learning, teaching, and coaching through all aspects of dyslexia within both 504 and special education domains. It is truly my greatest honor and privilege to help students and educators grow into their gifts and abilities. Learning to read opens so many doors—I can’t imagine anything more rewarding!