Harvey Hubbell Show n Tell Podcast

In the conclusion of Harvey’s heartfelt conversation with Robin Zikmund, founder and president of Decoding Dyslexia Idaho, the discussion continues around advocacy, awareness, and the power of parent voices. Robin shares more about her personal journey raising children with dyslexia and how that experience fuels her mission to create lasting change in schools across Idaho. Her story is a powerful reminder that when families and educators unite, true literacy reform is possible.
 

In this episode, Harvey sits down with Robin Zikmund, founder and president of Decoding Dyslexia Idaho, to talk about her mission to support the 20% of students who struggle with dyslexia. Robin opens up about her own children’s experiences with dyslexia and how that journey ignited her passion for advocacy. Together, they discuss the fight for awareness, early intervention, and better support systems for families navigating the challenges of reading disabilities.

In the second part of Harvey’s inspiring conversation with Henry Sinclair Sherrill, founder of Boon, the discussion continues on advancing literacy through collaboration, innovation, and philanthropy. Sinclair reflects on the evolution of Boon’s mission, the importance of uniting research with action, and how strategic giving can drive lasting change in education. His lifelong dedication to literacy, shaped by both personal history and professional vision, offers powerful insight into what it takes to move the needle for struggling readers nationwide.

In this episode, Harvey sits down with Henry Sinclair Sherrill, founder of Boon, to explore his remarkable journey in literacy advocacy and nonprofit leadership. With over thirty years of experience in grantmaking, fundraising, and educational advancement, Sinclair shares the deep personal connection that inspired his lifelong commitment to structured literacy — beginning with his mother’s pioneering work bringing Orton-Gillingham methods into public schools. This first part offers a fascinating look into the roots of literacy philanthropy and Boon’s mission to transform education.

In the conclusion of Harvey’s in-person conversation with Jen and Wendy, founders of InformedLiteracy.com, the discussion continues around implementing structured literacy and supporting educators through real, data-driven approaches. Jen and Wendy share powerful insights on professional development, curriculum alignment, and what it takes to sustain lasting change in reading instruction. Their dedication to empowering teachers and advancing literacy shines through every moment of this inspiring wrap-up.

In this first part of Harvey’s in-person conversation with Jen and Wendy, founders of InformedLiteracy.com, the trio dives into how educators can connect research to real-world reading instruction. Jen and Wendy share their mission to make structured literacy accessible and practical for teachers everywhere, offering clear insights on what truly works in classrooms. This engaging discussion highlights their passion for empowering educators and improving literacy outcomes for all students.

In the conclusion of Harvey’s conversation with Jason Borges, Executive Director of Literacy and Academic Intervention Services for the New York City Department of Education, the two continue exploring the power of literacy to create lasting educational equity. Jason reflects on the challenges and breakthroughs of implementing evidence-based reading practices across NYC schools and shares his vision for building a system where every child becomes a confident, capable reader.

In this episode, Harvey sits down with literacy leader Jason Borges, whose two decades of experience in education have been driven by a passion for literacy as the foundation of educational justice. Jason shares his journey from teaching in alternative schools in Massachusetts to his leadership role as Executive Director of Literacy and Academic Intervention Services for the New York City Department of Education. Together, they explore how equitable literacy instruction can transform classrooms and empower every student to thrive.

In Part 2, Harvey continues the conversation with Dr. Pam Kastner, diving deeper into what it takes to sustain meaningful literacy reform across schools, districts, and higher education. Dr. Kastner discusses supporting educators through change, building communities of learning, and aligning teacher preparation with the science of reading. They explore the importance of shared language, collaboration, and perseverance — especially when systems are complex and change is slow. This episode closes with a message of encouragement for educators and advocates who are working every day to ensure all students become skilled, confident readers.
 

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Dr. Pam Kastner, Educational Consultant at PaTTAN Harrisburg and State Lead for Literacy in Pennsylvania. Dr. Kastner has played a key role in the state’s Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention Program and works to bring the science of reading and structured literacy into teacher preparation programs across higher education. She also serves as President of The Reading League Pennsylvania, contributes to the Practitioner Editorial Board of The Reading League Journal, and is a member of The Science of Reading: A Defining Movement coalition. This episode explores what it takes to move literacy reform from classrooms to entire statewide systems — and the collaboration required to make change last.