Testimonials
Testimonials from Administrators
I was a principal at Covington Middle School in Austin, Texas, from 2006 to 2013. Laurie Hunter used the program she designed and developed, Cultivating Reading and Phonics, to tutor our students. These students began progressing on our district benchmark tests and on final state assessments. This intervention is outcome-based and data-driven, which helped drive her lessons and instruction. This great TEA-approved program was precisely designed and methodically sequenced to build each skill for growing improvement in reading.
Laurie has put much time and passion into the mission of developing and helping struggling students stemming from family personal needs. Her multisensory program covers many areas, from phonics to decoding, to handwriting, and much more. She has personally followed her students throughout post-high school and has observed them become successful adults in a variety of business and work-related endeavors. I truly believe that many of these students could have been high school dropouts without this reading help. I would have given anything if her program had been created when my oldest dyslexic son was struggling in school. I highly recommend this TEA-aligned, Cultivating Reading and Phonics, program to any and all school districts.
~Candace Hughs, Principal 2002-2013, College Professor, Superintendent Internist
Dear Laurie, Thank you for the most remarkable year of my career. The campus is a better place for students, staff, and parents because of your tremendous contributions to this place…Thank you for your tutoring of students who needed intensive help…I’m overwhelmed and deeply grateful.
~Karon Rilling, Retired Principal, 30 Years in Education
Testimonials from Teachers
I have seen the results of Laurie Hunter’s Cultivating Reading and Phonics program firsthand when she tutored several of my middle school students who had Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and/or received special education services. Not only did my students progress in their reading, but they also willingly arrived at school well before the first bell to participate in Laurie’s program.
Aside from personally witnessing the growth my students made, I am also pleased to report that her program meets the components set forth in the TEA Handbook. As a dyslexia interventionist myself, I am trained in several TEA-approved interventions. Her program systematically and explicitly introduces orthographic patterns, rules, and their sounds using multi-sensory instruction. Students are introduced to phonics patterns with phonological awareness (“listening for”) exercises. Students make their own 3-D phonics flash cards to build sound-symbol relationships and pronunciation/spelling rules, followed by phonological awareness, decoding, handwriting, and encoding exercises. The program presents the sounds in a systematic, explicit order, so it’s fun and memorable. Towards the end of the program, students learn about syllable division, morphology, and syntax. It’s a well-designed program that is both fun for students and meets the components outlined in the TEA Handbook.
~Shannan Peterson, M.S. Ed., National Board Certified Teacher, Dyslexia Interventionist, Special Education Teacher
We were referred to Laurie Hunter for our second son, Levi. He struggled with reading proficiency and accuracy, spelling, and handwriting. After two years of Laurie’s intervention and curriculum, Levi was admitted to a magnet program for middle school, where he maintained a place in the A-honor roll almost all three years…My wife and I firmly believe his success is due to having Laurie as his support and guide, as well as the implementation of her curriculum. I remember him talking about the flashcards he would create with Laurie, and even now, in a considerably more rigorous academic environment, he is much more relaxed when he has to put pen to paper. As a 22-year veteran of the Special Education Department for Austin ISD, from my professional and personal perspective, I can say I wholeheartedly support and recommend Laurie Hunter’s curriculum and program work.
~Gustavo (Gus) Tostado, Austin ISD Job Coach, 22-Year Veteran of the Special Education Department
I came to know Laurie three years ago when her son Preston was enrolled in my fourth-grade class at Cowan Elementary. Faced with many struggles in spelling and decoding in reading and writing class, Laurie took it upon her own to volunteer her time two days a week to serve him as well as five other students in my class who also faced similar issues. Just as any regular education teacher, Laurie would develop highly detailed lesson plans of her activities and often scripted out her steps for me to follow so that I would have a good awareness of what she was doing with these students. Looking back on these lessons, I noticed how she heavily incorporated the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles into them…I rarely had any kids ever miss her group time, and often others who were not in the class would inquire out loud as to when it would be their time to work with Mrs. Hunter’s group.
Her students became very close-knit as a result of this training, and amazingly, one of them even managed to score a four on the state’s Writing TAKS test exam for 4th graders that particular year in February. That individual struggled immensely with many misspellings throughout the year; however, once she began working with Laurie, I immediately noticed a more confident and determined student who pushed herself more to read and write more than ever before. It was as if a real connection occurred within her language, and she was not about to let it go. It was through Laurie’s work that this student, as well as her son Preston and the other four individuals, prospered in my room.
