In this episode, we’re sharing the first part of our interview with Missy Purcell. In this conversation, we look at what drives her dedication and discuss the impact of effective intervention and the power of community in shaping literacy success. Whether you're a teacher seeking better strategies, a parent looking for hope, or a student finding your way, this conversation will inspire and equip you with the tools to move forward. We’ll be back with the second half of the interview in two weeks!

Missy holds a degree in middle school education with 15 + years of experience in the classroom, specializing in inclusion. She is both a speaker and a passionate advocate for the science of reading. After successfully advocating for her dyslexic son’s right to read, Missy devoted the bulk of her time volunteering to support countless families of kids with learning differences. 

Missy is co-founder of Gwinnett Advocates for Dyslexia, a grassroots organization that advocates for evidence-based instruction in Gwinnett County. Additionally, she serves as the Education Chair with Decoding Dyslexia Georgia, DDGA, which advocates for change at the state level. Recently, she co-founded The Science of Reading for Advocates, which aims to resource and equip leaders committed to ensuring every child can read. 

Missy is married to Mark, the mother of three boys, Harrison, William, and Matthew, and two furbabies, Barkley and Bauer. When she’s not working or advocating, she can be found with coffee in hand at a band concert or at the baseball fields cheering on her boys!

Keep in touch with Missy! You can find her on Instagram and Facebook, or check out her website, misspurcell.com.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest.

For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. 

We're looking for topic and guest suggestions for season 4 of the Together in Literacy Podcast! Let us know what you want to hear this season!

Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!