THE FACILITATOR

Vickie Kozuki-AhYou

I have been certified and licensed as a Davis® Dyslexia Facilitator since 2003. My training began in 2001 with Ron Davis and Sharon Pfeiffer. I had been looking for help with my grandson who is bright and curious, but seemed to be struggling with basic learning skills and attention. This led me to the Davis training. The turning point of my career occurred when I discovered the profound impact the Davis methods had on children and adults. My background was in the advertising and entertainment industry for 20 years from Graphic/Production Artist to Art Director. I have no regrets of making this change.

Often times in the industry I have been able to pin point hidden potential and talent with my colleagues and find that I am able to do the same thing with dyslexics. I love helping others discover what they can do. As a Davis Facilitator, I have grown to understand that the Davis work is much more than a solution for reading, spelling, handwriting, math, and attention. It helps you understand who you are as a person, explains how/why you learn best and do things differently than most others. Students gain awareness in concepts that help them in life.

The intervention program is initially 5 days. It doesn’t matter what reading level or age one is. I help each person to identify himself or herself as a learner, noting what confuses them. The confusion is resolved with skills of focus (corrected perceptions) with exercises, controlling their own energy, and relaxation strategies. And then they can learn by being completely present and focused — otherwise, learning cannot take place. This process is easy to assimilate with support of families/friends, and teachers/tutors.

The most important aspect of supporting a student is so they can advocate for themselves in the classroom. Advocacy is a necessary skill from elementary through college and then at the work place. They first need to understand who they are as a learner — identify their strengths and weaknesses, and be able to clarify their needs. Understanding who you are, by how you learn, are the building blocks to foster independence, which is primary to success in school and life.

Since 2002, I have worked with students from age 7 to 54 with 97% success; helping them in reading, spelling, handwriting, math, organization skills, time management, and attention. The background of my students is as multifaceted as Hawaii — from home schooling, public or charters schools; to private schools such as Assets, Waldorf, Montessori; and colleges of Kapiolani, Windward, and University of Hawaii.  With every student that finds success in accurately recognizing letters of words for the first time, and begins to learn how to read easily without frustration, justifies the path I have chosen. Another exciting event in my career has been the opportunity to do a Davis program in the Japanese language. The Davis principles can be applied to resolve confusion of language symbols in any language!

I am happy, helping children/teens/adults discover their true talents and abilities to reach their potential. I have no regrets… There is never a dull moment. Students are unique with their own challenges and goals. At the end of each program I feel good when I know I’ve made a difference in their ability to learn and gain self-esteem. The programs unlock their barriers to learning. The opportunity to see them glow with confidence definitely puts a smile on my face! My next endeavor is to also learn how to work successfully with Autistics using Davis methods.

A reference list of client contacts is available upon request.