Parents ask Susan, “Why do you do it?”
Her response is always, “How can I not! When I see someone who needs help, and I know I can help them…how can I not? It is joy to see our methods work. It is a joy to see a child realize he can read without errors and remember what is read. It is a joy to see him understand his special gifts because he is a visual thinker. It is a joy to see him rush to his family to share his new abilities and self -understanding. It is not a joy for me to have parents ask why these wonderful Davis methods are kept away from the public and from our education system—unknown.”
For 16 years she has enjoyed every client she has met—making every program activity fun for each unique client. She believes that fun is the key to attention and involvement . Giving herself to each client for a week or months, she always keeps in touch to see how she can continue to support the client and family.
She is certified to give teaching seminars for Professional Development credits by the Illinois State Board of Education and has provided many seminars to schools, colleges, conferences and public organizations.
Susan’s autism training is unique, having chosen to train with 3 different mentors and using her understanding of life concepts to bring all types of programs to maximum effectiveness.
Teaching music, drama, and dance for 32 years has challenged her to find creative ways to teach where enjoyment is key to learning. Directing full Broadway musicals with often 150 middle school students involved and creating four- hour Madrigal dinners has honed her organizational skills. She has a long background in 4-H, loves to read, travel the world, snorkel with the fishes, study history, play the organ at church, and garden. After retiring from public school teaching, she served 15 years on the board of the largest garden club in America, many years as treasurer.
Being a widow of 50 years marriage with a family living away, she enjoys traveling to clients and is highly flexible to scheduling programs in dyslexia, attention, autism, and life concepts.
You can get to know Susan by visiting her website at www.readingsolution.com or Reading Solution on Facebook. The best way to truly know her is to give her a phone call at 217-381-2301—she would love to meet you by phone or text and help you with questions.
Licensed to provide:
Licensed since: April 11, 2008
Certifications:
Travel: I am willing to travel to clients
Online services: I coach online or in person
Delivery Languages: EnglishEnglish
Susan,
When I met you, I thought my son’s autism was forever and my life over. He was running, cussing, and hitting so much I couldn’t keep a job for having to take him out of school nearly daily. So, being a teacher, I home schooled him during your autism program.
After the program, he returned to school and I never again had to go get him. He started participating in theatre programs for all through school and into high school and mostly in adult community theatre with not one problem! He now has a job and lives independently.
I know you know all of this because we have remained close for many years after. You are still there for him and attend his many performances with me. I just wanted to put it on paper that you have saved my child and you have saved me, too. Please know how grateful I am to God for giving the world you and Mr. Davis!
…comment by mother of 9 yr. old autism client.
Susan,
Just wanted to update and thank you for the work you did for our son, Ian. Some 14-15 years ago, school became increasingly challenging for Ian due to his dyslexia, and it was steadily impacting his confidence and self worth.
Thanks to your work and encouragement back then, I delighted to inform you that next week, he will be receiving his Master of Science degree, magna cum laude, and is being honored as one of their two outstanding graduates!
Thank you for your passionate work for those with unique learning styles. Your work is changing lives. I am so glad you were there for Ian!
God bless,
Bill
...comment by father who is the head of science and math at the local college.
Dear Mrs. Smarjesse,
The letters used to be about 6 inches off the page, floating and dancing. Now they are right on the paper and stay still with the right spaces between the words.”
…client comments following the orientation procedure
“Before, it took me 3 to 4 hours to prepare my Sunday school lessons. I had to keep re-reading the lesson over and over. Last week I was done in 30 minutes!”
…same client comments a week after the program
R.W.
age 56
Additional information: This client went on to finish his HVAC degree and was asked by the college to remain and become and adjunct professor of math and electronics for 10 years!
Dear Susan,
You are very caring and professional as a facilitator. It has been an eye opening experience!! My son cried when it was over. He likes to learn new words now and he likes to sit down and read more, insisting on finishing each time. Thank God I found this program. His special education teacher is amazed at how fast he is learning.”
…comments by the client’s mother
“I read better. I learn how to control my dial. I know how to do every tool. I can balance better and catch the ball better. I can use the dictionary. [This client wanted to play the dictionary games for every break!] I liked the claying and the word games with the dictionary. I’m learning the meaning of more words. I can focus better. Claying the words and the alphabet have helped me the most. I like you. You are a very nice person.”
…client comments at the end of a week’s program
M.M.
age 9
Dear Mrs. Smarjesse,
Teenagers change their minds a lot, but he never changed his mind on his decision to attend Susan’s program.
Our son thoroughly enjoyed Susan’s program. I think he felt understood for the first time in years. His confidence increased a lot during the program and he actually thought it was humorous that he could do many of the tools in the program much better than his parents and grandparents.
Susan is a wonderful facilitator! She had a connection with our son, and he loved the days attending her program. She was very caring and genuine, and so excited when they accomplished tasks. He has nothing but good things to say about Mrs. Smarjesse, and we feel very blessed to have been led to her program for our son.
Mrs. Smarjesse has continued to remain in contact with us post-program. Our son loves to do the modeling and looks forward to one day being able to help others with their modeling. The tools have also helped to bring us together one on one with our son when we are asked to help him with his tools. We are very glad to have a resource for advice with Mrs. Smarjesse.”
…comments by the client’s mother
The week after my program was the ISAT test and I was way less confused this time. My reading is easier and the claying keeps getting easier. I’ll see you at the next Saturday ‘Client Claying.'”
…comments by the client soon after the program
B.P.
age 14