All in all, I have always been astonished as to what Laurie has done in the study of children who have dyslexia. Along with countless hours and unpaid volunteer time, she has maintained a highly self-motivated attitude and has demonstrated herself to be one that is a truly caring and compassionate individual who deeply has a passion for helping others in need.
~Juli A. Naranjo, 4th Grade Teacher
I have been battling with Dyslexia all my life, and I can confidently say that the strategies the author describes in the book, Cultivating Reading and Phonics, and her other one (for 3rd to 12th graders) really do work! This book is extremely helpful if you are a parent or teacher with a child who has Dyslexia, ADHD, or another learning disability.
~Teresa Lentz, 9th Grade Teacher
I have had the pleasure of knowing Laurie Hunter since May 2006, when she began to tutor my son. I was in a desperate search to find help for my son with reading and writing. His elementary school notified me that he would not pass first grade. I was at a loss because my son tried many tutoring programs as well as resources, and nobody could figure out how to help him. I told one of my colleagues about my son’s situation, and she recommended Laurie Hunter to tutor him. We met, and she was very professional and knowledgeable regarding her approach and philosophies of teaching. Laurie started teaching my son in May, and by August, the school retested my son, and he passed to go into the second grade! In three months, my son went from a reading level three to a level 18. Since last year, my son has progressed rapidly in both reading and writing. Laurie has made it fun for him to learn using multiple strategies. My husband and I call her a guardian angel because when everyone was giving up on him, Laurie continued to convince us that he could learn and accomplish. The goals needed to survive elementary school. My son is now successfully entering third grade and is above the reading grade level.
Laurie is one of the most dedicated, motivating, and caring persons I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I learned this through my son‘s experiences, but also through my school, where I teach. She was our PTA president this year at Covington Middle School. In the eight years that I have taught at Covington, we have never had such support from the PTA as we had this year. Laurie ran schoolwide fundraisers, hosted lunches for all the teachers and staff, and gave out awards to teachers and the administration. She speaks to the staff eloquently and gives inspiring words to make all of us feel like our jobs are very important. She works very hard and gives her all in everything she does.
~Cathy Humphrey, Director of Middle School Band
I read the book, Cultivating Respect and Cooperation in the Classroom and at Home, before I started teaching the fall semester…Your words reminded me once again why I’m still in the classroom…I liked the quotations throughout and the overall organization of each chapter. The story [and lesson] of the fence is certainly relevant for all students today – too many students have no one to guide, direct, and be firm with them. They also often – and too many teachers as well – focus on the negative instead of the positive, as you so uniquely point out with [the activity] purple and blue. I have never heard of the activity of the rocks before and found that interesting – I can see the activity being very effective in the classroom. As well, lesson eight – the $20 bill would certainly get the attention of the students…The activities would be great professional development or in-service sessions.
~Marilyn Wooldridge, Master High School Teacher and Tarrant County College Adjunct Instructor of English
Testimonials from Parents
My son was diagnosed with dyslexia at a very young age, coincidentally, by my Aunt, Dr. Martha Hougen, who has spent her entire career focused on the field of literacy to help children with dyslexia while at UT and the University of Florida. My Aunt, after recognizing the signs, suggested that we get him professionally evaluated for learning disabilities. Once we had the dyslexia diagnosis, Martha introduced us to Laurie, who had been one of her best graduate students, and she felt strongly that Laurie could help Nikolas.
Laurie did a reading intervention with Nikolas at the age of 5, while he was in Kindergarten. I was very skeptical at first, but through her dedicated and persistent guidance and encouragement, she transformed my son, a child with very low self-esteem, who hated school, into a completely changed and confident student that he is today. I can still see Nikolas sitting at her table, poring over her colorful phonics books, and engaging with interest and excitement as he gained confidence in what he was learning. I am fully confident in saying that if Nikolas had not had the reading intervention with Laurie while in Kindergarten using her books and methods, my son would be a very different child than he is today.
I am sure that there are hundreds of students whom Laurie has inspired and for whom she has changed the trajectory of their learning experience. I am always quick to recommend her and her books when I meet other parents whose children are struggling with learning or have received a learning disability diagnosis, and I feel as hopeless as we did all those years ago.
