All About Dyslexia Podcast

What happens when a passionate public school advocate realizes her child needs a different path to thrive? In this heartfelt episode, Meredith Descher shares her family’s journey through her son’s dyslexia diagnosis, the difficult decision to pursue specialized intervention at Lighthouse Academy, and his successful return to public school stronger and more confident than ever. This conversation explores the power of early intervention, the importance of community partnerships, and how specialized support and public education can work hand in hand to help every child succeed.

Need a diagnosis for your child? https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Ready to take the next step and enroll: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/application

Want to support what Lighthouse is doing: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

In this episode of All About Dyslexia, hosts Traci Barrientos and Kayla Reggio sit down with Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson. They explore his “Tackle the Tape” initiative, efforts to reduce barriers across the state, and the evolving role his office plays in the business of education. The conversation highlights impactful changes happening in Mississippi and what they mean for students, educators, and communities.

Show Note Links: 

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Meghan S. Buchanan—engineer, mountaineer, and adventure athlete—who shares her journey of growing up with dyslexia and transforming challenges into strength. Through her personal framework, GGRIT—Gratitude, Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity—Meghan explains how perseverance helped carry her from early academic struggles to climbing some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. This conversation highlights the power of mindset and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

Show Note Links: 

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

Meghan's Resources: 

Book: https://a.co/d/0e5p5n6Z

In this episode, we sit down with Maria Canning, founder of the Police National Dyslexia Association, and Rebecca Warner, founder of The Dyslexia Symbol. Maria shares how the Police National Dyslexia Association, launched in the Houses of Parliament in 2024, is helping provide resources and trained dyslexia advisors within police departments across the United Kingdom. Rebecca discusses the creation and growing recognition of The Dyslexia Symbol and its role in improving awareness and accessibility for individuals with dyslexia. 

Show Note Links: 

Learn more about PQBD: pqbd.org

Learn more about PNDA: pnda.org.uk

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Angela Williams, MAT, CALT, founder of Away with Words. With more than 20 years in education and extensive experience providing dyslexia therapy, Angela shares how targeted literacy intervention is helping children and young adults build stronger reading and language skills. She also discusses her work supporting the mission of the Academic Language Therapy Association Charitable Foundation and the importance of expanding access to effective dyslexia support. 

Show Note Links: 

Away With Words: awaywithwords.one

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan W. Shook, MD, a physician with Hattiesburg Clinic Connections. Dr. Shook discusses his work providing medical evaluations, medication management, and treatment services for children and teenagers who struggle with learning differences, attention challenges, and behavioral concerns. This conversation highlights the important role medical professionals play in supporting students with dyslexia and related learning challenges.

Show Note Links: 

Connections Clinic: hattiesburg clinic connections

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Jasmin Dean, Ph.D. Candidate, CALT, LDT, Qualified Instructor in Training, founder of Celebrate Dyslexia School in San Antonio, Texas. Jasmin discusses her work supporting students with dyslexia through specialized instruction and shares her perspective on the movement to add dyslexia to the medical diagnostic code system. She explains how this change could significantly impact access to services, funding, and support for families. This conversation explores the intersection of education, advocacy, and policy in the fight for better dyslexia support.

Show Note Links:

More about Jasmin's School: https://celebratedyslexia.org/

Donate to Lighthouse Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

In this mini-episode of ALTA Voices: Live from New Orleans, we sit down with Megan Pinchback, MBA, LDT, CALT, founder of Dyslexia on Demand. Megan shares her mission to expand access to dyslexia support and how innovative, on-demand resources are helping families, educators, and students navigate the challenges of dyslexia. Recorded live at the Academic Language Therapy Association National Conference in New Orleans, this conversation highlights practical insights and the growing movement to make effective literacy support more accessible than ever.

Show Note Links: 

Dyslexia On Demand: https://dyslexiaondemand.com/

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

In this episode of All About Dyslexia, Traci Barrientos and Stephanie sit down with Kayla Reggio, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia, to discuss her unique journey in the world of dyslexia.

Kayla has spent her career teaching students with dyslexia, training educators, and contributing to research that highlights the importance of early identification and intervention. But after years of professional experience, dyslexia became deeply personal when she began noticing signs in her own daughter, Camille.

Kayla shares what it was like to recognize those early red flags, how Camille began intensive dyslexia therapy in kindergarten, and how specialized dyslexia schools helped shape her learning journey. As both a dyslexia therapist and a mother, Kayla offers powerful insight into why early intervention matters, what effective dyslexia therapy looks like, and the incredible strengths that often emerge in dyslexic learners.

This conversation offers encouragement and practical insight for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand how the right support can unlock a child’s potential.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The early signs of dyslexia parents should watch for

Why early identification and structured literacy intervention are critical

What makes special-purpose dyslexia schools unique

How dyslexia therapy can transform confidence and learning

Encouragement for families beginning their dyslexia journey

Join us as we explore how professional expertise and personal experience can come together to illuminate the path for dyslexic students.

Show Note Links: 

Donate Today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-donation-36

Lighthouse Center for Diagnostics: https://www.lighthousediagnostics.org/

Lighthouse Academy for Academy: https://lighthousedyslexia.org/

In this season finale of All About Dyslexia, multidisciplinary artist Cecelia Moseley shares how dyslexia shaped her creative journey. Before words came easily, she learned to express meaning through art—turning struggle into strength. Cecelia reflects on learning differently, the power of creativity, and what is lost when language becomes only digital.

Explore more about Cecelia Moseley at "Remnants of Language" at The MAX. on display until March 19th in Meridian, MS.

Interested in reading Cecelia's Theses? Overlay: Language Uncovered

Want to help Lighthouse Academy further their mission and support students with dyslexia? Donate now!