Review
"As a Special Educator, Psychologist, Admi! nistrator and parent, I have a variety of experiences in working with learning disabled children. From these different vantage points, I realize the importance of a parent's role in shaping the life of a child. It is a parent's love and understanding that develops a child's self-esteem and it is the development of this self-esteem that impacts a learning disabled child's ability to meet and conquer the many challenges that he may encounter. These pages are filled with the knowledge and understanding that a parent needs to accomplish these tasks. Mary Cathryn Haller provides parents with the tools needed to guide and support our children through the challenges and obstacles of handling these disabilities. This book is a must read for parents and educators as we dedicate ourselves to the pursuance of happiness and success for our children." --
Patricia L. Knight, Director of Academic Support Phelps School, Malvern, PA"As a professional who has so often found myself struggling for the most supportive way to "break the news" to a parent of a child with learning disabilities, I see this book as a positive breakthrough in assisting parents. Parents of children and young adults with learning problems experience stressful highs and lows in their efforts to understand the issues and advocate properly. The information in this book will help parents feel competent in the quest to help their children maximize their potentials." --
Sister M. Gilchrist Cottrill, SND"As an evaluation specialist, I would recommend this book to parents just entering the evaluation stage of their child's educational assessment or for those trying to make sense of what they have just been through. It is written in layman's terms and easy for a noneducator to understand. Its format gives plenty of practical information without overwhelming the parent." --
Susan M. Kelly, M.A. The Educational Evaluation Center, Bradenton, FL"As the parent of a learning disabled child and as a legislator who deals with the issue on a day to day basis, I thought I was thoroughly familiar with the subject. I was wrong. Mary Cathryn Haller has written an important book for all of us -- not just those with learning disabled children. It takes a subject that is all too often obscured with professional jargon and offers clear, concise, and wise advice for both parents and professionals." --
Florida State Senator John McKay"As the parent of a special needs student, Mary Cathryn Haller brings a unique sensitivity to this book. With her boundless energy and the ability to look at the bright side of every situation, she organizes years of her own research into a must read book for parents of children diagnosed with learning disabilities." --
Judith Edwards, Director Oakland School, Boyd's Tavern, VA"Mary Cathryn has given a gift to all families forced to deal with a learning disability. As Danny's uncle, I have watched him grow and prosper in a loving, caring family. Now, Mary Cathryn has shared her experience for other families to learn. She articulates everything a family must expect, but makes clear why they should never lose hope. I admire her courage and urge all parents to read this important book." --
U.S. Representative, FL, Dan Miller"This book is an excellent resource for parents as well as for the learning disabled adolescent . . . easy to read and understand. . . . written in non-technical language and gives parents knowledge and understanding of the real life challenges of having a child with a learning disability. . . . I highly recommend this book for parents who are involved in the initial diagnosis process for learning disab! ilities, as well as parents already dealing with the life challenges of having a child with learning disabilities." --
Belinda S. Strickland, Special Education Teacher, 23 years, Alexandria, VA
About the Author
Mary Cathryn Haller received a B.S. in Business (Marketing and Management) from Barry University in Miami and a Masters in Education from Georgia State University. After teaching high school in Georgia and Colorado for five years, Mrs. Haller returned to Florida to enter her family's business. After 15 years in the development business, she retired in 1994 to spend more time with her children.
As a former resident of Bradenton, FL, Mrs. Haller served on the state board of Learning Disabilities of Florida as Secretary. She was also active in her community's American Association of University Women, Charter Trustee of Century Bank, Manisota LDA, local Chamber of Commerce, gubernatorial appointment to the Board of Trustees for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and life member of Entre Nous (a service organization). Since moving to Colorado Springs, she is a member of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Pikes Peak, SCORE, Southern Colorado Women Chamber of Commerce, and the local chapter of NAWBO.
Today, Mary Cathryn Haller resides with her husband, Greg Haller, an attorney, and they have two children: Chris, a graduate of Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he lives and works, and Dan, has been accepted into the Outdoor Leadership Program at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for September 1999. Mrs. Haller has begun her second book, a primer for women aspiring to be entrepreneurs. Aside from writing, she enjoys golf, skiing and politics.
