We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mary Kaeser-Miller. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Mary, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One of my recent proud moments at the Literacy Link Reading Center was with a student who came in clearly reluctant to be there for reading tutoring. He didn’t want to participate at first, so I took a few minutes to chat with him and break the ice. I offered him a snack and a drink, then told him I’d check in on him later. That small gesture of encouragement and acknowledgment was all he needed. By the end of the session, he felt great—and even gave me a high five! Moments like these remind me why we do what we do: building connections with our students and creating meaningful links to literacy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
The Literacy Link Reading Center
Achieving Literacy, One Link at a Time
Founded by Mary Kaeser-Miller, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, The Literacy Link Reading Center is built on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader. With a background that spans classroom teaching, literacy coaching, curriculum leadership, and advocacy, Mary brings a deep understanding of both the science of reading and the human side of learning.
Mary is a certified Barton Reading and Spelling System instructor and a passionate advocate for the dyslexic community. Inspired by her own family’s journey with dyslexia, she created The Literacy Link Reading Center to ensure no child—or parent—has to navigate reading challenges alone.
At The Literacy Link, we offer one-on-one, evidence-based reading instruction that supports decoding, fluency, and spelling in a warm, therapeutic environment. We specialize in working with struggling readers, using a student-centered approach to build confidence, celebrate strengths, and make meaningful connections.
In addition to supporting children, Mary mentors and trains educators in effective reading instruction, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to change lives. Through every interaction—whether with a child, parent, or teacher—The Literacy Link is committed to creating lasting connections that empower, encourage, and inspire.
The Literacy Link Reading Center: Helping children—and those who teach them—unlock the power of reading, one link at a time.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that reshaped my world as a teacher was my son’s dyslexia diagnosis.
As an educator, I had never been taught about dyslexia—what it looks like, how it affects children, or how to support students who struggle with it. When my son was diagnosed, I was shocked. How could he have a learning disability? I had done everything I could to prepare him for school and give him a strong foundation. But what I didn’t know then was that dyslexia is neurobiological—he was born with it.
That realization opened my eyes. I dove into research and discovered that around 20% of the population has dyslexia or struggles with reading. I was stunned—and heartbroken. That meant that in all my years of teaching, I had students who fell through the cracks, and I hadn’t known how to help them. I felt ashamed.
But that was the turning point. That was the moment everything changed.
I made a promise to myself that I would become an advocate for children who struggle to read—diagnosed or not. Because every child deserves the opportunity to learn to read. That promise became my passion. It became my mission.
My son’s dyslexia diagnosis didn’t just change his life—it changed the trajectory of mine.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Failure Isn’t the End—It’s a Beginning
Failure can feel heavy. It can knock the wind out of us, shake our confidence, and make us question everything. But here’s the truth: failure isn’t final—it’s feedback.
Every time we fall short, we gain something incredibly valuable: insight. We learn what doesn’t work, we discover where we need to grow, and we build resilience. Failure teaches us to problem-solve, to adapt, and most importantly, to keep going.
Success is rarely a straight line. The most meaningful progress often comes after a misstep, a detour, or a setback. When we fail, we’re given an opportunity—not to quit, but to come back stronger, wiser, and more determined.
So when things don’t go as planned, remember:
Failure isn’t a sign to stop—it’s a reason to try again, better.
Keep going. Learn from it. Grow through it.
Because every great achievement is built on the courage to rise after falling.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends would describe me as someone who is deeply compassionate, driven, and always willing to go the extra mile for others. They know that I lead with my heart, whether it’s in my personal life or at the center. What truly matters to me is family—they are my foundation and greatest source of strength. Just as I pour love and support into my own family, I bring that same care into my work as a teacher. Nothing is more fulfilling than helping a child realize their potential and showing them that they can succeed. Watching a student gain confidence, especially when they’ve struggled, is one of the greatest joys of my life. It’s not just about teaching—it’s about making a lasting impact.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people will remember me as someone who led with compassion, purpose, and an unwavering belief in others. My friends would say I was deeply devoted to my family, the most important part of my life, and that I poured my heart into everything I did. As a teacher, I made it my mission to help children believe in themselves, especially those who struggled to read or felt unseen. My son’s dyslexia diagnosis changed the trajectory of my life, opening my eyes to the gaps in education and igniting a lifelong passion to advocate for every child’s right to learn. I faced failure with determination, seeing it not as defeat but as an opportunity to grow, improve, and keep going. I hope to be remembered not just for what I taught, but for how I made people feel—valued, capable, and never alone. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://literacylinkstl.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-kaeser-miller-142462375/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577708141639
