Bright Minds Processing is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the understanding and acceptance of learning disabilities.Our mission is to educate as many parents about children with APD and VPD. Together we can lobby schools to implement solutions. Our collaboration of professionals will empower parents and families so they can work with us to implement our APD and VPD programs into their schools.
Advisory Board Member
With significant experience in the higher education and PK-12 sectors, Dr. Sally Beatty is an inspiration for all Best in the World Teachers partners and employees. Dr. Beatty is responsible for leading the strategy and operations for the organization's success and has made a significant impact on BIW Teachers growth and success. Dr. Beatty has been invited to talk about education, talent, diversity, human performance, and new trends in education and organizational behavior at conferences and industry events. She has taught organizational development at the masters and doctoral level, as well as undergraduate courses in strategy, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Sally received her bachelors, masters and doctorate from The Ohio State University. As an undergraduate student, she spent a semester at London School of Economics and as a graduate student was awarded a FLAS Fellowship to conduct graduate research at Northwestern University. Dr. Beatty served four-years as a member elect of her local school board, and now serves as an elected member of the DuPage County Board of Education. She has been an ed tech mentor at SXSW EDU, a judge for SIIA CODIE Edtech Awards, and recipient of an Educause Next Generation Learning Award.
Advisory Board Member
Michelle Kotler, M.Ed., Attorney at Law, embarked on her career as a special education teacher in 1995 before transitioning into advocacy for students with special needs, eventually becoming a disability and special education lawyer in 2001. With a background in Special Education from the University of Maryland for her B.S. and M.Ed., and a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Health Care Law from the same university, she has excelled in various roles including representing the law school at a national moot court competition, interning for significant organizations, and winning advocacy awards. With nearly 30 years of experience in various educational capacities, she offers remote advocacy and legal services nationwide, particularly noted for her work at the federal level in opening special education opportunities for visually impaired children. Currently, she is developing an online course for parents, remains involved in disability advocacy organizations, and serves on the board of Bright Minds Processing, a nonprofit aiding children with processing disorders. Personally, Ms. Kotler is a proud mother of two, enjoys diverse hobbies such as gardening, writing, ballroom dancing, and international travel, having visited 18 countries independently.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Leah Light is founder and director of the Brainchild Institute in Doral, FL. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and her Master of Science and clinical doctorate (Au.D.) degrees in Audiology. Dr. Light is a member and certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). For the past 30 years, Dr. Light's focus has been on neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity. She specializes in the evaluation and remediation of Auditory Processing Disorders (APD). In addition, Dr. Light is a certified Core Specialist in the Masgutova Method (MNRI), a program for addressing retained primary reflexes, which are often at the root of communicative disorders and learning disabilities. Dr. Light’s mission is to improve listening, attention, and learning skills in children of all ages by addressing the whole child using an integrative audiology approach.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Christina Murray OD, FCOVD, is a board-certified optometrist in vision development. She is a proud graduate of both The Ohio State University and Nova Southeastern University. Since she was a child, Dr. Murray wanted to be an eye doctor but developed a passion for working with those with vision problems when she discovered deficits in her visual system as an adult. Over the years, she has spent her post-graduate years studying primitive reflexes, syntonic light therapy, and exploring how the brain processes visual information. Dr. Murray is on a mission to bring awareness to how vision problems affect a child's ability to read and learn. She is actively working with parents, legislators, and the school board to change the laws to consider visual processing disorders a disability.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Man Kin (Eric) Chow, OD, FAAO, FCOVD is a graduate of SUNY College of Optometry and completed his residency in pediatrics and binocular vision from NOVA Southeastern College of Optometry. Dr. Chow is certified by the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Vision Development. He is the president-elect of the Miami Dade Optometric Physicians Association. He is passionate about spreading awareness of binocular vision issues and visual processing disorders which are often overlooked in children struggling in school.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Rousseau, OD, FCOVD graduated as the Valedictorian of his class at the Southern California College of Optometry in 1992. He specifically pursued his training at this college because of its reputation for excellence in training doctors in treating disorders of eye tracking, two-eyed teaming, visual perception, and dyslexia. Dr. Rousseau is in private practice in Viera, FL. His practice is exclusively devoted to preventative vision care and the diagnosis and treatment of vision disorders in eye tracking, two-eyed teaming, visual perception, and dyslexia. He has dedicated his life’s work to helping children and adults overcome these too often “hidden” vision problems so that they may lead happier and more productive lives through achievement and enjoyment in reading.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Pauline K. Buck, O.D., FCOVD, is a fellowship trained optometrist with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD), who serves as chairperson of the membership and state coordinators committees. She is an adjunct and clinical professor at Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry, Western College of Optometry in California; Midwestern Chicago College of Optometry; MCPHS college of Optometry in Massachusetts, and FIU’s Occupational Therapy Department. She is the Dade County Clinical Director for Special Olympics Lion’s Club International Opening Eyes Program and donates her time throughout the year to participate at the Special Olympics State Games and local healthy community screenings.
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Rachel Cohen, AuD., CCC-A., Cert. LSLS AVEd. is the owner of ListenHEAR. An audiology practice located in Southwest Florida that specializes in Auditory Processing Disorders. Dr. Cohen both evaluates and treats APD with therapy either in person or via telehealth. Dr. Cohen received her Doctorate of Audiology degree from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. in 2005. She is an experienced Pediatric Educational Audiologist with a specialty in Auditory Processing Disorders and an Auditory Verbal Therapist (LSLS). She also contracts with school districts by providing APD therapy services and evaluations to the Florida region. As a specialist in Auditory Processing Disorders, she provides an individualized approach based on the evaluation results. She utilizes Buffalo Model Therapy, ARIA therapy, and specialized apps and programs to support processing.
Advisory Board Member
Meet Tiffany Zakka a multi-talented individual with a passion for helping others improve their lives. Tiffany is a certified occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and barre instructor, with a proven track record of success in all areas. With over 19 years of experience in the therapy field, Tiffany has helped countless individuals overcome a variety of challenges and improve their mental health and well-being. As a yoga instructor, Tiffany uses the principles of yoga to promote physical health and mental clarity, creating a holistic approach to wellness. Despite the many demands on her time, Tiffany remains committed to her mission of helping others. Her tireless work ethic and dedication to her craft have earned her a reputation as a leader in the field, with clients and colleagues alike lauding their expertise and compassion.
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