We have created this institute to improve the literacy of our students within our Catholic Schools in the Madison Diocese. About 20% of our population struggles with reading. The number one reason a student struggles with reading is Dyslexia. Dyslexia is widely misunderstood and children with it require a very systematic approach to learning reading and spelling. We are able to screen students as young as Kindergarten to see if they have the pre-reading skills necessary to begin reading. If a… Show more We have created this institute to improve the literacy of our students within our Catholic Schools in the Madison Diocese. About 20% of our population struggles with reading. The number one reason a student struggles with reading is Dyslexia. Dyslexia is widely misunderstood and children with it require a very systematic approach to learning reading and spelling. We are able to screen students as young as Kindergarten to see if they have the pre-reading skills necessary to begin reading. If a student is missing some of these skills we have a wonderful tool that will help a student develop these skills so they are able to learn to read right along with their peers. We can also screen older students who may be struggling and get them started with this method so they can catch up with their peers. We are blessed to have the strong support of our diocese and the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities to get this program started. Show less

After 15 years as an interior designer for several companies and government agencies, I decided to expand my hobby of water painting into a business. I started out painting small greeting cards for friends and family. With their support and encouragement, my work has grown. My images are whimsical daily icons. Things we are very familiar, a mug of hot coco, fall leaves, an old barn, snowmen, etc. My Christmas Series continues to grow as I add a new piece every year. I have also done… Show more After 15 years as an interior designer for several companies and government agencies, I decided to expand my hobby of water painting into a business. I started out painting small greeting cards for friends and family. With their support and encouragement, my work has grown. My images are whimsical daily icons. Things we are very familiar, a mug of hot coco, fall leaves, an old barn, snowmen, etc. My Christmas Series continues to grow as I add a new piece every year. I have also done commissioned work and some abstract pieces that I am really enjoying. I continue to enjoy the relationship of the physical environment and how it impacts how we function. I plan to reconnect to the interior design field to explore new ways to support office work at home. Show less