We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Wright recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In a world that often misunderstands and misjudges neurodivergent learners, my mission is clear: to cultivate success and bolster confidence in those with dyslexia and other neurodivergent traits. Far too often, parents, teachers, and adults attribute laziness, procrastination, and a lack of motivation to these exceptional individuals. I stand in strong opposition to these misconceptions. From my own journey as an elementary school teacher to becoming a dyslexia therapist, I’ve witnessed the transformational power of knowledge and the importance of providing the right tools and support.

Like many educators, I once held misconceptions about some of my students. I, too, believed that certain children were not trying hard enough or lacked the motivation to excel. My own transformation began when I embraced my dyslexic identity without shame. This shift in perspective opened my eyes to a fundamental truth: knowledge is a potent catalyst for change, particularly when it comes to understanding and supporting neurodivergent learners.

Neurodivergent learners demonstrate remarkable grit and determination. They often labor twice as hard as their peers to succeed in school. Recognizing this resilience is pivotal to understanding their immense potential. While these students may require additional time and support, they are fully capable of achieving their dreams. Part of my mission is to instill in every neurodivergent learner the unwavering belief that they can accomplish anything in life. We may have to work a bit harder and take a longer route at times, but we will get there.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I was younger, I would play school in my room with the green chalkboards my dad made me and my stuffed animals. My idea of teaching was holding the big teacher’s book with all the answers, writing on the chalkboard, and telling the other kids what to do. I held onto that dream and became an elementary school teacher. Going through school was not easy for me, I too am dyslexic and would spend many nights at the kitchen table crying to my mom about how hard school was for me. I just wished it came as easy for me as it did for my sister or my classmates. Little did I know that this childhood dream would lead me down a path of self-discovery, compassion, and advocacy.

As I grew older, I pursued my dream and became an elementary school teacher. However, my journey through school was far from easy. Like many of my students, I grappled with dyslexia, spending countless nights at the kitchen table in tears, lamenting how challenging school was for me. I longed for learning to come as effortlessly to me as it did to my sister and classmates.

Despite the hurdles, I clung to my aspiration to teach. I became an elementary school teacher and spent many years in the classroom. It was during this time that I began to realize the true nature of my own learning differences. I had never shared my dyslexia with friends or colleagues, haunted by the fear of judgment. “Is she smart enough to be a teacher?” I worried. “Her work is filled with spelling mistakes. She’s a teacher; she should know how to spell by now.”

It was when I embarked on a career shift and began my training as a dyslexia therapist that I truly began to embrace who I was as a learner. I realized that my dyslexia was not a reflection of my intelligence; it was simply the way my brain was wired when it came to understanding written language—a complex skill our brains were not initially designed for.

As I started working with dyslexic students as their therapist, I made a conscious decision to proudly share my own dyslexia. I wanted these students to know that I understood their fears and challenges and that I was firmly in their corner. Dyslexia, I emphasized to them, had nothing to do with intelligence; it was a unique way of processing information.

Leaving behind public education to work with clients privately gave me a new perspective. I witnessed how high-stakes state assessments had come to dominate educational instruction, eroding the self-confidence of many of my clients. Often, students with learning differences are unfairly labeled as lazy, unmotivated, or incapable of meeting standards.

But I hold steadfast to my belief that kids do well when they can. I want my clients to understand that they are more than just a test score. They have the potential to achieve greatness, pursue their dreams, and secure any job they desire—it might just take a little longer to get there, and that was perfectly okay.

Being a mother of a dyslexic son, I intimately understand the fears and challenges parents face while navigating the educational system, attending meetings, and seeking support for their children. I share their apprehensions, which is why I am determined to be an active member of their child’s support team, offering information and serving as a resource for parents.

I have the privilege of working with remarkable students who possess unwavering grit and perseverance. When a parent shares with me that their child is reading more independently or can’t put a book down, I feel an immense sense of pride. This, above all else, is what I cherish most—knowing that I am making a profound impact on these incredible students.

In my journey from a child playing school with stuffed animals to a dyslexia therapist and advocate, I’ve learned that embracing one’s uniqueness is a powerful source of strength. Dyslexia doesn’t define intelligence, and every child, regardless of their learning differences, has the potential to achieve greatness. I’m here to champion that potential, one student at a time, and support parents on their challenging but rewarding journey through the educational system. Together, we can celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable young minds, whose determination and resilience inspire us all.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I embarked on my career journey, becoming an entrepreneur was far from my original plan. My aspirations had always been firmly rooted in the world of education, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, never once envisioning that I would one day navigate the challenging side of business ownership.

As I approached this unexpected venture, I quickly realized that my education had not prepared me for the intricacies of entrepreneurship. My coursework had centered around lesson planning and creating vibrant learning environments—not business strategy, financial management, or marketing.
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The journey from classroom teacher to business owner is undoubtedly challenging and filled with uncertainty. Still, I embrace it with an open mind and a determination to succeed. The transition from educator to entrepreneur has not only expanded my horizons but also pushed me to learn, adapt, and grow in ways I never imagined.

As I continue to navigate this entrepreneurial path, I am reminded that life often takes us on unexpected journeys. While I initially set out to shape young minds in the classroom, I now find fulfillment in shaping my own destiny as a business owner. My experience underscores the importance of being adaptable, seizing opportunities, and venturing beyond the confines of our comfort zones.

In the end, the decision to embark on this unanticipated entrepreneurial journey has broadened my horizons, tested my limits, and taught me that the most rewarding endeavors often lie beyond our original plans. Starting a business may not have been in my original professional playbook, but it has become a new chapter in my career story—one filled with valuable lessons and unforeseen opportunities.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Starting a business, I soon learned, required an entirely different skill set and mindset. The fundamental truth became evident: clients were not going to magically materialize at my doorstep. If I wanted to succeed in this uncharted territory, I had to take proactive steps to establish my presence in the market.

One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of networking. Gone were the days when my profession revolved solely around teaching in the confines of a classroom. To attract clients and build a thriving business, I had to step out of my comfort zone and enter the world of professional connections.

Networking, I discovered, wasn’t limited to formal gatherings or industry events. It began in the most unexpected places—the conversations among parents during soccer practice or the casual exchanges with neighbors by the neighborhood pool. These moments held the potential to forge valuable relationships and spread the word about my services.

In today’s interconnected world, the power of online visibility cannot be underestimated. Establishing a strong digital presence has become a cornerstone of my strategy. Through social media platforms, I can reach a broader audience, share my expertise, and engage with potential clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thewrightapproach.org/
• Facebook: The Wright Approach, PLLC