Maryann Chatfield is my Name; Linguistics is my Game

Hello friends! Thank you for visiting Welcome Dyslexia Learning Resources. My name is Maryann Chatfield and I created Welcome Dyslexia with one goal in mind:

Helping those in need, learn how to read!

I’ve been intrigued with the English language for quite some time now, and deep down I've wanted to be a teacher my whole life. I remember when I was only seven years old, I would come home from school and dress up as a teacher. I wore my mother’s pearls because that made me feel important.

Before I realized that dream, I spent some time in the corporate life. When my children went off to elementary school, my desire to teach grew even stronger. I recall thinking about my own school experiences. Taught by nuns in a private school, I wanted to make sure that my students would never endure that kind of experience.

I wanted to make a difference in the world, and I wanted to teach children. Getting my teaching degree became my priority. Once attained, I thought I was totally prepared. I spent a few years as a long-term substitute because it was nearly impossible to find a job opening. Answering an ad in the New York Times proved to be my stepping stone to where I am today.

I was hired to teach children with dyslexia. When pursuing my education degree, the word dyslexia was never mentioned; I had no idea what it was. The more I learned about dyslexia and the brain, the more intrigued I became.

Thirsty for knowledge after an intensive training at a school in Dutchess County, NY, I embarked on a journey to learn all that I could. I applied for the Associate Level of the Orton-Gillingham Academy. and a few years later, after more intense training and practice, I became a Certified member.

Fast forward to today. I am now a Fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy, a true “language nerd” (self-appointed).

To learn more about me or the fascinating world of dyslexia, check out the rest of the website and please, feel free to contact me anytime at MaryannChatfield@WelcomeDyslexia.com. You will be glad you did!