Vickie Dinsmore
Vickie Dinsmore, M.Ed., is an educator, speech-language pathologist, and author with more than 30 years of experience specializing in phonological and language-based reading disorders. A graduate of Ball State University with a B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology, she earned her master’s degree with additional advanced coursework in educational leadership and special education. After a long career in public education, she continues her work remotely, supporting children and educators through evidence-based literacy instruction. Vickie is the creator of the 20 Minute Phonemic Training method, designed to help struggling readers and spellers—particularly those with dyslexia and auditory processing challenges—achieve grade-level accuracy and fluency. She is the author of Reading Sound Strategies, Workbook 1: CVC Reading Sound Strategies, and other instructional resources used by parents, teachers, and clinicians. She is also developing a YouTube channel, Tools for Reading, Spelling, and Wisdom@Wisekids-20min, that offers videos demonstrating the 20 Minute Phonemic Training method. Her online course on Udemy, extends her practical, research-informed approach to a global audience. In addition to her literacy work, Vickie is the author of the children’s book Do You Wonder About God?, which thoughtfully explores faith-based questions through accessible language for children and caregivers. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to clear communication, phonemic awareness, and empowering families and educators with tools that make a lasting difference in children’s learning and development.
• B.S. SPAA, M.Ed., Licensed Speech Language Pathologist
• Ball State University
• Wright State University
• Miami University
What do you attribute your success to?
Working with supportive and experienced professionals, like supervisor Leslie Holzhauser-Peters, and amazing teachers like Jane Cayot, Imogene Adams, Judy Cobb, Mini LeForce, Darlene Hall, Joyce Sanker, and so many others who shared their wisdom.
Studying with some of the truly great researchers in Speech Language Pathology, like Pam Marshalla, Dr. Wayne Secord, Dr. Kenn Appel, Nanci Bell, Dr. Elizabeth Wigg, David A Daly, EdD, and Dr. Jan Wasowicz, to name a few. Each of these individuals gave presentations to speech pathologists in my area of Ohio at just the right moment in my career, addressing the needs and questions of students on my caseload. Timing is everything!
Parents, teachers, and grandparents would not give up asking for help for their children. Their passion for their kids motivated me to begin my journey to find solutions. The transformation the children experienced when letters and sounds began to make sense and they saw their skills improve was so satisfying that it propelled me to continue through some rather difficult circumstances.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Think like a child. Take the child's perspective when analyzing their work. Look at why they missed questions or made mistakes. Then teach them how to make changes. Focus on what they CAN do and use those strengths to develop their weaknesses.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never stop learning.
You do not know what you do not know.
Listen more than you speak.
Everyone, no matter what their position or background, has wisdom to share. Find out why they hold the beliefs that they have and sort facts from opinions.
Think about how they arrived at those beliefs.
Don't be afraid to express what you know. People who want truth matter, and there will always be people who don't want to hear the truth, you can't change that.
Always remember to seek God first.
The choices you make today determine the choices you will get to make tomorrow. Make wise choices.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Greatest opportunity: Knowing the need for literacy skill development is greater today, for all ages, than ever before; and sharing the wealth of experience and knowledge collected over a lifetime online, through ZOOM, and through writing.
Biggest challenge: Deciding which avenue to select for addressing the opportunity, social posts? Book Writing? Blogs? Webinars? Coaching? or a blend of all of these.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both work and personal life, I value creativity, patience, and connection. I find joy and grounding in spending time with my grown children and grandchildren. I carry that same sense of care and attentiveness into everything I do. Quilting and crafting reflect my belief in thoughtful, hands-on work—taking time to create something meaningful and lasting.
