Cyndi Deneson, Director, New Hope Learning Centers, Inc. Why I Do What I Do... I have dedicated my life to working with children and adults who struggle with learning and who seem to have lost hope. I have been asked many times: WHY TO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? And...WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO USE THE DAVIS DYSLEXIA CORRECTION® PROGRAM? Briefly, let me tell you my story. Over twenty years ago, I received a telephone call from my son's 1st grade teacher telling me that he was struggling academically and, in particular, was not learning how to read. As a parent, counselor, and elementary school teacher, I felt frustrated by a lack of understanding of what was causing my son's inability to learn in school. He was a bright, curious, athletic, articulate little boy who had walked and talked early; loved to be read to; and had shown no signs of developmental problems. After several years of extensive testing and a variety of tutorial help, my son completed an individualized program that taught him how to correct his learning problems. As a result, he went on to graduate from high school with honors and from a Big 10 university with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 1990, after teaching 1st grade for many years, I opened a tutoring center using phonics-based methods. I was able to help many students, but still saw that a large percentage were "consistently inconsistent" with their basic skills. At one moment these students could correctly read, spell, or recognize letters, words, or concepts, but later they could not consistently demonstrate mastery. Michael was one of those "consistently inconsistent" students. He was intelligent, imaginative and athletically talented. He worked hard, but did not make the progress he should have been making for the amount of time spent and the effort expended. It was during this time that I discovered the book: THE GIFT OF DYSLEXIA: WHY SOME OF THE SMARTEST PEOPLE CAN'T READ...AND HOW THEY CAN LEARN by Ronald D. Davis. Subsequently, Michael completed a Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program as outlined in the Gift of Dyslexia. Based upon Michael's success with the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program and countless others I was hearing and learning about worldwide, I closed my doors to phonics-only methods in 1996 and began New Hope Learning Centers, Inc.. Since then, hundreds of children and adults have been helped at New Hope Learning Centers using the Davis methods to correct their dyslexia...with an astounding 97% success rate! So...Why do I do what I do? It is because I'm thrilled to be able to offer the most effective non-medical dyslexia correction program to be found worldwide. It allows me to...bring new hope to the dyslexic learner. |
N91 W17194 Appleton Avenue Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 4530 W. 77th Street #223 Edina, Minnesota 55435 Toll Free:1-888-890-5380 |
NEW HOPE LEARNING CENTERS, INC. |
This page was last updated on: June 27, 2006
Testimonials |
Cyndi Deneson, Director, New Hope Learning Centers, Inc. Why I Do What I Do... I have dedicated my life to working with children and adults who struggle with learning and who seem to have lost hope. I have been asked many times: WHY TO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? And...WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO USE THE DAVIS DYSLEXIA CORRECTION® PROGRAM? Briefly, let me tell you my story. Over twenty years ago, I received a telephone call from my son's 1st grade teacher telling me that he was struggling academically and, in particular, was not learning how to read. As a parent, counselor, and elementary school teacher, I felt frustrated by a lack of understanding of what was causing my son's inability to learn in school. He was a bright, curious, athletic, articulate little boy who had walked and talked early; loved to be read to; and had shown no signs of developmental problems. After several years of extensive testing and a variety of tutorial help, my son completed an individualized program that taught him how to correct his learning problems. As a result, he went on to graduate from high school with honors and from a Big 10 university with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 1990, after teaching 1st grade for many years, I opened a tutoring center using phonics-based methods. I was able to help many students, but still saw that a large percentage were "consistently inconsistent" with their basic skills. At one moment these students could correctly read, spell, or recognize letters, words, or concepts, but later they could not consistently demonstrate mastery. Michael was one of those "consistently inconsistent" students. He was intelligent, imaginative and athletically talented. He worked hard, but did not make the progress he should have been making for the amount of time spent and the effort expended. It was during this time that I discovered the book: THE GIFT OF DYSLEXIA: WHY SOME OF THE SMARTEST PEOPLE CAN'T READ...AND HOW THEY CAN LEARN by Ronald D. Davis. Subsequently, Michael completed a Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program as outlined in the Gift of Dyslexia. Based upon Michael's success with the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program and countless others I was hearing and learning about worldwide, I closed my doors to phonics-only methods in 1996 and began New Hope Learning Centers, Inc.. Since then, hundreds of children and adults have been helped at New Hope Learning Centers using the Davis methods to correct their dyslexia...with an astounding 97% success rate! So...Why do I do what I do? It is because I'm thrilled to be able to offer the most effective non-medical dyslexia correction program to be found worldwide. It allows me to...bring new hope to the dyslexic learner. |