Nikolas still works with Laurie to this day, and our family is so grateful for all that she has done for Nikolas and the dyslexic community of students. I cannot recommend her and her curriculum highly enough. Not only has she ignited a spark for learning in my son, but she has given him something far greater by igniting a confidence in himself for which there is no measure in how far it will take him.
~Mona Knutsen, Parent
My son’s reading intervention tutor uses this Cultivating Reading and Phonics program; it has made a huge difference in his life! He has dyslexia and dysgraphia. And three years ago, he went from being a non-reader to a successful reader by working through this book! As parents, we didn’t know how to teach him; his Montessori school wasn’t equipped to support his learning challenges.
My husband has been the primary parent involved in tutoring, but this summer, I’ve started attending sessions too – and I’m realizing how much I didn’t understand about phonics.
I’m now reading this book myself (our son is heading into 5th grade), and I love the introduction. It outlines a successful and practical path for supporting a child with reading difficulties—at home, in school, or with a tutor. This approach keeps my son motivated and eager to learn.
Most importantly, it replaces that helpless feeling with real, actionable strategies. I highly recommend it to any parent navigating similar challenges.
Thank you to Laurie Hunter for showing the positive approach to nurture and enhance the lives of children facing dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other learning challenges…I can truly see how powerful and effective these lessons are in practice.
~Vanessa Vance, Parent
Laurie Hunter has children of her own who have dyslexia. And during their elementary school days, Laurie was having difficult times with the school to bring the right programs that offered the most benefits. So, Laurie dropped everything and not only became her children’s strongest advocate and learned how to help her children with their schoolwork, but she also attended every session that was available. When Laurie saw the results in her children, she took it a step further and had the desire to help every child who needed extra help in school. She quit her job and dedicated herself to going to several schools a week to work one-on-one with the children that she knew would benefit from her program. Not only did Laurie take on this incredible challenge, but she also took this task without being paid. I have never heard Laurie complain about not being compensated for her time and efforts working at the schools. She did all this volunteering. You might ask them what her reward or accomplishments were. I’ll tell you, it was to see the light in the children’s eyes that she helped. Now, that was her greatest satisfaction.
~Madeline Mansen, Parent
When my daughter Melissa was in the first grade, she could not learn how to read. At that time, Melissa‘s teacher, who had been teaching for 18 years, had no knowledge or training for dyslexia; that is why the teacher was not able to help my daughter with her academic needs. My daughter learned how to read because of a volunteer, Laurie Hunter, who implemented her reading program, which is now called Cultivating Reading and Phonics Skills. Her method is a code-based, multisensory approach that teaches phonics with phonological awareness, spelling, and self-confidence. I don’t understand why reading programs like this could not be provided in the first grade for all students with reading issues. When my daughter was in the second grade, I told her teacher that I would like to volunteer and asked how I could help. She told me she had seven students who were not reading. I asked if I could implement the reading program that had worked for Melissa, and I volunteered from 12 PM to 2:30 PM three times a week, working with the seven students. I initiated Laurie’s reading program, and the seven students received reading intervention, and they learned how to read. I don’t understand how second graders like these would have ever learned to read without this intervention.
Once my daughter’s skills and confidence were established, I became a substitute teacher. I was shocked to discover how many older students were not able to read…I also noticed that the methods teachers were using were not working. Our young children are becoming more and more depressed and anxious because of this. How can teachers learn new ways to teach so that our kids will learn? There is a better way. Ways that build self-esteem, confidence, and competency. Everyone who teaches should read the other book Laurie Hunter also wrote. It’s called Cultivating Respect and Cooperation in the Classroom and at Home. This book explains to teachers and administrators how they can teach their most difficult students to become motivated, even when it may seem impossible. It teaches parents and teachers how they, and their instruction, can be more relevant to students of all backgrounds, perceptual styles, and abilities. It shares how they can build trust in relationships with their “hard to reach“ and “annoying” children and teens.
…I’m not asking that teachers do more. I’m asking that schools stop using and supporting outdated methods that create unhealthy anxiety, rebelliousness, and depression in our school children. If we don’t, then our teachers will continue responding in the ways that keep this vicious cycle spinning. We must interrupt this unhealthy cycle by supplying our teachers with inspiration and more effective methods…It should be mandatory for teachers to provide instruction in ways that do not create low self-esteem in their students. They should be required to receive professional development in the areas that are outlined in the book, Cultivating Respect and Cooperation in the Classroom and at Home.
