Our Story:
Cathleen’s Life and Legacy
Cathleen began her career in speech and language pathology, but it was during her work as a first-grade teacher that her path became clear. She recognized that a bright and eager student was struggling with the basics of reading and spelling. This experience sparked Cathleen’s lifelong devotion to dyslexia education and intervention.
Her curiosity, compassion, and determination led her to earn national certification as an Academic Language Therapist in 1992. Over the next two decades, she worked with students across the academic spectrum. Some children required one-to-one therapy for severe dyslexia, while others simply needed early intervention and structured literacy support. Cathleen gave each child what they needed. She believed deeply that dyslexia does not define a child. It simply requires a different approach.
Her gift extended beyond her students. Cathleen was a generous mentor to teachers, specialists, and fellow therapists. She trained others, guided them, and gave tirelessly to the community of professionals who continue this important work. Cathleen was preparing to serve as President of the Southwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association when she lost her battle with cancer. Her passing left a tremendous void, but her mission continues through this fund. Every service we offer, and every child we support, carries her legacy forward.
What We Do:
Supporting Students Who Need Specialized Dyslexia Services Many New Mexico students with dyslexia do not qualify for school-based services despite significant struggles with reading and writing. This fund exists to bridge that gap. We provide financial assistance for families seeking evaluation, therapy, or structured literacy instruction that they cannot otherwise access. We direct resources to certified dyslexia therapists, reading specialists, and evidence-based academic language programs so children receive the intervention they deserve. Every dollar given supports the direct educational success of a child in New Mexico.
Training Teachers Across New Mexico Teachers are the first line of recognition for early dyslexia signs. We fund scholarships and training opportunities so educators can receive professional development grounded in the science of reading. Structured literacy training gives teachers the tools to identify dyslexia earlier and respond more effectively in the classroom.
Community Education and Awareness We work to ensure families understand what dyslexia is, how it appears, and what supports are available. Awareness brings early detection. Early detection changes the entire trajectory of a child’s life. Through workshops, informational events, and community partnerships, we help parents, caregivers, and teachers recognize the signs and act quickly.
Why This Work Matters:
The Importance of Early Intervention: Dyslexia is not a learning limitation. It is a learning difference. When identified early and treated with evidence-based intervention, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and creatively. Without support, these same children may fall behind, lose confidence, and begin to associate school with shame, fear, frustration or confusion. New Mexico’s educational landscape is diverse, and many rural or underfunded communities do not have access to dyslexia specialists. The need is real and urgent. By supporting this fund, donors directly expand educational equity. You make it possible for families to access services that change a child’s life trajectory.
The Human Impact of Literacy: Reading is not just an academic skill. It is foundational to confidence, independence, and future opportunity. A child who learns to read with dignity becomes an adult who steps into the world with confidence. This fund ensures that a child’s zip code, school resources, or family finances do not determine their literacy future.
Name: Gina Hawryluk
Role: President
Bio: My journey into dyslexia advocacy began with love, watching my child with dyslexia blossom under Cathleen’s patient, one-on-one guidance over many years. Cathleen inspired me to join the Southwest branch of the International Dyslexia Association, where I served as an active board member. Now continue as a member of the advisory board.
I am thrilled to serve as President of the Board of the Cathleen Tomlinson Dyslexia Support Fund, where I look forward to supporting students with dyslexia, their families, and the educators who guide them in Taos County and beyond.
Name: Steve Rose
Role: Vice President
Bio: I was born July 30, 1943, in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in the small Jewish community of Greensburg. I earned a BFA in Theater Arts and English from Denison University and later studied Educational Linguistics at the University of New Mexico.
I taught ESL in Albuquerque and Southeast Asia, and English, Speech, and Drama in Taos. I moved to Taos in 1969. I met Cathleen Tomlinson in 1984, and we shared 31 years together. I witnessed her impact as a gifted teacher and mentor to dyslexic students in Taos. Her legacy continues through funding for students and training for teachers.
Name: Mary Gilroy
Role: Secretary
Bio: Mary Poirier Gilroy first met Cathleen Tomlinson when they trained together in Sandra Dillon’s Multisensory Language Training Institute of New Mexico (MLTI-NM) which led to their becoming nationally Certified Academic Language Therapists (ALTAread.org) in 1992.
Mary and Cathleen were both very active board members of the Southwest Branch of The International Dyslexia Association (SWIDA) for over two decades, usually driving to Albuquerque every month, strategizing all the way on how to best educate people about dyslexia through conferences and trainings, as well as sharing ideas for meeting the needs of our students. These were memorable years.
Name: Dan Greenwald
Role: Treasurer
Bio: My daughter has severe dyslexia, and Cathleen had a profound effect on her ability to read. Cathleen inspired me to help others with learning disabilities. In the past, I served as the President of the Anansi Charter School’s Governance Council. Today, I serve as the treasurer for the CTDSF.
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Name: Zoe Urban
Role: Chair of Website Committee
Bio: I have severe dyslexia and was one of Cathleen’s students. Her lasting impact shaped both my confidence and my path forward. I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and now work as a professional graphic designer. In her honor, I am committed to helping others like me access the support and resources they need to thrive.
Name: Julia Gilroy
Role: Budget committee
Bio: Julia Mariza Gilroy grew up working with her mother and with Cathleen, helping with the SWIDA conferences all through high school. She earned a Master’s degree at UNM in economics, and later an MBA at the University of Washington. Julia has worked in the tech world for over eight years, and is the mother of three children, one of who is “twice exceptional” – a term used to describe a student who is both gifted and very dyslexic. She has a strong commitment to educating parents about dyslexia and to finding financial support for parents who need financial support for dyslexia therapy.
Name: Peter Rich
Role: Budget Committee
Bio: Peter is Cathleen’s son. He grew up watching her work with students, giving them tools and insights to become confident and successful learners. He lives in Taos.
Name: Sue Hunt
Role: Social Media & Fundraising Committee
Bio: Sue Hunt is a Taos-based real estate broker, published author, and astrologer who has called northern New Mexico home for more than a decade. Her work centers on helping people navigate life’s transitions, deepen their understanding of themselves, and examine the beliefs, thought patterns, and self-image that shape their lives. Through a diverse range of creative and professional endeavors, she is passionate about fostering growth, self-awareness, and meaningful transformation. Susan is honored to serve on the board of this organization and support its mission of empowering individuals and families through education and advocacy.
Name: Lesley Morgan
Role: Fundraising Committee
Bio:
Cathleen Tomlinson Dyslexia Support Fund 