Transforming Lives Through Educational Therapy: Koedi Nealy's Journey with NILD

Educational therapy has the power to transform lives, and Koedi Nealy's story is a testament to that. Today, Koedi is a successful nonprofit founder, author, and business student, but her journey began with significant challenges that she overcame with the help of NILD.

Before starting educational therapy with NILD, Koedi was an anxious fourth grader who loved recess, snack time, and Bible class but dreaded the classroom setting. Despite being called "smart," she struggled with severe anxiety, especially with public speaking and reading. Diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and a reading comprehension disorder, Koedi faced significant hurdles in her education. However, everything changed when she met Mrs. Dean, her educational therapist, and began her journey with NILD.

Starting educational therapy in elementary school and continuing through her sophomore year of high school, Koedi found her sessions both fun and immensely beneficial. She fondly recalls activities like Rhythmic Writing and Dictation and Copy, all of which were integral to her therapy. Quickly, Koedi's progress became evident; she even gained the confidence to participate in her first musical. Her confidence grew, leading her to join cheerleading in sixth grade and land a lead role in another musical by eighth grade.

One of Koedi's proudest moments during the NILD educational therapy program was achieving straight A's for the first time in seventh grade. She vividly remembers running to tell Mrs. Dean about her accomplishment, a milestone that solidified her belief in her abilities and the effectiveness of the NILD program.

Life Today

Koedi's achievements didn't stop with overcoming her educational challenges. In the fifth grade, she started a nonprofit, Graced Ministry, to help the homeless in Houston. By her senior year of high school, she had written a children's book about her journey called Pennies From Heaven, dedicating it to those who struggle with learning difficulties. Despite being advised to consider community college due to her learning challenges, Koedi set her sights higher and was accepted into ten out of eleven colleges she applied to. She chose to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she is a student of their business school.

The organizational and time management skills Koedi learned through NILD have had a lasting impact on her daily life. She continues to use these skills in her work and personal life, including taking notes in class and reinforcing ideas through connections, a habit she developed during her educational therapy.

Currently working full-time for her nonprofit, Koedi aims to continue speaking and sharing her story, emphasizing that it's never too young to make a difference. She also hopes to write another book, reminiscent of her experience with NILD, to encourage others that it's okay to learn differently.

Advice for Others

To anyone hesitant about starting NILD educational therapy, Koedi offers heartfelt advice: "I would encourage them to do it. It is a huge part of who I am today. I wouldn’t discount that it’s scary and new, but if you do it, you will see a difference."

Koedi Nealy's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of educational therapy. Through dedication, support, and innovative techniques, NILD helps students like Koedi overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams.

Photo Courtesy of Graced Ministry

By Maggie Karlov, NILD Program Operations Assistant, DP Therapist
Maggie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Regent University and began her career teaching in the public school system before transitioning to educational therapy after becoming a mother. Maggie is passionate about supporting her students and is inspired by NILD’s mission to make a meaningful impact on each unique learner. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, exploring outside, and rock climbing with her husband and two daughters.