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Jan Cook
Coordinator of Dyslexia
I began my education career in 1989. I have worked as a middle school teacher, an early childhood teacher, a reading specialist, a literacy coach, a dyslexia interventionist, and a program coordinator. I have worked with students with dyslexia as well as other struggling readers at all levels (K–12). I am driven to find ways to help students with dyslexia and related disorders reach their fullest potential. In my time at Region 4, I have been able to create products, teach teachers, and provide guidance to districts. Our Region 4 Dyslexia team is always ready to assist educators across the state and beyond! Email
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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. Email
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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. Email
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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. Email
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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! Email
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Natalie Pruitt
Education Specialist
My educational journey, evolving from my early years as a Special Education Teacher to my leadership roles, reflects a commitment to implementing and overseeing impactful programs. With a robust educational background and a steadfast dedication to professional development, my mission is to create a positive and lasting impact on students, educators, and the broader educational community. Specifically, my career goals are centered on elevating reading services through evidence-based practices, and striving for continuous improvement in educational outcomes. Email
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Katherine Waindel
Education Specialist
I have proudly served as a Texas educator since 1998 as a teacher and literacy specialist. I have advocated for students struggling with reading and writing as an instructional leader. I supported and assisted teachers and administrators to embrace evidence-based literacy instruction through instructional coaching and professional development. The early identification of students with dyslexia has been my guiding force which has led me to Region 4. My goal is to empower educators about dyslexia and how to navigate the challenges students and providers face to help them find success. Email
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Diane Burke
Education Specialist
My career in education began as a third grade teacher in 1992 igniting my passion for teaching reading. During my 25+ years in education, I have been privileged to hold the titles of classroom teacher, interventionist, Dyslexia Specialist, Dyslexia Therapist, Literacy Specialist, and Instructional Coach. Teaching Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade has provided experience with the literacy continuum first hand. Teaching students to read, presenting literacy professional development, and educating stakeholders about dyslexia have been the highlights of my career. As a Region 4 Education Specialist, I have the great joy of teaching educators and providing dyslexia professional development in our region and beyond. Email |
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Crysta Sheridan
Education Specialist
I am proud to have served as an elementary ELA teacher, campus dyslexia interventionist, and district specialist prior to joining the Region 4 ESC dyslexia team. Learning to support the needs of struggling readers in my classroom guided my career in dyslexia intervention. It is my goal to present professional development to educators to support the needs of dyslexic learners. The most rewarding outcome for me, as an educator, is to see struggling students gain the skills and confidence to successfully read. Life-long readers are life-long learners! Email |
