Calista Boyd

Calista Boyd is a retired special education teacher based in Houston/Trinity, Texas, with 30 years of experience developing career curriculums and supporting students with diverse learning needs. She earned her bachelor's degree in 2001 from the Teachers Education Association in Texas and became a certified teacher, a credential required for teaching in the state. Throughout her career, Boyd advocated for students, including helping one individual transition out of special education to achieve success, culminating in graduation with honors from A&M University. In addition to her classroom work, she spent over 13 years helping establish Friends of Down Syndrome, where she taught reading, social skills, and vocational abilities through field trips for adults aged 18 and above. Now retired, she remains active by providing counseling on Zoom and leading a reading club focused on vocabulary and comprehension for slow readers, always tailoring instruction to each student's unique learning style, whether auditory, visual, or interest-based. Boyd attributes her success to the support of friends and the Hurt family, who provided financial assistance and housing, building on the foundation from her mother.