We're passionate about one thing... Your success.
– Meet the Team –
Dr. Karen Williams has been an educator for over 36 plus years and holds a doctorate in the field of educational disabilities with an emphasis on both assessing and classifying. Her skills as a disability specialist, including a certification as a Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician, have allowed her to work with children ranging from birth to adult. Her research is extensive in areas of intellectual disabilities, autism, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, etc.
Dr. Williams holds a bachelor of science from Louisiana State University of Baton Rouge, with an emphasis in regular education, as well as, special education certification in grades preschool through twelfth grade, a Master’s +30 from Northwestern State University, in addition to, a doctorate earned at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette.
Dr. Williams’ work experience ranges from working as a diagnostician to being an administrator for several school Districts, as well as, being a certified Superintendent and principal. Her experience includes being a classroom teacher, both regular and special education teacher, and later working as a Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician for Rapides Parish for approximately 22 years. Dr. Williams has worked in numerous schools, providing support to principals, teachers, and continues to provide professional development for both regular and special education teachers of all grade levels. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University and a private consultant. Dr. Williams has presented curricula, papers, as well as, workshops at both local and regional conferences, in addition, to being a published author, including her dissertation & research titled “From Cribs to Crayons: A Study on the Use of Universal Curriculum and Assessment of Preschool Students and Teachers in the Classroom. Lastly, she has provided extensive training on how to work with students who are deemed under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder to local police officers, enrolled in Crisis Intervention Teams. Dr. Williams brings an extensive field of assessment, practice, and application, both in school and everyday life!
Motto: “Bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the work of many generations. All this is put in your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honor it, add to it, and one day faithfully hand it on to your children.” -Albert Einstein
Alison Angelle is a skilled Reading Interventionist who has been with The Reading Center since 2019. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette with a concentration in technical writing, Medieval, and Irish literature. Alison is trained in Foundations in Sounds, My Pathway to Learning, Science of Reading and The Spell of Language, which have given her the tools to help her students improve their reading skills. Additionally, she is a writer of original decodable stories as part of the curriculum team, which has helped to create engaging and effective learning materials for her students.
Lora Auzenne is a highly experienced and accomplished educator with over 23 years of teaching experience. She is a former Nationally Board-Certified Teacher and holds an Associate's degree, a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, plus 30 graduate hours in education. She is certified in Louisiana to teach elementary education (1-8), special education (1-12) - mild to moderate, and is also certified as a school principal (1-12), district supervisor of instruction, and instructional coach. Lora has also worked as a federal program manager for school-wide planning/improvement and served as an adjunct professor and co-chair of the ULL College of Education's state on-site evaluation leadership team for two cycles. She will graduate in 2023 from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette with a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership and currently serves as the Director of Assessments for The Reading Center.
Yvette Reynolds-Blanchard is a highly experienced CEO of The Reading Center, Cognitive Connections Clinic, and non-profit Discover Dyslexia. As a professionally trained Reading Interventionist, she holds over 300 graduate level hours in Specific Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia Law, as well as extensive training in Orton Gillingham, Morphology, and Etymology. Yvette has attended several universities, including the University of Louisiana in Monroe, Alexandria, and Baton Rouge, as well as the University of San Diego, where she was a scholarship recipient. She is also a professionally trained Cognitive Enrichment Practitioner with seven licenses in Structural Cognitive Modifiability and Dynamic Testing, including Basic 1 and 2, Standard 1, 2, and 3, LPAD-D, and LPAD-Standard, Science of Reading and Trainers 1. Yvette is a highly skilled curriculum director and program developer and is trained in Orton Gillingham, My Pathway to Learning, The Spell of Language, Foundation in Sounds, Essentials of the English Language, and the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome cognitive barriers and achieve success. Featured on World News for the success on addressing illiteracy and promising results.
Holly Comeaux is a highly experienced and classically trained educator with 20 years of teaching experience. She is a Certified Cognitive Enrichment Practitioner in Standard 1 and 2 and has a passion for helping students achieve their full potential. Holly is professionally trained in Orton Gillingham and Foundations in Sound, which has allowed her to provide effective reading intervention to her students. Additionally, Holly has been trained in Excellence in Writing, and is part of a curriculum writing team, which has equipped her with the skills to create engaging and effective educational materials. Holly is dedicated to helping students with skills and tactics to enhance cognitive abilities.
Becky David is a highly skilled and certified Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Interventionist and certified Black Belt Memory Master with professional training in Orton Gillingham, Foundations in Sounds, My Path to Learning, Science of Reading and The Spell of Language. With over 20 years of experience serving the education community, Becky has worked as a private writing instructor for a multitude of struggling elementary, secondary, and high school students. She is also an accredited Instructor of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Becky has contributed to The Reading Center's curriculum as a writer, editor, and team member as well as Assistant Instructional Trainer.
Candis Iglinsky is a Reading Interventionist who has been working at The Reading Center since 2022. With her licenses in Cognitive Instrumental Enrichment in Standard 1 and 2, she has been a valuable asset in helping students improve their reading skills and guiding individuals towards improving their cognitive abilities through personalized approaches. Candis is formally trained in Orton Gillingham, My Path to Learning, The Spell of Language, and Foundations in Sounds, which has equipped her with the necessary tools to provide effective reading intervention to her students. Currently pursuing a degree in clinical psychology, Candis is set to graduate in 2023, where she plans to further enhance her skills in the field of education and psychology.
