I Just Learned My Child Has Dyslexia…Now What?

with Vivien Keil, PhD and Lisa Parnello, MEd

I Just Learned My Child Has Dyslexia…Now What?

Episode 9, Season 2 | October 20, 2021

Show Notes

A dyslexia diagnosis can be bittersweet: in some ways, it might help explain your child’s struggles in school and their anxieties about falling behind. But finding the right supports for your child is daunting, and you can't help but worry about the long-term impacts on their happiness, confidence and success. In today’s podcast episode, we sat down with CHC’s Lisa Parnello, MEd and Dr. Vivien Keil, both of whom have devoted their lives to evaluating, educating and advocating for children who learn differently. Listen today to learn how to partner with your child’s school to ensure appropriate accommodations, how to talk to your child about their diagnosis, and pro tips for fostering strengths and finding support.

Guest Info
Vivien Keil headshot

Dr. Keil is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Consultant at CHC in Palo Alto. She specializes in the developmental evaluation of young children and neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents. Her goal as a clinician is to understand the whole child as she strives to balance the clinical perspective with a strengths-based approach. She is passionate about working collaboratively with parents to help them understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses so that they feel empowered to advocate for their child’s unique learning and mental health needs.Dr. Keil is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Consultant at CHC in Palo Alto. She specializes in the developmental evaluation of young children and neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents. Her goal as a clinician is to understand the whole child as she strives to balance the clinical perspective with a strengths-based approach. She is passionate about working collaboratively with parents to help them understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses so that they feel empowered to advocate for their child’s unique learning and mental health needs.


Lisa Parnello headshot

Lisa has been teaching for over fifteen years in grades K-8. She taught general education for three years in Phoenix before returning to California where she decided her heart was in Special Education. She taught students with Autism and other mild to moderate disabilities for four years before joining the staff at Sand Hill School. She loves playing soccer every Sunday and spending time with her german shepherd. Lisa earned her BA in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and her MEd in Special Education from University of Phoenix. She has also earned her CTEL/CLAD certification from Stanford University. She holds teaching credentials in both general education and special education.