Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, Founder and CEO of Think Dyslexia LLC., located in Ellicott City, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Think Dyslexia is an education consultant company that fights to bring awareness with a holistic five-pronged approach to communities, schools, and families about language-based learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia to the local, national, and global level with an individualized and holistic approach.
Parents, students, school districts, and teachers are our customers. We offer tutoring services, parent and teacher coaching, online courses, and professional development for school districts.
Tell us about yourself
My passion for educating, advocating, and bringing awareness to dyslexia at the domestic and international levels began in the elementary classrooms of private schools serving students with language-based learning disabilities.
I have been a certified Special Educator for a decade, and I earned my Doctor of Education in Teaching, Learning, Leadership, & Curriculum in 2019 from Northeastern University and hold a dual master's in Special Education and Elementary Education from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University.
My dedication to providing the gold standard of instruction to individuals with dyslexia led me to obtain my endorsement at the Associate level through The Orton-Gillingham Academy in 2014. I'm currently working on my coursework and practicum at the Certified level. Eventually, I expanded my skill set in the public schools as a 7th and 8th-grade math and English Language Arts (ELA) co-teacher before taking a position with a non-profit organization that advocates for inclusion in public schools for students with disabilities. I also worked as a middle school learning specialist and instructional coach and served on the administrative team.
I'm the CEO and founder of Think Dyslexia LLC, and I deliver training and professional development for teachers and administrators at the district level focusing on dyslexia awareness, dyslexia screening, and MTSS (multiple-tier systems of support). I've worked with over 15 school districts at the national and international levels leading educators and leaders to success. I reside in the suburbs of Maryland with my family and am a mother of two, and my husband is a middle school educator. I have two birds, one German Sheperd, and a cat.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have a successful podcast that launched in June 2022, and my business is constantly growing. There's always something to focus on when you're a one-woman show!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Doing everything all by yourself, funding, marketing, finding prospective clients, bookkeeping, etc., all while being a mom and working three contract jobs.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Meditate on what you WANT first. Don't throw money at random things; know what you want to do and make a plan. Trust me, I've made a lot of bad decisions.
- Trust your passion and go for it! We only live once.
- Find your people and network and connect. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely most days if you're not actively networking or socializing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thinkdyslexia.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrlauren/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/think_dyslexia
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3FiboT0
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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