CEO and Chairman – Melissa Edmonds, DCS Director
B.A. Psychology – Samford University 1991
B.S. Nursing – University of Alabama Huntsville 1996
Orton-Gillingham Association training completed twice from different pacing perspectives and practicum completed.
Lindamood-Bell training completed in visual memory, hands-on math, early reading and reading comprehension.
“I became interested in dyslexia while studying the psychology of learning and behavior but became passionate about the issue when two of my children and my nephews experienced it firsthand. I believe that dyslexic learners are some of the brightest individuals in our society and that they should have the opportunity to reach their highest learning potential.”
Vice-Chairman – Dr. Scott Gunter, M.D. Tennessee Valley Pediatric Associates
M.D. University of Alabama School of Medicine
Residency – Levine Children’s Hospital at Carolina Medical Center, Charlotte NC
“My interest in dyslexia stems from my wife. She had learning disabilities including dyslexia as a child for which she received tutoring. The tutoring she received helped her in the classroom.”
Treasurer – Dr. Timothy Whalen, M.D. Alabama Psychiatric Services
Board certified in general and child and adolescent psychology
B.S. Davidson College in Davidson NC 1982
M.D. The Ohio State University College of Medicine 1986 “GO BUCKS!”
General Psychiatry Training at Johns Hopkins Hospital 1989
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Johns Hopkins 1991
“I am interested in dyslexia for both professional and personal reasons. In my psychiatric practice in Maryland, North Carolina and Alabama, the students with learning disorders and dyslexia have been among the most difficult to help. Learning disorders are not well characterized and require interdisciplinary cooperation for research and remediation or treatment. I also have a nephew with dyslexia. I have seen him struggle through and master learning with support from loving and determined parents.”
Secretary – Melonie Irons, Parent of Dyslexic child
“My husband and I watched my son struggle through school for over three years. We tried to get help for him through the school but he did not qualify for any aid. He understood that, for whatever reason, he couldn’t read or spell as well as the others in his class. When third grade began, it became too much for him. He began to give up. I finally decided to homeschool him. Within a year of taking him out of school we discovered that he had dyslexia. He then began to receive tutoring. The change in him has been dramatic. My hope is that no child goes through these things. I believe that every child should be provided with all the resources they need to reach their full potential. I am passionate about helping dyslexic children have access to the help they deserve.”
Marlene Sellers, Retired after 36 years in education as a teacher and a principal, primarily at Shoals Christian School
B.A. Elementary Education – Birmingham Southern College 1968
M.A. Elementary Education – University of North Alabama 1981
Further course work in Education Administration, post graduate school work – University of North Alabama.
“As a mother, a teacher, a principal, and a grandmother I have had such compassion for those children who struggle in school and in life. I have always tried to seek any way possible to find ways to make breakthroughs and improvements in their lives. I have a child with a severe traumatic brain injury, and a grandchild who has ADHD and dyslexia. They need to have a chance in life and the opportunity to share their many talents. The Dyslexia Center of the Shoals is diligently working to make this a reality.”
Risa Byrd
B.S. Speech/Language Pathology and Special Education
M.S. Education, Speech/Language Pathology and Special Education
“I elected to be a part the Dyslexia Center of the Shoals because, I work in the education field. I see children on a daily basis who struggle constantly in reading and spelling. My desire is to be supportive, encouraging, and to provide necessary resources which will enhance self-confidence within each individual child in promoting life long success.”
Holly Carbine Bridges
B.S. Education – Athens State College 1993
Certification in Early Childhood Education, Certification in Elementary Education
M.A. Education – University of North Alabama 1994
Certification in Early Childhood Education, Certification in Elementary Education
Orton-Gillingham training completed and currently working on practicum.
“As a teacher for over 20 years with various ages, the learning process and learning disabilities have always been a concern for me. But it wasn’t until my own daughter was struggling and identified as having dyslexia that it became my life’s mission to help unlock this invisible disability. I was determined to help make her pathway to learning easier than mine, because I too have dyslexia. As a professional educator, I feel like it is not only my job, but my duty, to help children unlock their potential and find the best way to match that with their performance. I firmly believe if we can take the frustration out of the educational process, we can change many people lives for the better. I can’t think of a better way to do so than to play an integral part in helping the Dyslexia Center remain successful and be attainable by all children in need of it’s services.”
Josh Woods
Director of University Communications, University of North Alabama
B.A., Freed-Hardeman University
M.A., East Carolina University
“I learned I was dyslexic at age 6. For the next seven years, I received specialized tutoring through a program much like the Dyslexia Center of the Shoals. The assistance and training I received gave me the essential foundation for the education and career I’ve achieved in the years since.”
