Michelle is a WA state certified teacher with endorsements in K-8 Elementary Education, K-12 Reading and K-12 English as a Second Language. She is the founder and director of the Cedar Literacy Center where she serves students and families that are navigating dyslexia in their school experience.

Michelle has worked in the field of education for more than twenty years using Orton-Gillingham/structured literacy methods. One of her favorite memories of early literacy was when she witnessed all three of her children reading a Calvin & Hobbes book while sitting on the “famous” blue couch. It is a privilege to see people transformed through literacy.

Advocating for and building community with people identified as having specific learning differences and their families are integral aspects of my life. I am familiar with the highlights and challenges that accompany specific learning differences and have spent the last several years educating myself and advocating for better recognition. I am currently a member of the SLD Implementation and Transition Workgroup created by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Dyslexia unexpectedly entered our lives when our oldest son turned eight. It has taken significant effort to find the right resources to help all three of my children thrive in school, and each year is a new journey. My goal with this community is to help parents and teachers recognize the signs of dyslexia as early as possible so that kids can receive the right support. Additionally, I aim to create a safe and positive environment for parents to learn how to navigate this journey with their children.

Hi I am Alicia Weeks, MS, CCC-SLP. I am excited to be part of INW Dyslexia Alliance to bring awareness, honesty, humor, and hope to families impacted by learning differences. By profession, I am a speech language pathologist and founder of Niche Therapy. With Niche Therapy I strive to help students with dyslexia and other learning challenges develop their toolbox of skills to support them in their everyday life. In addition to building language skills I provide education on assistive technology and create a space for parents to converse with their practitioner.

In my personal life I am a dog owner, home chef, houseplant enthusiast, wife, and person living with dyslexia. I look forward to creating a safe and supportive community for families to have open conversations about learning differences.