As a young child, Chloe faced significant reading challenges. At the end of her first-grade year, during the final parent-teacher meeting—and despite no prior concerns raised by her teacher—her school informed her parents that “Chloe is not ready for second grade. Her reading skills haven’t ‘clicked’ yet. For some kids, reading just ‘clicks’ later in age. She needs to repeat 1st grade.” This revelation came as a surprise to her parents, both of whom were experts in dyslexia remediation.
Despite Dr. Conway’s extensive expertise as a neuropsychologist with peer-reviewed research in dyslexia prevention and intervention, and Chloe’s mother’s experience as an instructor at a specialized dyslexia clinic, neither of them initially recognized the warning signs in their own daughter. Rather than accepting retention as the solution, Chloe’s parents made a well-informed decision—she and her older brother, Sheridan, would spend the summer in an intensive program at The Morris Center. There, Chloe underwent evidence-based interventions, including an early version of the NOW! Foundations for Speech, Language, Reading & Spelling® program, paired with Occupational Therapy incorporating Sensory Integration Therapy.
The results? Nothing short of remarkable. Not only did Chloe return to school reading at or above grade level, but her success also reshaped the way her teachers and school administration viewed dyslexia intervention. This pivotal moment set Chloe on an accelerated academic path, leading her to graduate with an Associate’s Degree before finishing high school and later earning her Bachelor’s in Science from the University of North Florida.
Now, in 2024, Chloe has reached another major milestone—earning her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences! As she prepares for her board certification, she is bringing her personal experience and expertise full circle by returning to The Morris Center, where her journey began. How did two parents with deep expertise in dyslexia intervention overlook early warning signs in their own child? What was it like growing up with a dyslexia expert as a father? How did Chloe go from being told she needed to repeat first grade to reading above her grade level in just one summer?
How did early intervention shape her confidence? And what does Chloe hope to bring to the next generation of children facing the same struggles she once did?
Tune in for an incredible episode as Chloe shares her inspiring journey!
