My name is Kimberly Cook (Kim) and I am starting my 26th year in education. Most of my career took place in Austin ISD where I taught first grade for 7 years and third grade for 4 years. I obtained my Master's Degree in Administration in 2009 and left the classroom to pursue other avenues in education. I was a Reading Specialist and Instructional Coach for 4 years and then became a Full Release Mentor to first, second, and third year teachers. I had the privilege of working in DSISD starting in 2015 and taught first grade at Dripping Springs Elemenatary. In 2016 I became the dyslexia specialist at Dripping Springs Elementary. In 2018, I wrapped up my two years of schooling and coursework with Rawson Saunders to become a CALT and took my Academic Language Therapist test on October 25th, 2018 and passed! I am now a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and registered with the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). I am also a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (LDT) through the State of Texas. Since these titles are so long I just introduce myself as a Dyslexia Therapist. I have had the pleasure of working in DSISD doing this job for the last 7 years.
I am so excited to continue my journey as the CALT at Cypress Springs Elemenatry. My main focus this school year (2023-2024) will be focused on forming positive relationships and teaching students who have Dyslexia and supporting students who need additional help with reading on our campus. I hope to build solid and positive relationships with the parents of my students as well.
Furthermore, I will serve as a resource for teachers who need support and offer a different perspective from which to tackle reading instruction in the classroom for dyslexic students. I also want to focus on helping my wonderful students advocate for themselves as well as build their confidence and self-esteem towards reading and themselves. I also want to focus on helping students find their strengths and know that they have value and worth no matter their reading ability.
I have been married to my husband, Bryan, for 24 years and have 2 children. We met at William B. Travis High School in Austin when I was 15 (1990-I am dating myself). The two of us were best friends for years and then started dating when I graduated from High School. We have been together since 1992...it's been a long time!! I can never get rid of him...he knows too much :)
My son, Carson, is 20 years old and he is my child with with severe dyslexia and ADHD. Carson was tested for dyslexia and qualified in 4th grade after years of struggling in school and in other areas of life. He was diagnosed with ADHD a few years after that and I learned that ADHD is a co-morbid condition of dyslexia. The struggle is real and I understand how hard it can be for parents. I have shed a number of tears worrying about this kid and how/if he was ever going to be able to make it. He did and now I worry if he is going to make it through college. I am always available if anyone ever needs to talk or needs someone who understands the struggle and worry. It's hard watching your kid struggle!
My daughter, Melissa (AKA: Missa), is 17 years old and is all about her social life and always on the go. Melissa does not have dyslexia and can read and spell better than her 20 year old brother in college (believe me she reminds him often too). She was diagnosed with ADHD two summers ago so she struggles in a different way. School is difficult for Melissa because of focus but she tries hard.
Our fur baby, Finley Mae Cook, is my third child. She is a black F1B Goldendoodle and is full of energy. She is my dog and I love her so much but she loves my husband the most. The one person in the family who was against getting a dog is the one she loves the most...go figure! They are attached at the hip!
Some of my favorite hobbies include reading, shopping (Melissa gets it from me), watching TV, and spending time with my family. I love going to the mountains every year, hanging out at the beach, getting massages, and enjoy Starbucks very much (Chai Tea is my favorite-no coffee...YUCK!).
I am excited to be a part of the CSES interventionist team as a Certified Academic Langauge Therapist. I look forward to this new school year forming positive relationships with my students and their families. My classroom is always open so don't hesitate to stop by anytime or shoot me an email. Sometimes it's just nice to talk to someone who knows/understands your struggle.
I am so excited to continue my journey as the CALT at Cypress Springs Elemenatry. My main focus this school year (2023-2024) will be focused on forming positive relationships and teaching students who have Dyslexia and supporting students who need additional help with reading on our campus. I hope to build solid and positive relationships with the parents of my students as well.
Furthermore, I will serve as a resource for teachers who need support and offer a different perspective from which to tackle reading instruction in the classroom for dyslexic students. I also want to focus on helping my wonderful students advocate for themselves as well as build their confidence and self-esteem towards reading and themselves. I also want to focus on helping students find their strengths and know that they have value and worth no matter their reading ability.
I have been married to my husband, Bryan, for 24 years and have 2 children. We met at William B. Travis High School in Austin when I was 15 (1990-I am dating myself). The two of us were best friends for years and then started dating when I graduated from High School. We have been together since 1992...it's been a long time!! I can never get rid of him...he knows too much :)
My son, Carson, is 20 years old and he is my child with with severe dyslexia and ADHD. Carson was tested for dyslexia and qualified in 4th grade after years of struggling in school and in other areas of life. He was diagnosed with ADHD a few years after that and I learned that ADHD is a co-morbid condition of dyslexia. The struggle is real and I understand how hard it can be for parents. I have shed a number of tears worrying about this kid and how/if he was ever going to be able to make it. He did and now I worry if he is going to make it through college. I am always available if anyone ever needs to talk or needs someone who understands the struggle and worry. It's hard watching your kid struggle!
My daughter, Melissa (AKA: Missa), is 17 years old and is all about her social life and always on the go. Melissa does not have dyslexia and can read and spell better than her 20 year old brother in college (believe me she reminds him often too). She was diagnosed with ADHD two summers ago so she struggles in a different way. School is difficult for Melissa because of focus but she tries hard.
Our fur baby, Finley Mae Cook, is my third child. She is a black F1B Goldendoodle and is full of energy. She is my dog and I love her so much but she loves my husband the most. The one person in the family who was against getting a dog is the one she loves the most...go figure! They are attached at the hip!
Some of my favorite hobbies include reading, shopping (Melissa gets it from me), watching TV, and spending time with my family. I love going to the mountains every year, hanging out at the beach, getting massages, and enjoy Starbucks very much (Chai Tea is my favorite-no coffee...YUCK!).
I am excited to be a part of the CSES interventionist team as a Certified Academic Langauge Therapist. I look forward to this new school year forming positive relationships with my students and their families. My classroom is always open so don't hesitate to stop by anytime or shoot me an email. Sometimes it's just nice to talk to someone who knows/understands your struggle.