Founding Board Member
Not only does Rachel’s own son have dyslexia, but her entire career has been built on her many tireless efforts as a leader and advocate for creating wider access to diagnosis, treatment, and support for students and adults with dyslexia.
Rachel’s work in neuropsychology has translated into remarkable advances for students with dyslexia in Central Texas and beyond. During her time as the head of the Austin Independent School District Department for Dyslexia she led the district through a multiyear effort to identify and serve students with dyslexia which resulted in nearly five times as many students receiving intervention. The number of certified academic language therapists grew from 3 to 81 and the age at which children were screened for dyslexia was moved from 3rd grade to as early as kindergarten, when early reading begins. From 2014 to 2017, teachers were received training for what to look for in struggling students, with 96 percent of the students referred to a specialist for identification as indeed had the disorder.
Rachel has a Ph.D. in neuropsychology (educational psychology) from UT and is currently a college professor & clinical psychologist at Texas State University and the Texas Neurorehab Lab and a member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Dr. Robillard has testified before the the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to report her findings on dyslexia and related co-morbidities.