MICHAEL'S STORY..... After years of being told how "incredibly intelligent" our son was, we were ready for smooth sailing through the academic years. However, very early in Michael's elementary years, we could see that it was going to be a rough ride. He struggled with reading and writing. We tried many things, but nothing worked or fully addressed all of the issues. Then Michael went through the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program, and we saw dramatic improvement in his schoolwork. We were also amazed at how the program worked in other areas of his life like music, sports and organization. Recently, our middle son Patrick also completed the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program at New Hope Learning Centers, and has experienced the same success. Patrick told us, "It really works and I'm glad I did it!" Laura - Brookfield, Wisconsin 9 & 11-year-old sons |
HOMEWORK AND BOOK REPORTS! |
October 2001 - Before Quinn completed the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program at New Hope Learning Centers, homework was a battle and a book report would have just pushed him over the edge. He now heads to Grandma's after school and completes his homework with little help and in half the time. Quinn recently completed a three-page book report. We went to work and he actually enjoyed doing it. He then had to do a presentation in front of the class and he wasn't nervous! One year later: September 2002-We're so happy! School is so different this year. This time last year we were in crisis. This year Quinn comes home and says he has no homework and that he finished it in school. At a meeting with all of Quinn's teachers and a department head, they stated that Quinn had made great progress in just one year. Thank you New Hope Learning Centers for your great teaching. We can't thank you enough! Heidi - Hampshire, Illinois 12-year-old son |
A quick voice mail that brightened our day.... |
Joey made the honor roll...thank you so much for your help! Patty - Milwaukee, Wisconsin 10-year-old son |
THERE'S A WHOLE NEW LIFE OUT THERE! Here's what Phil, a successful 54 year-old man in Lakeland, Minnesota says: "Being on point helps me be clear headed enough to resolve confusion...I'm not as dumb as I thought I was...I've noticed a change in my handwriting...I'm sure my comprehension will continue to increase...I feel like I've spent my life on drugs or alcohol, and now the fog has cleared...THERE'S A WHOLE NEW LIFE OUT THERE!" |
BY THE WAY... DID WE TELL YOU THAT DYSLEXICS ARE TALENTED INDIVIDUALS? |
JUST HOW DOES IS FEELTO BE MISUNDERSTOOD??? A 12 year old dyslexic learner shares this thoughts... When I was little, people would call me dumb, stupid and say stuff like. "You are not trying your hardest". My kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade teachers would give me grief. They would say, "Try your hardest! Try your hardest!" over and over again. All my friends would call me stupid, dumb, and think I was not smart. In second grade, I was tested, and the tests showed I was smart, but not dyslexic. Then they still thought I was not trying my hardest...except my mom. I had to put up with this all my life until 5th grade. Everyone made me feel bad and said I was the dumbest kid on earth. I taught myself to ignore all this junk. But in the middle of 6th grade, it really started making me mad. Finally, one day, I got tested for dyslexia. Since then, I can understand the teachers. I'm getting good grades, and no one calls me stupid anymore. No one tells me to try my hardest because I still am - only now I can understand what they are saying. No one makes fun of me anymore and I have true friends. People say dyslexia is a gift. But in my opinion, if you don't find it early enough, it can screw up your life. New Hope Learning Centers gave me a better chance at life. They taught me that you are better off with dyslexia than without it. They also showed me that I have pictures in my head and that I wasn't stupid. This might sound weird, but this is the first time I have ever told anyone about all the stuff I had to go through in school. Just thinking about it still hurts me inside. When I get older, I hope to write a book that will tell parents that all kids should be tested for dyslexia in school. I think teachers should not be able to become a teacher until they know how to help dyslexic kids. I hope to make a change in school districts when I get older to make this all come true. And a message to all my old teachers who couldn't help me. Don't be surprised when you see me grown up and successful. I'll prove you wrong and I won't be a poor bum living on the street. Jamie, Minnesota, 12-years-old |
