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September 18, 2023 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Sponsored by: 
We are thrilled to present The Truth About Reading free to the Pittsburgh area on September 18th 6:30-8:30pm thanks to our thoughtful sponsor, Lexia Pennsylvania!
Plan to arrive at 6:00pm to allow for time to grab your complimentary popcorn and drink, and learn about the sponsoring organizations. The film will begin promptly at 6:30pm.
Join us at the Phoenix Theatre, generously donated by Curtis Kossman, for this exclusive screening of the film, The Truth about Reading: the Invisible Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight and panel discussion. John Corcoran of the John Corcoran Foundation and Nick Nanton, ESQ. of DNAFilms have partnered together to tell the story of illiteracy and sub-literacy in America in this new documentary film.
Our panel of experts will shed light on their experiences and discuss why films such as The Truth About Reading are so important for those who are neurodiverse.
This event will not be live streamed and is only available in person.
Panel includes:
Deon Butler is a graduate of Central Michigan University, with a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in child development. He was an NFL player with the Detroit Lions. Deon found out he was dyslexic during the pandemic which explains a lot of the challenges he had faced throughout the years. He is now ready to share his experiences to mentor other students along their journey.
Aliza Legg, B.S. is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of Bethel Park High School. Her college essay entitled “Dyslexia: My Greatest Gift” was awarded the Angle F. Miranda Award, for facing life’s challenges with fortitude and perseverance. She attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA (Neuroscience major & Spanish minor) and is the recipient of the Trustee Scholarship, Allegheny’s highest academic scholarship. Aliza did her senior thesis project entitled, “Investigation of Protocols for Students with Dyslexia Learning a Foreign Language” working with the Provident Charter School. Aliza is the 2019 recipient of the Provident Champion Award, awarded to someone in the Pittsburgh community who has been successful in facing life’s challenges with dyslexia. She was recognized in Allegheny’s January 2020 edition of People & Places for being the recipient of this award. Aliza is now a junior board member for Provident Charter School and works with other young adults with dyslexia to help the parents and staff best support students with dyslexia.
Alisa King – I currently serve as the Assistant Superintendent for the Belle Vernon Area School District. This is my 31st year as an educator. I taught for the Uniontown Area School District for 13 years in various grade levels K-8. I began my administrative career with the West Greene School District and later served the South Allegheny School District for 14 years. My undergrad work was completed at Waynesburg College with a follow up of Masters level completion and administrative studies at both the University of Pittsburgh and California University. I feel my positions have always afforded me an opportunity to watch the exciting growth of students, staff and communities, including my own knowledge and skills. There truly is no greater gift we can give our youth than that of their education. Education is the portal that leads to all other life experiences. Our investment is priceless.
Zach Just – Currently entering my third year as principal of Rostraver Elementary School. I have been in education for 20 years. The majority of that was spent as a high school social studies teacher. I moved into an administration role in 2018 when I was named principal of Bethlehem Center Elementary School. It was during this time where I first learned about the science of reading. Our school was part of the three year PaTTAN Dyslexia Pilot. We had reimagined our curriculum for early literacy with the adoption of Heggerty and Fundations. When I was hired at Belle Vernon I quickly realized our curriculum needed an overhaul. Working closely this Mrs. King, that is where we are today.
Mary Faust – Working as an elementary classroom teacher, Mary Faust became aware of how important teaching reading truly is. Her passion for teaching reading led her to earn a Masters in Education and to continue her career as a Reading Specialist. Post retirement she earned certification in Multisensory Structured Language Education. She is currently working as a tutor at the Children’s Dyslexia Center, Pittsburgh.
Mary is currently taking much pleasure in retirement and having time to enjoy life with family and friends. She is an avid reader and loves being outdoors. You can often find her walking, bike riding, or practicing yoga. She and her husband, Ed, enjoy the life that living in Pittsburgh offers including theater, sporting events, and local restaurants.