~Laura Pittman, Parent, Dyslexia Tutor, and Education Advocate
Mrs. Hunter, my daughter, Andy, comes home and tells me about her sessions with you. I have been overwhelmed with the diagnosis of Andy’s dyslexia, and to know that there are parents like you who give their time to help dyslexic children really warms my heart. Not only have you made a lasting impression on my daughter. You got her mommy too! You’re awesome! Thank you for caring enough to make a difference.
~Anna Romero, Parent
Mrs. Hunter, we want to thank you for everything you have done for our son. We appreciate your time and know it’s not easy to volunteer. But to us, you have made the difference.
~Patricia Castillo, Parent
Dear Laurie, words cannot express my gratitude for your willingness to work with Liam. Your patience and rapport with him is so wonderful.
Without you, Liam‘s 504 meeting would have been a disaster. As she read the report – even though I knew the results ahead of time – I could feel myself crumbling on the inside. You stepped in and took incredible control, and words cannot express my gratitude. You are a wonderful advocate for my son, and we are immensely grateful for all you do.
~Dawn Piper, Parent and Teacher
Cultivating Respect and Cooperation in the Classroom and at Home is a must-read for anyone who wants to connect with others. This isn’t just for communicating with children; this is great information for any important interaction. Laurie Hunter has tested and assembled a treasure chest of techniques for instilling confidence and trust while also achieving respect and cooperation. She delivers the material in a clear and reader-friendly manner that is incredibly easy to absorb and put to use. The workbook-style format makes it all the easier.
My grandson had taken his first teaching job, second grade. What had begun as the delight of his life became a soul-wrenching struggle. This book, had it been available, could have helped him work through it with much less difficulty. I was glad to finally be able to purchase it for him.
Chris Rogers, Grandmother of a 2nd Grade Teacher
Testimonials from Students
Mrs. Hunter, you have really made a difference, and I want to thank you for all your time and effort, and especially for caring. Thank you also for supporting me and not giving up on me.
~Chad
Dear Laurie, thank you for teaching me how to read!
~Justin
Dear Mrs. Hunter, I owe all my success to our tutoring sessions. For without you, I would not have gotten this far.
~Miranda
I would like to thank you for the unwavering support throughout my academic journey. I want to thank you for everything you have done to help me advance as a human and in my academic career. I’ve known you since third grade…My academic career wasn’t very easy, and you definitely made an impact, and I will always be grateful. Thank you for always believing in me.
~Jack
Dear Miss Laurie, thank you for being a great tutor. Thank you for helping me with my dyslexia and for helping me get my grades up…I don’t think I could have gotten as good of grades without you.
~Ariela
Dear Mrs. Hunter, I would like to thank you for being such a kind tutor who could put up with my craziness. You are the best tutor ever.
~Sam
Dear Mrs. Laurie, I like you teaching me. My favorite thing to do is math word problems. I like to read books with you. I have learned so much about math and words from you. You are the best teacher that I ever had!!! Hopefully, you will teach me again next year.
~Nikolas
Dear Laurie, thank you for all the time and effort you have put into making us better students and better people. I shall (hopefully) remember all the lessons you have taught me and follow them through…I have grown to appreciate all you have done for me, and I will carry that knowledge for the rest of my life.
~Noah
Dear Laurie, I appreciate everything you did to get me through high school successfully. I will treasure your book, especially since I am planning on being a teacher. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me.
~Jaqueline
Mrs. Hunter, thank you for helping me out this year of school. I don’t know what I would do without you.
~Connor
Dear Mrs. Hunter, I want to thank you for all the help during high school. You made the lonely drive worth it. I will remember all the things you taught me,
~Harrison
Mrs. Hunter, thanks for putting up with us crazy CSMS students and coming to school every day with a smile like a real teacher should. You gave me advice that I will use for the rest of my life.
~Dak
Mrs. Hunter, I love you so much! You’re like a mom to me! You’re so sweet! I’m gunna miss you so much!
~Raquel
You made English fun!!!
~Ian
Mrs. Hunter, you are one of my favorite teachers! You have a great sense of style, and you give us a lot of important lessons about surviving high school and life in general. Thanks for everything! I’m going to miss you!
~Shravani