Mandy Horton Walker

Mandy Horton Walker is a life-long Floridian whose roots in the Treasure Coast run deep. Upon entering the field of education, Mandy quickly realized her students, who often have dynamic learning profiles and great gifts, required specialized literacy instruction which led her to seek appropriate training. Mandy served as an ESE teacher, interventionist, and as the instructional coach for exceptional student education serving students and their teachers in kindergarten through twelfth grades before retiring from the Martin County School District in Florida. Mandy continues to be passionate in answering the call to serve this type of instruction with learners, parents, and colleagues.

In addition to earning a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida Atlantic University, Mandy holds the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS) certificate from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), a subsidiary of The International Dyslexia Association. Mandy holds certifications as a Wilson Dyslexia Therapist (WDT) (Wilson Reading System Level II - WRS-II), Strategic Instruction Model Learning Strategies and Content Enhancement Routines Professional Developer (KU-CRL: SIM PD LS & CER), Trainer for the S.P.I.R.E. curriculum, and numerous Florida Professional Educator certifications and endorsements. Mandy is a recipient of the Don Deshler "Making a Difference" Legacy Award in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of education and support of Florida SIM. Currently, she is President of the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association - Florida branch. She has approximately 35 years of experience serving on boards, most recently on the boards of multiple nonprofit organizations whose missions revolve around literacy instruction. She is thrilled to help expand educational opportunities throughout our community through Love 2 Read, Inc.

On a personal note, Mandy, who has two grown children, and her husband, Reed, are delighted with beloved grandchildren who bring joy and excitement to everyone. Mandy also enjoys reading, writing, sewing, gardening, floral arts, walking, and visiting with family and friends.