Cy Simonsgaard
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Cy Simonsgaard is an IMSLEC Certified, Orton-Gillingham Academic Language Therapist, who works to remediate reading, writing, spelling, and handwriting difficulties in children and adults with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. Cy is trained and experienced in multiple programs such as Sounds In Syllables (SIS), Winston-Grammar, Neuhaus Reading Readiness, and LIndamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing. Cy believes that with respect, patience, and fidelity to the structured literacy approach, all students can advance their reading and writing skills and self-esteem.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Academic Language Therapist
Self-employeed
Milwaukee, WI
09.2013 - Current
- Instruct students 1:1 in private educational setting 3-4 times weekly in multisensory, structured, language therapy
- Facilitate improvement in clients' control of anxiety in response to reading, writing, and spelling
- Employ both synthetic and analytic instruction, breaking English down into smallest component parts necessary for student to permanently learn
- Monitor students' progress and adjust treatments accordingly
- Maintain energy, patience, and enthusiasm in fluid, individualized student driven environment
- Successfully teach students phonology, phonological awareness, sound-symbol association and syllable fluency for accurate decoding
Academic Therapist
St. James Catholic School
Falls Church, VA
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans resulting in grade level or above reading achievement in two years for four of five students
- Collaborated with principal and parents to develop and implement exemplary reading instruction to dyslexia students during pull out class
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to ensure dyslexia awareness, deal with crisis situations, and develop action plans
- Consulted with other therapists, and public and private service agencies to advise clients on resources available to students
Contract Employee
Kennedy Krieger Institute, Dpt Of Neuropsychology
Baltimore, MD
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Designed and implemented structured literacy lessons for four students diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome taking part in Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) summer reading white paper study
- Accommodated for differences in learning styles and personal behaviors using differentiated instruction
- Demonstrated flexibility and confidence working with medically fragile students, parents, and neuroscientists to ensure that expectations were being met
- Maintained accurate, detailed documentation and student status reports for study
Education
Master of Education – Reading, Orton-Gillingham - Reading And Special Education
King's College
Wilkes-barre, PA08.2023
No Degree - Special Needs Education - Reading Specialist
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA2019
Certified Academic Language Therapist - Dyslexia & Language Based Learning Challenges
Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center IMSLEC
Rockville, MD05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZSkills
- Develop diagnostic treatment plan based on deep knowledge of reading difficulties
- Collect and analyze ongoing student data
- Differentiate each lesson and seamlessly adapt within lesson itself
- Present information in creative ways through multi-sensory techniques and proven researched based methods
- Over 10 years experience working with students of all abilities in various environments and group sizes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Personal
Cy recently moved from Northern Virginia to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is in love with her new city. She lives at home with her husband, daughter, and three cats. In addition to loving family time and reading, Cy enjoys cooking new recipes, sightseeing, and indoor rock climbing.
Timeline
Academic Therapist
St. James Catholic School
08.2017 - 05.2019
Contract Employee
Kennedy Krieger Institute, Dpt Of Neuropsychology
05.2017 - 08.2017
Certified Academic Language Therapist
Self-employeed
09.2013 - Current
Master of Education – Reading, Orton-Gillingham - Reading And Special Education
King's College
No Degree - Special Needs Education - Reading Specialist
University of Virginia
Certified Academic Language Therapist - Dyslexia & Language Based Learning Challenges
Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center IMSLEC
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
University of Arizona
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