Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki Brackett

Vicki Brackett grew up in a family where giving back and volunteering were simply part of life—not an option, “it’s just what you did,” she said.

So, when the opportunity arose to follow her passion for literacy, it was a natural fit for her to begin volunteering with Literacy NRV in 2019. 

A licensed speech-language pathologist and private reading tutor focused on youth with dyslexia, Vicki, of Blacksburg, has generously shared her expertise, skills, and enthusiasm with Literacy NRV. Her volunteer service has changed countless lives and has played a meaningful role in the organization’s impact.

Drawing on her deep experience working with individuals with dyslexia, Vicki has helped two Literacy NRV learners strengthen their reading skills, has provided dyslexia screenings for English native speakers with reading challenges, and has offered coaching and training for tutors on how to support struggling readers. In addition, while managing her own private tutoring practice, she also provides leadership for Literacy NRV’s annual Fantastical 5K (formerly Potter in the Park) fundraiser. 

Vicki’s first learner, Tim, age 33, worked at a local TV station but struggled to perform his job due to reading difficulties. Using a structured curriculum and her training in phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding skills, Vicki helped Tim improve his reading and writing abilities so he could succeed at work. A video of Tim discussing his progress can be viewed here.

Vicki’s current learner, Andrea, age 28, has a different goal: she wants to read for pleasure. With Vicki’s tutoring and using the Delivering Smarter Intervention (DSI) program, Andrea is now reading Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret—a book she has dreamed of reading independently since elementary school. “One day she said, ‘Oh, there are rules to reading… why didn’t anyone tell me?’”, shared Vicki. “She just loves it when she can decode three- and four-syllable words. She is thrilled. “Oh my God, I can read it! she said.’”

“She’s totally and completely awesome,” said LNRV learner Andrea. “ Vicki Brackett has helped me become a more confident reader in the way that she guides me to be the best I can. Her techniques have allowed me to grow and improve in both spelling and reading.  Vicki has made me eager to learn and practice my fluency as well as made me more confident in my abilities. She is a kind and understanding individual that only wants the best for her students.”

“I really enjoy working with the Literacy NRV adults,” said Vicki. “I like the one-on-one setting and being on equal footing, where the sessions are driven by what the adult learner wants. Adults have the drive and desire to truly learn how to read—they want to understand the rules, pull words apart, and put them back together. It’s fun.”

Vicki Brackett, right, trains tutor Betty Overdorf in techniques and strategies to help her learner to learn to read better.