As a speech language pathologist in the Richmond County public school district, Kendrall Graham developed a keen interest in helping students with dyslexia. Her experiences working with students in her caseload lead her to consider a certificate in dyslexia so she could expand her skill set and maximize the benefits of the therapy she was providing. 

As a working mom, the online Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia at UGA offered the flexibility she needed. According to Graham, it was affordable, accessible and fully covered her interests. 

Working in the public school system while pursuing this certificate enhanced Graham’s experience in her online courses. “I was pleasantly surprised to find out how well my professional skills as a speech language pathologist fit into the world of dyslexia and dyslexia intervention,” said Graham.

“Kendrall excelled within our Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia program,” said Kristin Sayeski, an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education. “She mastered the finer elements of the program and delivered highly-engaging, fun, creative instruction to students through our summer Zeist tutoring program.”

Graham found that her clinical skills strengthened while pursuing the certificate. She incorporated what she learned from the program in the therapy techniques she uses with her students. Since graduating from the program, Graham has been excited to also offer extra services such as reading intervention and tutoring to her private clients. 

“Kendrall consistently went above and beyond expectations in her drive to learn as much as she could,” said Sayeski “I have no doubt Kendrall will transform the lives of many through her gift of teaching reading.”

Her advice for anyone looking to pursue this certificate is to be diligent in your school work. “You have to be disciplined and not wait until the last minute to complete assignments. A planner is your friend,” said Graham. 

Graham received her Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia from the UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education in summer 2019 after earning a B.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and an M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.