Supporting Neurodiverse Learners and Striving Readers: Strategies for Inclusive Literacy Instruction

About the Presenters

For 25 years, Dr. Terrie Noland has put her energy into education and literacy—first as a teacher and administrator, and now as both an Educational Leadership Consultant and a Senior Advisor of Educator Initiatives for Learning Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to “Literacy for All.” Terrie’s mission is to spark a flame of enthusiasm in others for continued personal and professional growth and development. Recognized as a thought leader, Terrie speaks about literacy at national education conferences and webinars that draw thousands of educators to hear captivating stories, take-away strategies, research, and best practices, which she always delivers with humor and inspiration.

She is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and stays grounded in a structured literacy approach by tutoring students weekly. Terrie has a Ph.D. in literacy and educational leadership from St. John’s University. She is a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach, trainer, and member of the President’s Advisory Council. She also hosts the Spotlight on Dyslexia and Spotlight on Early Literacy series by Learning Ally and builds communities of educators to advance best practices in classrooms. Terrie’s passion runs deep for children not proficient in reading. She is truly an advocate for them and the educators who serve them.

Currently the Director of Community Engagement and Recruitment for the Iona University Education Department and an adjunct professor, Debbie Meyer’s lengthy professional career includes fundraising, nonprofit management, and strategic planning. She is a founding member of the Dyslexia (Plus) in Public Schools Task Force, a small group of community leaders working to help students with dyslexia and related language-based disabilities thrive in their neighborhood schools. Debbie is a member of the Board of the Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children. In 2018, Debbie was named an A’lelia Bundles Community Scholar at Columbia University to look at the intersection of dyslexia and mass incarceration and the role of universities in changing the trajectory of struggling readers. In 2021, she served on the NYC Mayoral Education Transition Team. In 2022, she was appointed to the Chancellor’s Literacy Advisory Committee, and in 2024, NYSED appointed her to the Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force.

Tiffany Neal is a literacy expert and consultant for districts around the country. She is currently the Elementary Literacy Coordinator for Keller ISD where she supports teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade across the entire district. She leads curriculum, assessment, and professional learning initiatives grounded in the Science of Reading. She has her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and her master’s degree in administration. She was Keller ISD’s Teacher of the Year and has a deep understanding of early literacy and reading instruction at the elementary level. She has received extensive post-graduate education in reading and literacy instruction from Columbia University. Outside her district role, Tiffany provides contract consulting in professional learning and curriculum development and runs a literacy tutoring business that supports student confidence and growth.

About the Moderator

Christina Rodriguez has over 20 years of experience in educational publishing leadership. She began her career in the classroom and then in leadership roles at the district level. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing and implementing systems that support students and educators. In her publishing career, Christina has created research-backed resources that have helped improve literacy outcomes. As the mother of a neurodiverse son, Christina is also a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Her advocacy has reinforced her commitment to creating equitable educational opportunities for all students, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed. Christina holds an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in reading and literacy.