The Reading Center’s annual Shining Stars Event, held on November 9, celebrated eight new inductees into its Hall of Fame. Among them were three remarkable Rochester women recognized for their significant contributions to their fields and their inspiring stories of perseverance and achievement.
Jennifer Nelson, DPT
Jennifer Nelson, a dyslexic trailblazer in physical therapy, was honored for her extensive academic achievements and dedication to wellness. She earned multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Physical Therapy, and held certifications such as Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. As the owner of JenFitter Physical Therapy, Nelson integrated her expertise in ergonomics and yoga to promote community health.
Enid Yvette Rivera-Chiauzzi, MD
Dr. Rivera-Chiauzzi, also dyslexic, was celebrated for her excellence in medicine and education. A Duke University graduate, she served as an Assistant Professor of OB-GYN at the Mayo Clinic. She received numerous awards, including the Mayo Clinic’s Award of Distinction, and championed equity through her work on initiatives like Listos Preschool and the Minnesota Prenatal Quality Collaborative.
Marcia Henry, PhD
Marcia Henry, a pioneer in literacy education, was honored for her lifelong contributions to advancing reading instruction. As a founding board member of The Reading Center and the author of Unlocking Literacy, Henry dedicated her career to helping dyslexic learners succeed. Her advocacy was inspired by her brother’s struggles with dyslexia, which led her to a career focused on effective teaching practices. This year, she received the International Dyslexia Association’s Legacy Award.
About The Reading Center
Since 1951, The Reading Center has helped over 16,000 dyslexic students learn to read. Its programs, rooted in the Science of Reading, include tutoring, early literacy initiatives, and training for educators in the Orton-Gillingham approach.
The center’s recent partnerships with schools in Rochester and St. Paul produced outstanding results. Many students achieved significant reading growth, including an 82% success rate for first-year partnership students reaching a year’s growth in single-word reading.
In 2023, The Reading Center provided over 14,000 tutoring sessions and awarded $175,415 in scholarships, ensuring access to its services for families in need.
The November 9 event highlighted not only the accomplishments of these extraordinary women but also The Reading Center’s ongoing mission to empower lives through literacy. ::
