The most recent addition to our staff is Jack Latta, who joined our dyslexia intervention team in early February as the Reading Labs Coordinator. His appointment to this role is a homecoming of sorts as Jack was one of the first students to go through Hindman Settlement School’s dyslexia program in the early 1980’s.
“In 1981, I was diagnosed with the traits associated with dyslexia,” Jack said. “I wasn’t a good student. I struggled in all classes. Then, my mother enrolled me in Hindman Settlement School’s brand new dyslexia tutoring program and it effectively changed the course of my life.”
Jack went on to graduate not only high school but also college with a Bachelor’s degree in the reading-intensive discipline of history from Morehead State University. He continued his coursework at MSU by earning an M.A. in Education. Prior to joining Hindman Settlement School, Jack worked as a reporter and producer, a public information officer, a political consultant, and a federal grant reviewer.
“Every step along my academic and professional path…none of it would have been possible without the HSS dyslexia program. I owe all that I am to that program,” Jack added.
In his role as Reading Labs Coordinator, Jack will work alongside our team to expand opportunities for children and families to be served in our school-based programming and offer additional training to our ReadingCorps members as they work with students at partner school sites across the region.
“It is my profound hope that I can help build upon this program’s legacy and ensure that children in eastern Kentucky get access to the same keys to success that Hindman Settlement School gave to me.”
Jack and his wife Yvette reside in Prestonsburg with their two children Loren and Cecilia and two Schnauzers: George and Miss Ellie. Cecilia is currently enrolled in her fifth year of participation in the Settlement School’s dyslexia program and, as Jack shared, “is doing great!”
Join us in welcoming Jack to the Settlement School team!