Gina Juneau is a Reading Interventionist at The Reading Center who specializes in Orton Gillingham, Foundations in Sounds, My Path to Learning, and The Spell of Language. She is also a licensed Structural Cognitive Mediator in FIE in Standard 1 and 2. With her classroom and private clinical experience, Gina has worked extensively with students who struggle with cognitive or reading-related difficulties. Additionally, she uses her musical skills as teaching techniques to assist clients in their sessions. She has helped numerous students overcome their reading challenges and improve their cognitive abilities.
Karen McCoy is a skilled professional with a Bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in education. She has worked as a behavioral therapist and as a legal assistant specializing in disabilities. Karen is a Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Interventionist trained in Orton Gillingham, My Path to Learning, The Spell of Language, Foundations in Sounds, adaptive math techniques, Science of Reading and structural writing. She was recognized as an Outstanding Single Parent by civic organizations in the state of Florida for her dedication and hard work. Karen currently manages two locations of The Reading Center and is also an advocate for individuals with learning disabilities. Additionally, Ms. McCoy works as the Assistant Director of Assessment.
Dawn Nilsen is an honor graduate from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette with certifications in Secondary English Education and Special Education (mild-moderate(1-12)). She has extensive experience in both public and private education. Dawn is a skilled Dyslexia Interventionist trained in multiple Orton Gillingham approaches, including Barton, Foundations in Sound, The Spell of Language, My Path to Learning, Science of Reading and Institute for Excellence in Writing. She works as The Reading Center's Lead Instructional Trainer, curriculum contributor, writer, and editor. Dawn also collaborates with the development team to bring innovative techniques and technology to the program.
Dione Pastor is a dedicated Reading Interventionist at The Reading Center, where she works one-on-one with clients. She is a graduate of the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and is a certified teacher in middle school English Language Arts. Dione is professionally trained in Foundations in Sounds, Orton Gillingham, and The Spell of Language, which has given her the tools and knowledge to help her students succeed. She has been a valued member of The Reading Center team since 2020, and her commitment to improving the lives of her students is unwavering.
Sherry Rhoney is a highly experienced educator with over 25 years of service within private Louisiana schools. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded the Lafayette Educational Foundation Inspirational Teacher of the Year in 2004. Sherry has served as the Preschool Director for several years, where she was able to share her knowledge and expertise in early childhood education. Sherry is trained in Orton Gillingham, Foundations in Sounds, Science of Reading, Sign Language, and holds 2 licenses as a Cognitive Enrichment Practitioner, as well as being a professionally trained Reading Interventionist. Her passion for education and her commitment to her students continue to provide support for individuals facing cognitive challenges.
Denise Robichaux is a highly experienced Reading Interventionist with 28 years of experience working with school-aged children. She is professionally trained in Orton Gillingham and has helped countless students improve their reading skills. Denise graduated from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and retired from the Lafayette Parish School Board. Additionally, she is licensed in Cognitive Modifiability Standard 1 and 2, which has given her a unique perspective on how to help students who may be struggling with learning and Science of Reading. Denise has been with The Reading Center since 2020, and her expertise and dedication to her clients have assisted clients in their cognitive growth and development.
Elaine Speyer is a licensed Cognitive Enrichment Practitioner in Standard 1 and 2, with over 26 years of experience in education within the private school system in Lafayette, Louisiana. Elaine holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and an associate degree in American Sign Language, where she worked with hearing-impaired individuals, helping them assimilate to the world around them. Professionally trained as a Dyslexia Interventionist in Orton Gillingham, The Spell of Language, Science of Reading and Foundations in Sounds, Elaine is part of the curriculum team and serves as a consultant and leader in the Cognitive Division. Her expertise and dedication to clients provide guidance and strategies for improving cognitive abilities.
Kandas Stoker is a licensed Cognitive Enrichment Practitioner in Standard 1 and 2 with extensive training in Reading Intervention. Kandas is professionally trained in Orton Gillingham, The Spell of Language, My Path to Learning, and Foundation in Sounds, making her a valuable asset to her students. With her passion for helping others succeed, Kandas has been employed as a Reading Interventionist since 2022 and has been able to make a significant impact on her students' reading abilities and cognitive growth. Her expertise and dedication to her profession have made her a respected member of the education community, and she continues to be a driving force in helping students reach their full potential.
Respected teacher Theresa McLaughlin has recently joined the Cognitive Connections team, bringing along with her twenty-plus years of public, private, and homeschooled experiences. Combining her certifications and mentorships from some of the top leaders in the education field with her master’s degree in professional writing from Liberty University and bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Theresa has spent the last few years devoted to sharing her ACT techniques to boost student scores by 5-10 points. She has also facilitated adult classes for English as a Second Language learners to master the English language. Growing up bilingual, Theresa knows first-hand the struggles of many learning challenges; however, she also knows the rewards of perseverance. It is with her dedication and commitment to the success of her students that Theresa will be a valuable asset to our team. Skilled in thinking and learning how to think, as well as adding new certifications under her belt, she is excited to begin her new journey as an advocate coach working with those of all ages seeking to enhance many dormant skills used in the classroom, workplace and community.
Testimonials
My daughter would not be where she is without the skills she is learning at The Reading Centers. She picks up books and reads them without being told. I can't spell things to my husband anymore because she knows what I'm spelling. Small price to pay on our end to see these monumental changes in her life.
Kate, Parent
The Reading Center ha been a blessing. Our son has been awarded A-B Honor Roll!
Valerie, Parent
From the 4th national percentile in Reading to the 47th percentile in TWO years. We are beyond proud and very thankful.
Laura, Parent