Founder of The Dyslexia Center in Colorado Springs says the future

Dr. Lynne Fitzhugh founded The Dyslexia Center, which recently opened its doors at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital.

About 10,000 children in Colorado Springs have dyslexia.

Fitzhugh serves on the national board of the Academic Language Therapy Association and has been appointed to the Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee as well as the Response to Instruction Implementation Team. She is adjunct faculty at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in the department of psychology.

Fitzhugh recently took time to tell the CSBJ about herself and her organization.

Organization: The Dyslexia Center

Position: Founding director

Hometown: Atlanta, Texas

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: Since August 1999

Education: Ph.D. in psychology, master's degree in psychology, Learning The-ra-pist Certificate Program and a bachelor's degree in journalism, all from Southern Methodist University

A few words about your company: We believe that the ability to read is one of life's greatest gifts, and the consequences of not being able to read are brutal. We believe that all children can learn to read. We are dedicated to eliminating "curriculum casualties" as we envision a community where those with learning differences are able to reach their full potential, thereby benefiting themselves and the community at large.

Recent accomplishments: June 2007 -- Opened our doors at the St. Francis Health Center. July 2007 -- Started our first class of dyslexia therapist trainees with support of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and graduate credit available through the UCCS Department of Psychology.

August 2007 -- Partnered with Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic; hosted a week-long Mel Levine training for Ivywild School staff.

November 2007 -- Signed a contract to become an official LETRS Affiliate Site (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), becoming the eighth site nationwide and the first in Colorado.

Biggest career break: Receiving a $147,000 grant from the Penrose- St. Francis Health Foundation and 4,000 square feet of space from Penrose Hospital to allow our nonprofit to open its doors to serve the community.

The toughest part of your job: The many, many calls we receive from the parents of children who struggle with reading and the desperation they are experiencing.

Someone you admire: Anyone who stands up for what he believes in.

About your family: I have been married to the same wonderful man, Bullitt, for almost 29 years. We have four children: Bullitt III, Anna, William and Caroline. My husband and three of my four children are dyslexic -- and brilliant!

Something else you'd like to accomplish: I'd like to finish the books I am writing in my head.

How your business will change in the next decade: I believe that we will train more and more teachers in effective reading instruction for all students and truly change the future for many dyslexic students.

What are you currently reading? Each year at Christmas, I look forward to reading "The Gift of the Magi" with my family. It is such a fabulous story about self-less giving.

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? If I could wave my magic wand, every school would have at least one person trained in intensive reading remediation. Other than that, nothing -- I love Colorado Springs!

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