Spotlight on a NCBIDA Volunteer
by Nancy Redding

Recently I asked Leslie Lingaas Woodward, the immediate past president of NCBIDA, to tell me a little about herself and how she became involved with this group. Leslie began her professional life working in the public affairs department of hospitals in Chicago and San Francisco. After having her two daughters, both now young adults, she began freelance writing work, specializing in healthcare. One of her daughters was diagnosed at an early age with dyslexia, which led to her interest in the field. Leslie was referred to IDA as a resource for information, and subsequently attended some branch programs as well as the National Conference when it was last held in San Francisco. In 2001, Leslie took the Level I Slingerland course and now has a tutoring practice which, in her own words, "indulges an interest in teaching that goes back to my own childhood."

After attending a few NCBIDA events, Leslie began volunteering to do some editing for the group. She soon joined the Board of Directors, working on the newsletter and public relations committees. She served a year as vice-president of the branch before her two-year term as president. Leslie continues to serve on the Board as immediate past president and volunteers tirelessly as editor for all newsletter articles and other writings that emanate from the branch.

When asked what she felt she had gained from serving with the NCBIDA board, Leslie replied that professionally, she was pleased with the opportunity to gain leadership experience; personally, she enjoyed working with a dedicated group of professionals who are passionate about helping people who have learning disabilities, a common but widely misunderstood phenomenon. She added that we are fortunate today to have several organizations in the Bay Area that provide information on learning disabilities. But for detailed, state-of-the-art, research-based information on dyslexia, she continues to rely on IDA.

We at NCBIDA are extremely grateful for Leslie's gifts of time and talent.