Meet our 2026 Wave Makers
Sarah Steepleton - Volunteer of the Year
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Sarah Steepleton’s contributions reflect the powerful impact of offering your time, talents, and expertise in service to others. Over the past two years, she has dedicated countless hours managing our books and developing a sustainable financial system. Her expertise, attention to detail, and strategic approach have strengthened our organization’s foundation and positioned us for long-term growth—directly supporting the students and families we serve. In recognition of this extraordinary work, she has been named Volunteer of the Year.
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"What an honor it is to be named a Wave Maker and work alongside so many wonderful people who have a passion for giving back to their communities and helping children learn one of the most critical life skills—reading. Not only is The Alliance helping students to develop reading skills, they are also improving their overall self-esteem, which is foundational to each of their futures. I'm so blessed to be able to be part of an organization that is making such a tangible impact!"
Michelle Norwood - Community Advocate of the Year
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Michelle Norwood’s work reflects the profound impact of leadership in service to students, families, and educators. As Regional Literacy & Multilingual Coordinator for ESD101, she supports 59 school districts across eastern Washington, strengthening literacy systems and expanding access to evidence-based instruction. Through her partnership with the Alliance, Michelle bridges the gap between families and schools, ensuring their voices are heard and shaping meaningful change. As a LETRS facilitator, she equips educators with practical tools to improve reading outcomes for all learners. In recognition of this impact, she has been named Community Advocate of the Year.
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“Being named a Wave Maker Award recipient, it is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me. Receiving the Community Advocate of the Year award affirms the importance of collective advocacy and the power of partnership between families, educators, and systems.
In my role at the ESD, my hope these last three years has always been to create impact beyond a single classroom; to support districts in not only following the law but truly understanding dyslexia and the instructional shifts required to support students effectively. Advocacy, to me, means building knowledge, strengthening systems, and equipping educators with the daily instructional moves that ensure reading success for all students.
This recognition isn’t about one person; it represents the shared commitment across our region to improve literacy outcomes and to ensure that every student has access to effective, evidence-based instruction. I’m grateful to be part of that work and to continue learning alongside so many dedicated educators and families.”
Gina McGlocklin - Educator of the Year
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Gina McGlocklin transforms learning for students and inspires growth in the educators she works alongside. As a Special Education Teacher at Colbert Elementary, she has helped bring in multiple professional development trainings with the Alliance, ensuring both students and teachers are supported with evidence-based strategies. She is also an active member of the Alliance's regional Champions for Dyslexia Educator group, sharing insights and encouraging other teachers to be change makers. Her advocacy, leadership, and dedication have strengthened her school and others in the region, creating lasting, meaningful impact. In recognition of this work, Gina has been named Educator of the Year.
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“Being named a Wave Maker means so much to me. I originally went into education to help our community, and the Inland Northwest Dyslexia Alliance has been an incredible partner in that journey—giving me the tools and the network to grow as a teacher right here in Spokane.
I truly believe learning to read is a fundamental human right. As Kofi Annan said, ‘Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.’
I’ve been so fortunate to work with some of the best students on the planet, including many who navigate the challenges of dyslexia. Their resilience inspires me every day. This award recharges my passion for teaching and reminds me why this work is so important for our community.
On a personal note, as a parent of a child with dyslexia, I see firsthand how life-changing it is when a child finally masters reading. When we give our kids the gift of literacy, our entire community flourishes.”
Jennifer Christensen - Administrator of the Year
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Administrators play a vital role in supporting educators and shaping school culture, and Jen Christensen exemplifies this leadership at Valley Christian. She has welcomed the Alliance to her school as a host site for literacy intervention, supported multiple professional development trainings, and strengthened the in-house Directed Studies program for K–12 students—positively impacting countless learners. Her dedication, vision, and commitment to growth have strengthened her school community, and in recognition of this work, Jen has been named Administrator of the Year.
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“Being named a Wave Maker Award recipient is an honor and blessing. It shows how God is at work at Valley Christian School and other schools around the area, helping us to learn best practices to meet the needs of all learners and foster the growth of their God given gifts and talents. It is a blessing that we can work together to help all students find success and realize that they are uniquely and wonderfully made!”
Dayton Cooper - Student of the Year
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Dayton Cooper’s dedication to learning goes far beyond what is easily seen. He demonstrates a level of resilience, personal responsibility, and perseverance that cannot be taught. Rain or shine, no matter the obstacles, Dayton arrives at his sessions prepared, focused, and curious, approaching learning with a genuine desire to understand the rules of English literacy and how dyslexia affects his reading. His steady effort, growth, and ownership of his learning is an inspiration and embodies the spirit of a true Student of the Year.
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“Receiving this award makes me feel happy and proud of how far I’ve come. It shows me that I’m growing and getting ready for what comes next after high school.”
Become a Wave Maker Today -
Make Your Impact
At the Wave Maker Awards, we’re celebrating individuals creating real impact for students, educators, and families affected by dyslexia. You can join them! Your support strengthens programs, expands access to evidence-based instruction, and helps more learners reach their full potential.
