Maggie Block

Maggie is a certified speech-language pathologist through the American Speech and Hearing Association, a certified Orton Gillingham teacher, and completed her clinical doctorate through Kansas University Medical Center with a concentration in dyslexia and implementation science. She has provided in-services for several districts on topics like phonological awareness, dyslexia in the classroom, and the relationship between language development and learning to read. She has presented for the International Dyslexia Association on how to diagnose dyslexia, as well as at The Reading League Kansas/Missouri conference, Kansas Speech and Hearing Association, Illinois Speech and Hearing Association, and the Show-Me the Science of Reading conference. Maggie has presented in webinars on the role of phonological awareness in learning to read, and has been published by the ASHA Leader on the role of speech-language pathologists treating dyslexia. Maggie has also taught at the undergraduate and graduate level regarding the role of language in learning to read and assessment of phonological speech sound disorders.

Maggie is currently being mentored by Dr. Mindy Bridges and has completed coursework related to implementation science, assessing research, writing and spelling development, and coursework in the educational psychology department related to cognition, memory, and motivation to learn. In addition to her time with Dyslexia Specialists of Central Illinois, she also has a private practice in Edwardsville, Illinois called Metro East Therapy, Inc. and provides the diagnostic testing for Dyslexia St. Louis Learning and Advocacy Center.

In her spare time, she is a busy mommy to three young children, loves to be outside, and go to Target!

Kate Morris

Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois, and then went on to earn her master’s degree in Early Intervention in Deaf Education from Fontbonne University. She obtained her professional educator license in Illinois, and has continued to maintain that license to date. She began providing early intervention services to children and families in Central Illinois before becoming a full-time teacher for a special education cooperation. Kate primarily focused on implementing language, reading, and writing interventions for students with hearing loss.

After Kate’s first child was born, she transitioned to staying home full-time to raise her family. While raising her own children and supporting their development, she began to grow her own knowledge on how individuals best develop language and literacy skills. She began focusing her attention on the Science of Reading and learning about structured literacy. She completed her LETRS training in 2025. Kate is excited to continue her professional development and begin working 1-on-1 with students.

In her spare time, Kate loves to play outside with her three young kids, read a good book, and bake!