On October 9, 2025, PC READS welcomed literacy expert Nancy Redding, M.Ed. for a community presentation: Raising a Reader: Supporting Reading, Writing, and Spelling at Home at the Blair Education Center. Nancy’s presentation reviewed how we learn to read and spoke about the importance of using Structured Literacy curricula in classrooms. A panel discussion with local educators followed Nancy’s presentation, which provided attendees with local insight on how students in Summit County schools are learning to read.

Panelists included Elizabeth Phillips, Lower School Principal at Weilenmann School of Discovery, Katie McGinn, K-12 Literacy Specialist with PCSD, Angie Dufner, Principal of McPolin Elementary School, and Britta Joseph, Literacy Support Coordinator at Park City Day School.

Following the presentation on Friday, October 10th, Nancy Redding attended a tour of the Park City High School with Superintendent Huntsman, Katie McGinn, and Elissa Aten, Executive Director of PC READS. Nancy Redding then joined the PCSD Special Education department and shared her experiences as a teacher at PCSD in the 1970s and beyond. 

In March 2025, PC READS and community partners hosted best-selling ADHD expert Dr. Ned Hallowell for a community presentation at the Jim Santy auditorium. Dr. Hallowell has spent the past four decades helping thousands of adults and children live happy and productive lives through his strength-based approach to neurodiversity. PC READS is grateful for our community partners who sponsored Dr. Hallowell’s appearance: The Learning Center at The McGillis School, Park City Community Foundation, Park City Film, Park City Hospital, and Summit County Health.

Dr. Hallowell’s presentation builds on 2024’s showing of the ADHD documentary, The Disruptors. Dr. Hallowell was one of the experts featured in that film, and his 2025 in-person presentation, Gaining a Better Understanding of ADHD, was attended by over 250 community members. Attendees listened to Dr. Hallowell’s knowledge on how to reframe our understanding of ADHD and held a lengthy Q&A session with participants.

ADHD is NOT a learning disability – but 50-60% of people with ADHD will also have a learning disability – often, dyslexia. Similarly, among students diagnosed with dyslexia, about 30% also have coexisting ADHD. While dyslexia and ADHD are two distinct conditions, both run in families and their symptoms overlap. 

Students with ADHD, dyslexia, or both – are often underachieving in school – yet they are bright and motivated – and with early identification and treatment – these children are likely to overcome their difficulties, maintain a positive self-image and be successful – in school and life. Dr. Hallowell’s presentation gave community members the opportunity to learn more about supporting and reframing ADHD.

In March 2024, PC READS collaborated with Park City Film to show a screening of the ADHD documentary, The Disruptors.  The film follows five families affected by ADHD, giving viewers a glimpse into their daily lives. It explains the brain chemistry of ADHD, interviews experts in the field and identifies successful celebrities, athletes and business owners with ADHD. The goal is to dispel misconceptions and reframe ADHD symptoms as “superpowers.”  

ADHD is not a learning disability; however, 50-60% of people with ADHD will also have a learning disability – and often, that learning disability is dyslexia. Similarly, among students diagnosed with dyslexia, about 30% also have coexisting ADHD. While dyslexia and ADHD are two distinct conditions, both run in families and their symptoms overlap – which can lead to misdiagnosis. 

About 250 community members came out for the event. Following the film, PC READS hosted an excellent panel discussion. 

In March 2023, Park City READS collaborated with Park City Film to show a private screening of the new documentary about the illiteracy crisis in America titled, The Truth About Reading. As the film’s tag line states – “it’s an invisible crisis, hiding in plain sight.” The film highlights a few people who learned to read as adults and interviewed many well-respected experts about the importance of bringing the “science of reading” into both teacher preparation programs and classroom reading curricula. Following the film, PC READS hosted a wonderful panel discussion including local educators, professionals and parents.

Information about this documentary, including the trailer and upcoming screenings is available at: The Truth About Reading.

In October 2022, Park City READS hosted literacy expert, Dr. Louisa Moats, lead author of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). Dr. Moats gave two presentations diving into the science of reading and explaining how this body of research guides the way reading, language and writing are taught. Her work in this area spans decades and has received international acclaim. 

On Thursday, October 6th, Dr. Moats gave a free community presentation entitled, Teaching (and Learning) Reading IS Rocket Science at the Newpark Resort. She shed light on some surprising facts about how children learn to read, addressed what goes wrong when children have difficulty, and shared insights into the approaches to instruction that are most likely to be successful for all children. The following day, Dr. Moats led a professional development session for Park City School District K-3 staff to kick-off their LETRS training.

“We were very proud to host Dr. Moats in Park City. Her landmark research and lectures are considered the gold standard in literacy education,” said Park City READS Executive Director Elissa Aten. “Her body of work is the foundation that ensures reading instruction is effective for all students. In the literacy world, Dr. Moats is a superstar.  I’ve had the pleasure of hearing her speak at national conferences, so it was a thrill to offer this opportunity to parents and educators in our community.”