Alumni Spotlight: Molly Hicks '12

Advocating for Learning Differences
Molly Hicks ’12 is a recent graduate of Elizabethtown College where she majored in education.  Already she is on a path to make an impact in the world of learning differences by taking a frontline role as an ambassador for the Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (PBIDA).

“In 3rd grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia, and it has made me the person I am today,” says Molly. “I developed deep-rooted resilience, persistence, and empathy. Educating children with dyslexia and other learning differences is my passion.”

While in college, Molly discovered her passion for dyslexia awareness after hearing shocking comments and misunderstandings of dyslexia by her professors and peers.

“I found that dyslexia was rarely discussed in my education classes even though every regular education teacher will have at least one student with dyslexia in their classroom throughout their careers as teachers, if not every year they teach,” says Molly.

Penny Moldofsky, Director of the Literacy Institute at Woodlynde School, connected Molly with PBIDA, who placed Molly on a panel during one of their dyslexia simulations. This inspired Molly to bring a dyslexia simulation to Elizabethtown to raise more awareness and develop a greater understanding of learning differences on the college’s campus.

In April, Molly coordinated the simulation, filling all 50 spots with college students, educators, and parents in the community. Interest in the simulation was so high that she even had to turn people away. The overwhelming interest in the simulation rippled through current and future educators on Elizabethtown’s campus.  Molly is currently seeking a teaching position and plans to continue speaking on behalf of PBIDA and dyslexia awareness.
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Woodlynde School is a private, co-ed college prep day school located in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that serves intelligent, talented students with learning differences in grades K - 12. Woodlynde provides a comprehensive, evidence-based Kindergartenelementarymiddle and high school program in a challenging yet nurturing environment for students with average to above average cognitive abilities (IQ) who have language- or math-based learning differences (such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia or Dyscalculia), Executive Function Challenges, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Auditory Processing Disorder. Even for those students without a diagnosed learning disability (LD), Woodlynde offers expert and caring teachers in small classroom settings that support academic success. Woodlynde School also offers a post-graduate (PG) program in partnership with Rosemont College as well as a regional Summer Camp for students who learn differently.