Rebecca Brock Richardson Award Recipient 2011

Mary Almaguer

Mary graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 1973 and a Masters in Special Education in 1975. Mary is married to Jose Almaguer, a Navy dentist, and has three sons, Tony, Patrick, and John. The Navy life style of moving was also a source of learning as she lived and taught in California, Washington state, Key West, the Philippines, Florida, Massachusetts, and Virginia Beach.

Mary has been one of 15 Lead Trainers for the Wilson Language Training Program and has directly trained and supervised teachers in the Wilson Reading System for the last 10 years. She states, “I count it as a blessing to have worked with my Orton Gillingham teacher, Marcia Murphy, and Barbara Wilson, the author of the Wilson Reading System. It was a pleasure to be part of the Wilson team of professionals who were always being challenged with new research and techniques to share with teachers.”

Mary also shares that, “I was thrilled to have the benefit of being a student at Simmon’s College and having had Marilyn Jager Adams as my instructor and to have had the opportunity to take classes in San Luis Obispro and work directly with Patricia Lindamood and Nanci Bell. My life was inspired and challenged by my relationship with Lucy Smith who founded Hope Literacy, a program for literacy in the Texas prisons. It has been a joy to work with so many truly gifted and committed individuals.”

Mary was elected to the VBIDA Board of Directors and served as Vice President for the Tidewater region. She states “My time on the VBIDA Board was a true gift. I met many special people that were passionately committed to changing the lives of those with language disabilities. The Board’s inspiration and support reinforced and challenged me in my journey of working with teachers, parents, and individuals with dyslexia. They truly made a positive change in my life.”

Mary also shares that “The job of supporting individuals who have dyslexia is a joint effort. Increasing students’ reading abilities is the beginning of opening doors in so many areas. Without reading, the world is a lonely, frustrating place to be. I have seen many students struggle with reading and teachers at a loss of how to help. With the current research there is no reason we cannot open the door for reading to all.”

Mary’s compassion for those with language learning differences is obvious by the number of years she has taught struggling readers, trained teachers, and served on boards to promote the understanding of dyslexia and literacy. Through her work Mary has helped sad and frustrated parents see through their child’s reading disabilities to their strengths, talents and abilities. Mary remains a resource to all those who know her. She is a dedicated problem solver and will help all fellow educators who reach out for assistance. Her collaborative and collegial approach is welcomed by all.

 Past Recipients