A catalyst to help adults with dyslexia and offers invaluable tips and resources to promote educational success and emotional-social well-being. Dr. Johnson provides real-life experiences and proposes a blueprint to effectively manage and overcome obstacles associated with dyslexia.
Yet, she tells it with such candor, humility, grace and passion. She recalls that, “One college counselor told me that I should give up.” She did not give up. She was discouraged, but she was certainly not defeated. She worked for years as a custodian, cleaning school buildings for the Philadelphia School District. She knew she had more to offer and that she could be more. Yet everything, and almost everyone around her, focused on her limitations, and not on her potential.
Raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by a single mother, for years, Tracy could not understand why she had difficulty learning basic math and English. She struggled even in special education classes. She was labeled slow by teachers and peers. A high school special education teacher once told her entire class that none of them had the ability for college education. Her dyslexia was not diagnosed until she became an adult. Later, she found a tutor to help strengthen her reading and writing skills, using the Wilson Reading Program that employed multisensory instruction. Because of her strong faith, mentors, supporters, family, and friends, she was eventually accepted at Harcum College where she obtained an Associate’s Degree with a 4.0 GPA. Later, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cabrini College, graduating with high honors.
Tracy Johnson has turned her challenges into victories. She overcame poverty despite little support. Today, she is an accomplished lecturer and an advocate for people with learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia. She received an MA in Multicultural Education from Eastern University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Ministry from the Accredited School of Christian Ministry, Inc.
Dr. Johnson is founder and president of Vessels of Hope, a mentoring and networking organization for minority people with learning disabilities. She is a much sought-after speaker whose personal journey to academic achievement has inspired individuals with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, their parents and educators, as well as legislators and civic and business leaders. She is featured in the highly-touted HBO documentary film, Journey into Dyslexia: Great Minds Think Differently, released in 2011. For further inquiries, feel at liberty to visit her website at Vessels of Hope www.vesselsofhopevessels.
A blueprint to effectively manage and overcome obstacles associated with dyslexia. Readers will gain insight regarding various manifestations of emotional, academic, and social challenges that might be encountered.
