Board of Directors

Emily Henley has been an educator since 2011, with the majority of her experience in K–3 classrooms. In 2023, she transitioned to the middle school setting, where she currently teaches reading intervention. Emily holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Friends University (2015) and a Master of Arts in the Science of Reading from Mount St. Joseph University (2024).

During her time at MSJ, Emily became a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (C-SLDI), an Orton-Gillingham-trained teacher, and a K–12 Reading Specialist. She is also a licensed K–6 Early/Late Childhood Generalist and a PreK–12 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher. After completing LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training in 2021, she began sharing her passion for the science of reading with colleagues and fellow educators.

Emily is deeply committed to teaching students how to read and advocating for stronger literacy practices and policies. When she’s not working with students or advising the school yearbook, she’s spending time with her husband and two children, Fisher and Georgia, or serving as a business coordinator, lifeguard, and health aide for the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland’s Starwoods summer camp.

Jane Hayes is a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist, Certified Academic Language Therapist, and Qualified Instructor in evidence-based Structured Literacy programs. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.S.Ed. in Dyslexia Therapy. Since beginning her work in dyslexia, Jane has served as a classroom teacher, dyslexia therapist, consultant, advocate, school advisor, and adult education instructor. She is the co-owner of R.E.A.D. Redefined and an adjunct professor at Newman University for the MSED Reading Specialist with Dyslexia Emphasis program. Jane recently co-authored an reading intervention teacher training program and curriculum that earned Accreditation PLUS credentials from the International Dyslexia Association. 

Colleen Zink has over 20 years of experience in education. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in curriculum and instruction, both earned at the University of Kansas. She taught for 16 years in the general education classroom before completing her reading specialist program at Fort Hays State University. While working for 5 years as the reading specialist, she completed her Orton-Gillingham training through Orton-Gillingham Academy and is now a Fellow-in-Training with the Academy. Currently, Colleen works as the Dyslexia Coordinator for the Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, KS.

 Amy is an accountant with over 20 years of experience in public accounting and working with small businesses specifically.  She has served as treasurer for multiple organizations. Amy has her husband Ryan and 3 boys; Drew, Kohen and Brigham and they live in the Kansas City Metro area.  Amy is passionate about helping families navigate dyslexia in the early diagnosis stage and support since two of her sons have dyslexia. She advocates for Structured Literacy in local school districts and best practice so all children can learn how to read. She enjoys spending time with her family, youth activities: football, baseball, wrestling, Boy Scouts, vacationing and all things cups and pens for her small business.

Board of Directors 

Jeana has been an educator since 2002 serving in various roles in the elementary setting.  She has taught first-grade, Title Reading groups, has been a K-4  Literacy Coach, Reading Specialist serving students in grades K-2, and most recently helps students and teachers as a PreK-2 Instructional Coach.  

Jeana is certified in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, K-12 Special Education and has extensive training in Dyslexia and Orton-Gillingham through IMSE, Dyslexia Training Institute, and LETRS.  She also tutors after school hours and is pursuing her Dyslexia Advocacy Certification this fall.  Her passion is helping younger students learn to read and write. Jeana received Educator of the Year in her school district in 2017-2018.

Her role as an Instructional Coach helps build the capacity and professional learning of all teachers, and she works very closely with teachers within their first three years in the classroom and is helping make a shift in literacy instruction within her district.  While literacy is important to her, she is also trained in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and spends time with curriculum and instructional design. Jeana is also her district Professional Development Chair working closely with her teachers and central office to improve the learning of all students.

When Jeana is not in the classroom, she spends time with her family on their farm.  They have row crops, chickens, four dogs, and barn cats. She has been a baseball mom for years and with her youngest son having recently graduated, she plans to spend more time studying dyslexia.  ,In the summer she has a garden and spends time canning the harvest to enjoy in the winter.  Jeana also enjoys reading, cooking, camping, swimming, biking, and hiking.

Neal Zoglmann is currently the Instructional Strategies (Reading) Teacher, and an 8th grade case manager for Goddard Middle School. He is a graduate of Pittsburg State University and a former reading interventionist for the Center for Reading at Pittsburg State University. He is currently working towards an M.S.E. in Special Education from Pittsburg State University and is working towards his Masters in Literacy with an emphasis in Dyslexia from The University of Central Arkansas, an IDA accredited plus program

Neal is currently licensed to teach K-6 General/High Incidence Special Education, pK-12 English for Speakers of Other Languages, and 5-8 Generalist (Math, Science, Social Studies, ELA), additionally he  is certified as a Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher (C-SLCT) through the International Dyslexia Association and the Center for Effective Reading Instruction.

Leah DeYoung has worked in ELA and Special Education classroom settings for the past 25 years. She currently serves as a Certified Academic Language Therapist at Eagle Heights Elementary in Smithville, Missouri and as a virtual therapist and advocate for Nashville Dyslexia Center. Outside of the therapy setting, she also works to promote research and evidence based literacy practices as an Ambassador for Missouri’s Reading League. 

