Help when you need it most.
Is your child struggling in their school work?
Is reading painful and frustrating?
At The Park Academy, we help families learn more about why this is happening and our goal is to help students achieve great success by discovering the missing pieces of information that are necessary for success.
A letter to parents from Sue Park
I remember sitting at home week after week writing out my spelling words 20 times each. That is what it took for me to learn the words. We had a spelling book with 20 new words each week. There was no creativity or flexibility, just practice followed by more practice. Reading was not any easier. I couldn’t read the books that my classmates were reading and I hated reading out loud in class. During high school we read Romeo and Juliet aloud in English class. That was so stressful. In order to get through it, I would figure out which paragraph I thought I would end up reading. While the other kids were taking turns reading I would practice my paragraph over and over. When it was my turn to read my section and then start preparing for my next turn to read. All of this practice and anxiety meant that I had no idea about what the others read, which also meant that I risked more failure if I was asked a question I could not answer. I knew I had dyslexia, I knew math was hard, but all I could do was keep working to do my best.
Dyslexia was an everyday part of life for my family. My mom struggled and so did one of my brothers and one of my sisters. I decided to learn how to help others who dealt with dyslexia so I pursued a degree in special education. That was followed by 10 years of teaching in the public schools. After having a child with dyslexia, I eventually decided to homeschool her. She had great teachers, but her teachers were not equipped to nurture her intellect while simultaneously honoring the characteristics of her dyslexia.
Unit Study on the Iditarod and Erica’s musher to follow, DeeDee Jonrowe.
That marked the establishment of The Park Academy in2003. My second daughter joined our little school. Her challenges included dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. These challenges impacted every academic area. By the time both girls were in middle school, not only were they on grade level, they were set to skip the 8th grade and enter high school a year early.
It is my joy to nurture struggling learners and watch them achieve things they were previously unable to do. I seemed to always invite other kids to join us in our lessons. These kids were always kids who had struggles in some academic area. Eventually, it became apparent in my homeschool community that I loved quipping families with knowledge they needed to help their children to read. This led to the establishment of a private practice where I found like minded professionals and created a team of who wanted to empower students to achieve their best.
My own experience with dyslexia facilitates a unique connection with students. When it’s appropriate, I share my own struggle to read with my students. My history of dyslexia allows me to share with parents a perspective that reflects the struggles of their own children.
It is my desire to help you. You know your child better than anyone else and you can help them achieve their best. I hope that you will allow me the honor of working with you.
The Park Academy Team
Glenda Dyson
Glenda Dyson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Western Carolina University. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching and the Wilson Reading Program. Glenda has 23 years experience in the public school system in both regular education and special education. Glenda has been with The Park Academy for the past 2 years. She provides consulting, tutoring and testing services.
Dr. April Lamanno
She is a Rowan County native who obtained an undergraduate degree from NC State, and a
master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in1994 from Western Carolina University and her PhD in School Psychology in 2007 from Pennsylvania State University.
In addition to employment within the school system, she has also worked in a medical practice where she consulted with medical providers and evaluated children for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral concerns as well as challenges with anxiety and
depression. Read More
Lizz Johnson
As the Office Manager, Lizz manages schedules and student accounts for The Park Academy.
She has a Business degree with a focus in accounting. Lizz has worked with children in a variety of capacities and makes an effort to connect with our students and parents so that everyone feels welcome.
Our Focus
We are here to empower you and help your child achieve the success they were meant to through various therapy that goes beyond the scope of standard teaching and tutoring.