Find an Educational Therapist

Bio: Diana Cessna, founder of Effective Teaching Group d.ba. EduGates, is a licensed NILD Educational Therapist, IDA CERI certified Dyslexia Specialist, and corporate trainer. Diana is equipped with over 25 years of experience training and teaching students and professionals within the spectrum of Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia, along with other neurodiverse co-morbidities. She has graduate degrees in ESE/ NILD Educational Therapy, Literacy Education, and Dyslexia Education, along with undergraduate degrees in International Studies and Political Science. Diana also holds an Instructor License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Diana works to develop the individual and unique skills of each learner, accelerating proficiency in English as a second language and improving English literacy, business communications, math skills, and executive functioning. Her philosophy and practice include educating and empowering individuals to replace any obstacles to academic, professional, or athletic success with the foundational building blocks to perform most effectively. Diana’s goal is to help all individuals rise to their highest potential.

Bio: PCET working specifically with middle school students at a private Christian school.

Bio: This 2023-2024 school year will be my 26th year as an educator. I was a teacher and held leadership roles for 24 years in Katy ISD and CyFair ISD. This is now my second year at Cypress Christian School as an educational therapist. I am incredibly honored that God led me to CCS. I know that education is a ministry, and I love doing God’s work at our amazing school. I hold the following certifications/credentials: Professional Development Appraisal System Certification Texas State Teacher Elementary Comprehensive Certification Texas State Teacher Secondary Certification Texas State Teacher English As A Second Language (ESL) Certificate English as a Second Language Grades (PK-12) Elementary Self-Contained Grades (1-8) I have also volunteered for animal shelters, rescues, and animal welfare organizations for over 20 years. Being an advocate for children and animals is my passion. I am a very proud wife and mother. As a family, we love to be a part of our church family, volunteer together, be outdoors in nature doing all kinds of activities & exercise, and we all love to read. I have many Bible scriptures that I lean on in different moments in my life. However, one I recite and hold in my heart every day is Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my Rock and My Redeemer.” Tiphany Nesbit

Bio: Jasmine is a wife to a wonderful husband, Herman, and mother of two little ones, Sarai and Timothy. This is her 9th year in education, and she currently works as an Educational Therapist at Cypress Christian School in Houston, Texas. She enjoys witnessing the growth of her students and helping them find their "Aha" moments. Additionally, she serves as the Worship Leader for her church, Shine Bible Fellowship and enjoys writing music, singing, and spending time with her family in her free time. A scripture she believes fits for her current season is Proverbs 3:6, which says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths." Jasmine believes wholeheartedly that God is the one who has led her to NILD, to impact students with learning differences in a more effective way than she could as a classroom teacher. She's excited to see how God uses her as His vessel and this program to change lives.

Bio: Alicia Griffiths is an Educational Therapist who works with exceptional students with learning disabilities to help them overcome challenges in their education. Alicia has spent over a decade facilitating National Institute of Learning Development (NILD) therapy with students ranging from pre-school to seniors in high school. Alicia supports students by helping identify challenges while developing relationships with each student. She works closely with families, students, and teachers to help each one of her students independently acquire a higher level of academic achievement. Alicia’s passion for helping students began in 2006 at Orlando Christian Preparatory School. While working there, Alicia completed the first two of three certifications for Educational Therapy and Search and Teach through NILD. Alicia moved to Texas in 2008 and worked part-time as an independent Educational Therapist before joining Cypress Christian School in August 2011. After joining CCS, Alicia completed her third level of certification in July 2012, attaining her professionally certified educational therapist status. Trained in Search and Teach techniques, Alicia supports younger children beginning school to address their academic differences with therapy before they transition into higher grade levels. She has additional training in RX Discovery Math, which teaches students to precisely develop the mathematics foundations of number sense, number fluency, math vocabulary and problem-solving strategies. Alicia graduated with distinction with her Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis on Human Resource Management in March 2007. She completed her second master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education with Dyslexia certification in December 2017. Alicia also obtained her professional certification in Dyslexia from the International Dyslexia Association in September 2016. Alicia strives to build personal and spiritual relationships with each student. She believes every learner has a desire to succeed academically. She truly enjoys guiding each family and student and finds their academic success to be truly rewarding. Alicia enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and dogs when at home. She volunteers her time overseeing the operations of her local swim team during the summer along with supporting her son’s and daughter’s athletic interests throughout the year. Alicia cherishes her time attending church and Bible study group. Her favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” NILD Professional Certified Educational Therapist Master of Education, ESE, Southeastern University Master of Business Administration, Keller School of Management Bachelor of Business Administration, DeVry University Dyslexia Certification Search and Teach Specialist