How Dyslexia Shaped My Work—and How I Use Writing to Consult

I didn’t come to writing through ease or efficiency. Growing up with dyslexia, writing was something I struggled through for years—until a few teachers and mentors helped me understand that its real value isn’t speed or perfection, but clarity and truth.

That experience shaped how I work today.

Because I’ve spent much of my life navigating systems not designed for neurodivergent thinkers, my writing is grounded in lived experience and systems-level observation. I write at the intersection of story, strategy, and structure—using narrative to surface where systems break down, where people get left out, and where small shifts can create meaningful change.

This is how I consult.

Through essays, reflections, and project updates, I think in public about fundraising, governance, community design, accessibility, and belonging. Writing allows me to translate complex challenges into human terms, helping leaders, educators, and organizations see their work more clearly—and make better decisions because of it.

Writing is also central to The RILEY Project, where storytelling is both a method and a strategy. It’s how we elevate the voices of neurodivergent youth and families, share experiences that often go unseen, and create a shared language for inclusion that goes beyond buzzwords.

Whether I’m advising an organization, building a long-term initiative, or writing an essay, the goal is the same: to help people understand the systems they’re part of—and imagine how those systems could work better.

If my writing resonates, that’s often the starting point. I work with a limited number of organizations and leaders who want a thoughtful partner—someone who can clarify ideas, challenge assumptions, and help translate values into action.

You can follow my thinking by subscribing to The LD Viewpoint on Substack, or reach out if you’re interested in consulting, advisory work, or collaboration.