Who We Are

Joanne Marttila Pierson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Project Manager

It is my privilege to have worked with our donor and provided leadership to DyslexiaHelp since its conception in 2009, and to continue in this role. Having expertise in both oral and written language disorders, I bring a unique and rare skill set to DyslexiaHelp. My Masters and undergraduate training are in speech-language pathology (SLP) with degrees from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, respectively. I returned to U-M to obtain my doctorate from the School of Education with a focus in Language, Literacy, and Learning Disabilities. I hold certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and State of Michigan licensure in speech-language pathology. In addition, I hold a K-8 teaching certificate. I practiced in the public schools for many years and have had both clinical and administrative positions in for- and non-profit centers. In 2013, seeing a need in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan, I launched the Literacy, Language, and Learning Insitute (3LI) [1] where dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities are our specialty. I am a past president of the board of the Michigan Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). I also was president of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor (2020–21), the largest club in Michigan.

In addition to writing for and managing DyslexiaHelp, I read and approve every piece of content prior to it going live. You can say "the buck stops here." It truly is a gift to work on this website, to have seen it come to fruition, and be a part of the outstanding team that offers this free resource to anyone with internet access. Hats off to our donor!

Claire Janssen
Web Strategist

I am a senior at the University of Michigan studying psychology with minors in writing and community action and social change. I am responsible for searching for and posting new content to the website and maintaining DyslexiaHelp's social media channels. I have always had an interest in working with children so I am excited to be a part of such a meaningful and important program.

The DyslexiaHelp Design Team

Ken Wilson
Web Design

DyslexiaHelp is the textbook case of how to do a project right. As a small, focused team, we worked hand-in-hand with our U-M DyslexiaHelp counterparts to marry innovative design and technical development with stakeholder needs, industry best practices, and well-planned execution to create a site that will be a valuable and long-lasting tool for students of all ages, professionals and parents. DyslexiaHelp truly lives up to its motto: "Success starts here!"

Karen Dickenson
Web Development

I have had the pleasure of being a part of DyslexiaHelp from its inception. We started with stakeholder interviews to make sure we understood the accessibility needs of our users. I kept these in mind as I integrated Ken’s designs into the website. We trained DyslexiaHelp staff so they were able to add and maintain content. As a parent having to navigate IEPs and 504s for my children, I find DyslexiaHelp a great resource.

Guest Contributors

Michael Ryan
Guest Blogger

I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For over 30 years, I have diagnosed and treated children and adults with learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety disorders. I am the past President of the Michigan Branch of IDA and a past Vice President of IDA. I have authored many articles and chapters on dyslexia and psychiatric disorders including The Other 16 Hours in the Emeritus series. I am presently a member of the faculty of the International Individual and Group Psychotherapy Association. Visit my website, dyslexiadx.com [2] to learn more.