A DYSLEXIC LEARNER WINS A MOST IMPROVED ACADEMIC AWARD! Our 11 year old daughter had always seemed to struggle during her early school years. No matter how hard she tried, she struggled more and more. When we were informed of the characteristics of a dyslexic person, we were amazed at how many of those characteristics fit our daughter. New Hope Learning Centers taught Ashley the Ron Davis Learning Strategies and gave her a newfound confidence and ability to feel good about herself. We saw results within the first week of Ashley learning her new tools. This certainly backs up the fact that dyslexia is a "gift" and not a disability. For some, they just need to learn how to use their gifts! For Ashley, learning to use these gifts opened the door for her to win an award at school just a few months after completing the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program. SHE IS THE MOST IMPROVED STUDENT AT CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL! It is wonderful to see Ashley happy and confident. She no longer calls herself "stupid"! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving our daughter a new lease on life. Lynn Geistfeld - Blaine, Minnesota, 11-year-old daughter |
Another area that has improved greatly is Lizzy's ability to calm her mind down to fall asleep. She now falls asleep in under 5 minutes instead of 30-45. As a neuro-occupational therapist, I'm in constant contact with individuals who deal with the brain on a regular basis and I am happy to spread the word about what New Hope Learning Centers is doing to affect it positively using the Davis Methods! Janet Adcox - llinois, 7-year-old daugther |
DR. VICKI - OVERCOMING DYSLEXIA AND NOW SPEAKING PUBLICLY TO HELP OTHERS! Dr. Vicki has been the recipient of many awards throughout her life: The Admiral of Nebraska Award - Office of the Govenor; Rotary Teacher Foundation Award; and Lady of the Year; just to name a few. Even so, she still struggled with the difficulty of having a dyslexic learning style. Dr. Vicki is now the Director of Community Development for Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too (FODAC), a non-profit organization providing medical equipment and wheelchairs to people with disabilities in 38 states and 59 countries. "I thought of you, Cyndi, and New Hope Learning Centers when I did a live talk show about FODAC reaching over a million viewers. Hardly a day goes by when I don't think about you. You were very important in my life and I'm grateful for that. I've talked about New Hope Learning Centers across Georgia and even at the state capital. Thank you to my wonderful friend and "coach", Jerrin Toll, who helped me through the critial follow-up work at home. All of these experiences have really been so special to me and it makes me think of the caring support I received at New Hope Learning Centers! Dr. Victoria Patryla - Stone Mountain, Georgia |
Ben - 14 years old After winning the Junior Olympics National Championship for Volleyball in Reno, Nevada - July 2000. Ben completed the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program at New Hope Learning Centers in February 2000 at the age of 13. |
The Madison Times Volunteer of the Month September 2002 |
Ellen, age12, is a 7th grade honor student at Savannah Oaks Middle School, and a "corrected" dyslexic learner. She began volunteering for Angel's Wish about a year ago. Angel's Wish is an all volunteer, nonprofit organization that finds permanent homes for homeless animals and provides foster care for ill, orphaned, and pregnant animals. Ellen uses her gifts to tell potential adopters about the animals and is a great foster "parent" to some of the neglected animals. In addition to Angel's Wish, Ellen is a starter on the girl's volleyball team and a member of the drama club. Her career goal is to become a veterinarian. Ellen completed the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program at the age of 10. |
LOOK MOM, I CAN ROLLER BLADE! This may sound trivial to some, but to Janet it meant the world (and cost her $40). Prior to completing the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program at New Hope Learning Centers, one of the things Lizzy wanted to accomplish was to roller blade. Her fine motor skills were not good enough, so we started with skates and I told her when she mastered those, I would buy her roller blades. Shortly after returning home from completing the week-long program, Lizzy was at the neighbors trying out her friend's roller blades. To Lizzy's amazement (and with a big toothless smile), she told me that she could roller blade and that "I owed her a pair". Except for parting so soon with my $40, I was happy to do it! |
CONGRATULATIONS ELLEN!! |
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OVERCOMING ADVERSITY Jonathan completed the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program at New Hope Learning Centers in January of 2001 at the age of 20. Jonathan is currently a student at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory in Berea, Ohio. After a very serious accident in which he almost lost the use of several fingers on his left hand, Jonathan went on to continue his studies. The doctors said he would never play again. Jonathan had proved them wrong. Jonathan's mom, Rachel, credits his recovery and his great attitude to his ability to overcome adversity which he had developed as a result of being a dyslexic learner. We applaud Jonathan's perseverance and admire the example he sets - not only for other dyslexic learners, but for all of us. |
