About Us
The Dyslexia Den is a speech-therapy private practice striving to build awareness surrounding the multifaceted and complex nature of dyslexia. We aim to, not only provide support to individuals with dyslexia and their families, but also to educate the greater community about dyslexia and why identification and treatment matter.
​
See below to learn more about our therapists, our driving passion, and the heart behind “The Den.”
Meet the Team
Madisen is a licensed speech-language pathologist and dedicated Dyslexia Den team member. She completed her undergraduate and graduate schooling at the University of Central Missouri and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Dyslexia Therapy Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her professional experiences include evaluation and treatment of articulation, language, literacy, and fluency disorders. She is most passionate about dyslexia diagnosis, treatment, community education, and fostering the passion of dyslexia knowledge and care in other speech therapists and professionals. Her background in dyslexia includes evaluation and treatment, administration of school screenings, 60 hours of professional training in Orton-Gillingham based methods of instruction, and membership of the International Dyslexia Association. Her favorite part of being a speech therapist is being able to assist families in navigating life after a diagnosis of dyslexia and watching kids realize their potential. Outside of learning more about dyslexia, Madisen enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and exploring national parks.
Madisen Kemp
M.S., CCC-SLP
Miranda Zavadil
M.S., CCC-SLP
Miranda is a licensed speech-language pathologist with a passion for all things dyslexia. She is wife to a wonderfully supportive husband and mama to two beautiful, spunky, and independent girls. During graduate school at the University of Central Missouri, she began to learn more about dyslexia and how a speech therapist can play an integral role in the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia, as well as the early identification of dyslexia signs and symptoms in young children. The knowledge gained over the years led to the identification of dyslexia in many of Miranda's family members, sparking a flame for dyslexia, which grew to a full passion. Miranda believes the most effective treatment for dyslexia lies in the partnership between a skilled therapist, the child, the child's family, and the child's educational support system. Miranda's favorite thing about The Dyslexia Den is the flexibility allowed to collaborate with such vital team members to support individuals experiencing the many challenges brought by dyslexia. Miranda has 30 hours of professional training in Orton-Gillingham methods of literacy instruction and is a member of the International Dyslexia Association.
Going Deeper
The Dyslexia Den is not only the name of a business dedicated to dyslexia. It's a reminder of our deeper purpose. On the surface, yes we want to provide families with education and treatment regarding dyslexia. Beyond that though, we truly feel that we have been called to use our passion and knowledge to build God's kingdom.
​
A den is a dark place, typically where wild and scary animals live. Our struggles and personal battles can oftentimes transform our minds into such a place- a scary and lonely den, where self-doubt can become a wild animal raging within us. Many people and kids who struggle with dyslexia, or other learning differences, fall into this den. If you have seen a child battling with dyslexia, you know that this is not an exaggeration, and you have most likely witnessed the frustration, exhaustion, misunderstandings, and lack of self-confidence that often accompany these children as they attempt to navigate school and life.
​
When considering how scary a diagnosis of dyslexia can feel, the story of Daniel in the lion's den comes to mind. Daniel was thrown into a pit of lions, facing a situation that seemed impossible to overcome. Dyslexia can feel similar- overwhelming and impossible. But if you know the rest of Daniel's story, you know that God was with him in that den, protecting and caring for him.
​
Just like with Daniel, the Lord is with us in our own personal dens. He is the mighty and majestic lion that can overcome all beasts within us and all battles we face. He walks with us, ready to defend and protect us from whatever life in this broken world throws our way. That includes learning disabilities like dyslexia and the mental health strains that often parallel it.
Our goal is to bring light to the dark den and to journey with kids and their families as they navigate life with dyslexia. We want to recognize the hardships that come along with its diagnosis and never downplay them, but we also want to bring hope and the realization that dyslexia can be overcome. Dyslexia is no match for the lion who is always with us and working for our good.
And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
Daniel 6 v. 23