Meet the Education Counselors: Michelle Dunn
Calvert Education Counselors can be one of the best and most amazing things about a Calvert experience. Yet often I find when I talk to families that they are not accessing this tremendous resource we provide. So, with their hearty agreement, the education counselors are helping us get to know them better. In our previous Education Counselor posts, we profiled Martha Cole and Jennifer Blevins. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Dunn. 
“I have lived in Maryland all of my life. My first profession was as a commercial artist and desktop publisher. I eventually became trained as a teacher and used my computer skills to evaluate assistive technology devices for students as well as teach students online. Those skills, and the fact that I homeschooled my two children using Calvert, led me to become an online teacher, and eventually a learning specialist/education counselor for Verticy. When not helping Verticy families or tutoring students in reading, I enjoy the outdoors – hiking, kayaking, and bike riding – as well as folk dancing and playing music for folk dancers.”
What is your favorite part about being an Education Counselor?
I enjoy helping families gain an understanding of Verticy and see how it could benefit their student. It is rewarding to be a resource at a time when most families are struggling to find appropriate materials to empower their student to be a successful, independent learner.
What’s your favorite kind of phone call to get from a parent or student?
The most rewarding phone call is when a parent feels overwhelmed about their student having a learning difference, their student’s lack of success in previous programs, and voices their fear about the prospect of homeschooling. By simply listening to them, I provide an opportunity to validate their situation which then opens up a platform to design an individualized program in which their student could be successful. The parent feels confident to teach their student using Verticy and is often hopeful for their student’s future.
If you could interview anyone from your life living or dead, but not a celebrity, who would it be and why?
Harriet Tubman is a historical person whom I have always admired. She had courage, inner strength, a passion that went beyond the ordinary and the willingness to sacrifice much in order to help others have freedom. She repeatedly faced hardships, dangerous situations, and long separations from her loved ones in order to carry out her life’s mission.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am especially proud of obtaining my Associate Membership in the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. It was a very difficult process and I faced many hurdles throughout but persevered with the support of family and friends. The pride I feel stems from me having a learning difference which impacts my ability to read and write. Having the knowledge to help others with learning differences be successful readers and writers brings me much joy.
If you need help subtracting fractions, have questions about teaching a science lesson, or just need general homeschooling advice and support, our Education Counselors are available to help! Contact us by phone: 1-888-487-4652 or e-mail:edcounselors@calvertservices.org.