The Truth About Dyslexia: Confidence, Working Memory, and Real Solutions

In this episode, Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, sits down with Jill Michaud, Head of School at Hillside School & Center for Dyslexia in Boulder, Colorado. Together they unpack what dyslexia is (and isn’t), the connection between phonological processing and reading, and how early intervention can completely change a student’s confidence and self-esteem.Jill explains Hillside’s structured, evidence-based approach to literacy and how small class sizes, expert instruction, and relational teaching rebuild both skills and belief in learning. The conversation also explores how dyslexia and executive function challenges often overlap, highlighting strategies that strengthen working memory, attention, and motivation.This episode celebrates the new Untapped x Hillside partnership, uniting two student-centered programs that help learners build the academic and personal skills they need to thrive.