About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Arkansas Valley Advocates for Dyslexia (AVAD) was conceived by April Holdinghaus, a seasoned reading specialist in the Arkansas Valley. Through her work with families, April identified a pressing need in the community: access to dyslexia-specific technology tools and financial support for tutoring and instruction. AVAD is a nonprofit organization formed to support and improve the quality of life for individuals with dyslexia. Many families in our community have a need for additional tutoring, evaluations for dyslexia, and technology to make reading easier, but they can’t afford it. When students with dyslexia have the resources and a community to support their learning, they build confidence and competence in their educational journey and in navigating their life path beyond pre-k-12. AVAD builds that community while breaking down barriers for individuals with dyslexia.

Meet The Team

April H

April is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) who works at Longfellow Elementary as a Title I Reading Specialist. Her journey to dyslexia advocacy unknowingly began when she was a child, April struggled with reading and spelling but was fortunate to have a father who supported and empathized with her as he himself had had even more difficulty with the letter/ sound connection. Once she became an educator, April learned more about dyslexia and saw students who were so creative and bright but still had difficulty learning to read. Around 2018, April and Felicia worked to increase evaluations for dyslexia and provide research-based interventions to students in need. In 2019, April returned to school to train for her CALP certification. She now teaches the Take Flight curriculum to individuals with dyslexia or a profile of dyslexia at Longfellow Elementary.

April loves to spend time with her husband, two kids, and furry family members. Their favorite things to do are snuggling up with a good book and enjoying all kinds of adventures outside.

Board President

Nicole O

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Board Vice President

Jodie S

As Secretary, Jodie is honored to be a part of AVAD. She has family members with dyslexia and understands both the challenges and the strengths faced by those with a dyslexic brain. Outside of AVAD, Jodie is a planner and scientist, working on environmental and transportation projects. She is a volunteer for Salida schools, who genuinely enjoys working with students and families. Jodie is also a health and sustainability advocate.

Board Secretary

Amy G

Amy has worked in education for 25 years in a variety of capacities: classroom teacher, curriculum developer, early childhood educator, and teacher mentor. Currently, you'll find her subbing throughout the district while helping spearhead local efforts to build the Destination Imagination program. When not at one of the schools, you'll find her on the trails running, hiking, or biking or exploring and camping with her kids and husband. She's excited to join the AVAD board and help advocate for all students to find success in reading and school.

Board Treasurer

Alisa A

Alisa has lived in Chaffee County for over eleven years with her husband and two school-aged sons. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty years experience, and cares deeply about healthy child development and healthy communities. She served on the board of the initial Mountain Mama Summit and consecutive summits. She worked in the Salida School District at the Early Childhood Center as a Safecare Provider, teaching parenting curriculum to caregivers of children ages 0 to five. Alisa was also the Mental Health Specialist in Buena Vista and Leadville schools. As a mental health advocate, Alisa believes in the importance of providing resources and support for healthy community member's success. Alisa is proud to serve on the AVAD board, and to promote healthy development for all children in Chaffe County. Alisa enjoys hiking and lake kayaking and painting and reading and spending time in the mountains and lakes and rivers with her family and friends.

Board Member