WOMEN TO WATCH
2019

Melissa Hiller Hannah

Co-founder
Hannah School

In 20 years as a speech language pathologist, I witnessed intelligent children struggle learning to read in spite of quality instruction. This led to a personal pursuit of intensive training on nationally recognized dyslexia intervention programs. The success my students experienced was unprecedented. This inspired me to open the Hannah School, the only school in Arkansas solely devoted to dyslexia. In these past five years, we have grown from servicing four students in my garage to a school of 65. My students are learning to read after years of illiteracy.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

The one thing I wish people knew about my field:

With the correct reading instruction, which is diagnostically adjusted to meet the child’s specific needs, even children with the most complicated of learning profiles can learn to read.

How I knew this was my passion:

After being asked to leave two schools, one student asked Santa if he could teach her to read for Christmas. All hope was lost. After three months with us, one day she wrote me a note that read: "I Love you Ms. Melissa."

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

Dr. Sally Shaywitz and her husband to discuss their groundbreaking research and lifelong commitment to understanding the dyslexic mind.

Best advice I've ever received:

Go out on your own and show everyone what you can do for kids. Prove what is possible for struggling students.

Biggest challenges in my career:

Figuring out how to make our educational program available to more students regardless of their location in the state or their personal financial circumstances. Too many children continue to struggle needlessly.

Best career moment so far:

I am blessed to have countless best moments in my career. I witness firsthand children experience success after years of failure. The excitement and joy on a child’s face when they learn to read is precious.

Advice for my 18-year-old self:

When you are asked to start a school for children with dyslexia, don’t say, ”I will help you all homeschool your children, but I will not start my own school.” God found that funny!

What keeps me coming back to my job every day:

Every day my incredible staff and I see firsthand the joy and pride our students experience. With each success and accomplishment they regain their hope.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Nashville, Tennessee

First thing I do at the office

Greet the children

Binge watch

Whatever my children are watching

Last good read

"Language at the Speed of Sight" by Mark Seidenberg

Podcast recommendation

"The Bobby Bones Show"

Best recent local discovery

Tulips boutique

Dream vacation:

Beach anywhere

Latest splurge

26 bookshelves for the library

Hobbies

Reading

Most-used app

Life 360

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