I live in Osage City, Kansas, with my husband, Ryan, and our five children. I am originally from Fort Scott, Kansas. I was a middle school and high school English Language Arts teacher for 10 years. I have also been the school play sponsor and student publication advisor. I have served as a District Reading Specialist for Osage City USD 420 for the last three years. I am LETRS certified and hope to become a Local LETRS facilitator. I am a member of The Reading League and the International Dyslexia Association.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Kansas. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary) and a Master of Science in Reading (emphasis Reading Specialist) from Pittsburg State University. I recently completed the first year of training to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) at the Phillips Fundamental Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas. I will begin my second year of training this summer.

I am passionate about teaching and advocating for students. I also love spending time with my family. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, and camping. I try my hand at cooking, baking, and artistic endeavors. And, of course, I love to read.

Mrs. Jacinda Griffin has nearly two decades of experience in education, working with children from infancy through college. Her professional background includes roles such as parent educator for the Parents as Teachers program, kindergarten teacher, ELL testing coordinator, reading interventionist, and computer literacy instructor. Currently, she owns Reading with Mrs. Griffin, where she offers private reading intervention and dyslexia testing services. Mrs. Griffin holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a focus on early childhood, as well as a master’s degree in reading from an IDA-accredited university. She is a licensed teacher in Arkansas and Missouri, with specialized credentials from the International Dyslexia Association and the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. As a Certified Dyslexia Therapist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, and one of just nine Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialists in Missouri, she is highly regarded in reading and literacy intervention. 

Hi, my name is Logan Ruddy, and I’m a passionate educator, structured literacy advocate, and proud first-generation college graduate. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Washburn University—where I was honored as Student Teacher of the Year—and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in High-Incidence Special Education at Fort Hays State University.

I’ve taught in Title 1 settings, primarily working with 2nd-grade students, and I’m deeply committed to the Science of Reading and closing academic gaps through evidence-based instruction. I’ve had the honor of presenting my structured literacy practices to educators, administrators, and school board members across Kansas through the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) in partnership with Washburn University. I’ve also been featured by The Reading League, and I’m proud to share that 95% of my students reached or exceeded benchmark expectations due to the science of reading and structured literacy approach.

To be honest, there was a time when I considered leaving education altogether in my first year of teaching because I had no idea how to teach reading, but discovering structured literacy changed everything. A colleague introduced me to the Science of Reading, and since then, my instruction and classroom management have never been stronger. Structured literacy gave me the tools, clarity, and confidence I needed to truly reach my students.

I believe literacy is the foundation of both belonging and freedom. Students can’t feel a sense of belonging if they can’t read. Literacy unlocks their potential—and their future. As Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” That quote fuels my mission: to ensure every child gains access to the freedom that comes through reading.

My name is Payton Siemens and I am a Speech-Language Pathologist, and a literacy intervention specialist! I am from Manhattan KS and I recently got married last year to my husband, and we have a corgi named Buffie. I am dyslexic and have always wanted to work with children or adults who struggle to read just like I did. I have recently worked closely with children and families navigating dyslexia and other learning challenges. 

Growing up with dyslexia, learning differently was a constant struggle due to the schools not fitting to my needs to be successful. For years, I believed I was “dumb” or “stupid,” when in reality, I just learned in a way that was more visual, hands-on, and auditory. That misunderstanding shaped much of my experience and made me passionate about advocacy. I want to become the strongest advocate I can be for others with dyslexia so they don’t have to struggle the way I did, especially in environments that saw me as the problem, rather than recognizing how my brain simply worked differently than other kids. As a new board member, I am excited to contribute to the IDA’s mission and help build awareness and resources across Kansas and Missouri. Outside of work, I love to sew, learn sign language and learn to cook different foods!

Holly Hailey is a certified elementary school teacher with 10 plus years of teaching experience. She received her BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Missouri. In 2021 Holly completed her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with additional training in the Science of
Reading while obtaining her Reading Specialist certification. 

Holly currently runs own small business, tutoring and assessing children
with reading difficulty. In addition, she often consults with parents to help
educate and guide them in seeking assistance for their children who are
struggling with reading.

Holly has been very discouraged by the lack of assistance and concern for children who have dyslexia or are struggling to read. She is eager to use her knowledge and skills to further the mission of IDA and bring awareness and resources to Kansas and Missouri.

Suzanne Knoelk, MS, Certified Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist, CALT, has
dedicated the past 20 years to the field of education in roles including second and third grade
classroom teacher, tutor, Reading Specialist, District Wide Reading Specialist, and Adjunct
Professor. She believes that literacy changes lives and is passionate about helping children
who struggle, as well as the parents and teachers who care for them. Sue moved from Illinois
to Missouri in June of 2024 and in addition to her current position as a Reading Specialist in the
St. Charles School District, she has developed and teaches courses on dyslexia related topics.
Sue served as the co-founder and Vice-President of the ALTA Illinois Chapter, and as a Board
Member for Everyone Reading Illinois. She has been a featured speaker for parent support
groups and many literacy conferences, including the Illinois Reading Council and Everyone
Reading Illinois. Sue has also served on ISBE committees, as a university accreditation review
team member for the International Dyslexia Association, and holds a certification as an
Instructional Coach from the Chicago Coaching Center. The University of St. Francis in Joliet,
IL is her Alma Mater where she earned a Master of Science degree in Reading.