Mrs. Jacinda Griffin brings a wealth of experience in the field of education, having dedicated fourteen years to public schools in various capacities, catering to children from newborns to college students. Throughout her career, she has served as a Parent Educator for the Parents as Teachers Organization, Kindergarten Teacher, ELL Testing Coordinator, Reading Interventionist, Speech Implementation, and Computer Literacy Instructor. Now the owner of Reading with Mrs. Griffin.
With a solid educational background, Mrs. Griffin holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood and a master's degree in Reading from an IDA-accredited university. She is a licensed teacher in Arkansas and Missouri and possesses specialized credentials from prestigious organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, and International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education.
Recognized by these respected organizations, Mrs. Griffin holds certifications as a Certified Dyslexia Therapist, Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, and she stands among the five individuals in the state of Missouri who hold the distinguished title of Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. Her expertise and qualifications make her a highly regarded professional in the field of reading and literacy intervention.
Who
Reading with Mrs. Griffin, LLC is owned and operated by Jacinda Griffin, M.S.E., CDT, BCCS, C-SLDS.
what
Mrs. Griffin offers educational therapy services in reading, comprehension, and all skills related to becoming a proficient reader. She also offers academic screening and diagnostic testing for Dyslexia.
Where
In person services are provided in Bernie, Missouri. Virtual services are also available.
how
For information and scheduling of screenings or dyslexia testing email mrsgriffinreading@gmail.com
For availability for recurring intervention please fill out the wait list form here: Wait List
Testimonials
...Coming Soon
Dyslexia Basics
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/
Who can DIAGNOSE dyslexia?
“Professionals with expertise in several fields are best qualified to make a diagnosis of dyslexia. The testing may be done by a single individual or by a team of specialists. A knowledge and background in psychology, reading, language, and education are necessary. The tester must have a thorough working knowledge of how individuals learn to read and why some people have trouble learning to read. They must also understand how to administer and interpret evaluation data and how to plan appropriate reading interventions.”
https://www.lexercise.com/blog/diagnosing-dyslexia
https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics-2/
Testing can be conducted by trained school, or outside specialists. (For more information, See the Dyslexia Assessment Fact Sheet.)
Common professionals who may be able to diagnose with the correct training:
Neuropsychologist
Specially trained educational professionals
Medical and eye doctors cannot diagnose dyslexia
Insurance does not cover the cost, and you will have to pay out of pocket.
IDA - Evaluating Professionals
A diagnosis of dyslexia cannot be determined by any one single test. A diagnosis of dyslexia includes consideration of background information, school history, and comprehensive assessment of both oral language (speaking and listening) and written language (reading and written expression) skills at all levels from the simplest to the most complex. A professional thoroughly familiar with the characteristics of dyslexia at different ages and stages in the continuum of literacy skills must interpret and integrate the information gathered into a comprehensive written report that includes the following information:
Recommendations for instructional/remediation approaches that match the student’s profile
Recommendations for educational accommodations such as extended time, if indicated
A statement regarding the need for compensatory strategies (i.e., assistive technology, based on level of organizational skills, note-taking ability, and study or memory skills)
Assessment of dyslexia involves individual testing, most often provided by a team of qualified professionals who have had extensive clinical training in assessment as part of a graduate degree program. Professional clinicians who assess Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and dyslexia may have M.A., M.S., M.ED., Ed.D., or Ph.D. degrees in Education, Reading, Speech-Language Pathology, School Psychology, Psychology, or Neuropsychology. Evaluation by a medical doctor is not required for assessment or identification of SLD or dyslexia.
Resources and Information
Professional Development
Cognitive
Strategies to Build Working Memory
Everyday Activities to Build Executive Function
Cognitive Activities for Adults
10 New Focused Attention Practices
Balance Movement Activities to Improve Visual Skills
14 Classroom Activities - Increase Student Engagement
How to Improve Reading Skills with Auditory Activities
Assessments
Parent resources
Autism
SEMO Autism Center
Bootheel Pediatric Therapies - Belinda Worley (Only accepts Medicaid)
BlueSky Autism Center in Cape
OT, PT, and SLP
PARC Rehab in Malden and Poplar Bluff
Bootheel Pediatric Therapies - Belinda Worley (Only accepts Medicaid)
Reading Intervention (Besides Mrs. Griffin)
Tree of Knowledge - Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner - Cape Girardeau
Online Intervention
Tutor and Intervention Directories
Resources
Understood.org- 7 Steps to Getting a 504 Plan for Your Child
Extraordinary - How to get a 504 Plan
Americans with Disabilities Act - College students
Student Cafe - Your Rights as a College Students
EDUtopia - Helping College Students with Disabilities Understand Accommodations
Best Colleges - Accessing College Disability Services
IRS Information on tax deductions
ADHD and Counseling
Southern Breeze Counseling - Dexter
Dr. Wood - Poplar Bluff (Must have Dr. referral)
"Contact the Department of Mental Health (DMH). They will assess and set up for services through Easter Seals (Music Therapy, Parent Training, Social Groups, and Camps are just a few of the services we have utilized). I will admit the DMH service coordinators leave something to be desired, at least in areas like Wayne County."
Kenny Rogers Center
Sage Creek https://www.sagecreekmo.com/services.php
Targeted Case Management
Family Matters
First Steps (for under 3)