Lisa Bergquist
BA, Spellers Method Provider
Lisa is the Clinic Director and is a trained Spellers Method Provider at Spellers Center Atlanta. She also received her B.A. in Biology from Kennesaw State University. After teaching yoga for 20 years as a certified instructor through the Yoga Alliance, Lisa was introduced to the world of spelling.
Like yoga, spelling is based upon bringing the mind and body together. With a focus on refining gross motor skills, Lisa teaches people with sensory/motor differences to use spelling to communicate their thoughts and ideas. By using purposeful motor movement, clients work to develop the necessary strength and skills to communicate clearly and accurately. “I have the great pleasure of helping others on their Spelling journey – from coaching parents in classes for communication partners to mentoring Spelling providers in training.”
What do you love most about your work at Spellers Center?
“What I love most about my job at Spellers Center Atlanta is getting to know the spellers themselves as they make their voices known through their Spelling practice. Their tenacity, ingenuity, humor and grace always leaves me inspired. With patience and fortitude, there is so much that spellers can accomplish!”
What is something that you wish everyone understood about your job?
“I worked in my county’s public school system, in Autism designated rooms, for four years. I realized first-hand how great the need was for creating truly inclusive classrooms, where every single student gets an age-appropriate education. I know Spelling as a form of communication can make that possible. If there is one thing I could pass on to people outside of our community, it would be to PRESUME COMPETENCE in people.”
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
When I am not working with spellers or coaching parents on letter boards, I love to do so many things. I maintain my own yoga practice so I feel strong and grounded when I’m working with others. I absolutely love to read or listen to audiobooks! I am blessed with a wonderful family and dear friends. (This included the 4-legged variety, too.) I travel, visit our local farmers market, experiment in the kitchen by creating new exotic foods, and walk to the lake almost every day with my husband, two dogs, and sometimes the cat.
I absolutely love to bake and eat real sourdough bread! I bake every weekend; it’s part of my weekly ritual and I love every moment of the process.
At the end of a long day, I like to unwind on the sofa with a lap full of pets, while I watch British mysteries. My husband and I also begin our weekends with a crossword puzzle – we’re proud to be word nerds!