A New Beginning Dyslexia Center

06/06/2026

🌼 A post from Mikey’s mum 🌼

As a parent of someone with childhood apraxia of speech (verbal dyspraxia) we have to advocate for them from a very young age. We advocate to ensure they get the specialised, intensive speech and language therapy that they need to find a voice. We advocate to ensure that they get the services and support in school so they have the chance of achieving to the best of their ability. We advocate to ensure that they receive understanding of their diagnosis from those around them. We are their voice!

Although we advocate fiercely for our children, first and foremost we are their parents. Like any other parent, from the day they are born we dream of their future. Who will they be? What will they become? We spend years nurturing them, guiding them, supporting them, loving them unconditionally all in the hope of teaching them to become independent, so as they become adults they don’t rely on us so much.

It’s such a bittersweet feeling, realising that your job is done. Realising that your child has grown into a young adult who has become their own biggest advocate. Realising that you no longer need to be their voice.

Louisa
(Mikey’s very proud mum).

05/31/2026

05/21/2026

So often reading intervention in middle school and high school is very focused on comprehension. As our board member Mindy states, often that is NOT the root problem!

05/17/2026

Long post… but my heart is so full this week. What an incredible few days it has been, and we still have more to celebrate! ♥️
Parents, if your child is struggling, never give up. Keep believing in them, because anything is possible.
I’ve never shared much about this publicly, but Blain is dyslexic. When he was younger, teachers often told me he just “wasn’t trying.” By 2nd grade, he still wasn’t reading, retaining information was extremely difficult, anything he was timed at he freaked out, and even simple things like tying shoes were a struggle, so he wore slip-on shoes most of the time, and struggled buttoning his shirt/pants.. Looking back now, all the signs were there, but years ago dyslexia just wasn’t understood the way it is today.
One day, a friend told me about a tutor named Anita Kuttenkuller and that recommendation changed everything for us. I immediately had Blain tested, and he started tutoring the very next week. We began making trips to Tipton/Jefferson City for the Barton Program, a homeschool-based reading program, and for years we traveled there after school several days a week.
Blain was one of Anita’s very first students, learning in a little building behind her house. Today, she has built the amazing New Beginning Dyslexia Center in Jefferson City, which has helped so many children and families across Missouri — including many right here in California.
When the dyslexia bill was being pushed at the Capitol, Blain and I stood right there beside Anita. Seeing how far he has come since those early years is something I can hardly put into words.
And now this week, this boy received TWELVE scholarships from our incredible community. We are beyond thankful. Thank you to every donor, business, organization, and individual who invests in these kids and believes in their futures. Scholarship night was such a reminder of how blessed we are to live in a community that supports and encourages students the way ours does. Those scholarships are more than financial help — they are encouragement, belief, and opportunity.
FFA Night was just as special this week. Watching him retire his officer jacket was such a proud and emotional moment for us. It was a fun night full of awards, memories, laughter, and celebrating accomplishments. He has been blessed with some truly amazing FFA advisors who have encouraged, supported, and believed in him throughout his journey. We are so thankful for everything they pour into these kids each and every day.
Blain has worked incredibly hard for everything he has accomplished, and I could not be more proud of the young man he has become. This boy is going places.
Parents — keep advocating for your children. Keep pushing. Keep believing. Hard seasons do not last forever, and your child’s story is still being written.
Anything is possible!! ♥️ Stacy Kusgen