Bio:   Carolyn's heartbeat is education and she has over thirty years of education experience in elementary, secondary, and higher education. She holds a Master of Education, (M.Ed.) Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM), Master of Special Education-Educational Therapy (M.Ed-ESE), Education Specialist, and Doctor of Education. She is currently a Ph.D Developmental Psychology candidate. She is certified to teach CEU's, she is an NILD Professionally Certified Educational Therapist (PCET), Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist (SL/DS, and Professor of General Education at Urshan University in Wentzville, Missouri.

Bio:   NILD Educational Therapist Bachelor of Business Administration, Baylor University Dana Dean has over 15 years experience assisting students as an educational therapist, enjoying 12 of these at Cypress Christian School. Dana graduated from Baylor University with a B.B.A. in marketing with magna cum laude honors. After experiencing the life-changing benefits firsthand as her daughter’s NILD therapist, she feels compelled to make sure other students experience the same. She thrives on the challenge of figuring out how to reach each individual student, coming beside them as they grow in confidence and independence. Her goal is for each child to feel empowered by knowing how they learn best and how to overcome obstacles. She is grateful for the “blessings” she and her daughter encountered due to dyslexia. They have not only equipped her to serve her students better, but also have helped her to discover her passion. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, rollerblading, mission/philanthropy work and family time. She is blessed by her husband, Kevin, and children Katie and Clayton. A special Bible verse she treasures in her heart is Deuteronomy 31:6 which affirms, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

Bio:   Suffolk Christian Academy Student Support Program Director for NILD services.

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.