Meet Our Team

SALLY GERSTNER, M.ED., LDT, CALT

Sally Gerstner, M.Ed., LDT, CALT is the founder of Southern Roots Dyslexia Therapy. With a deep passion for supporting families through every stage of the dyslexia journey—diagnosis, therapy, and family support—Sally has spent the past eight years building meaningful partnerships in South Louisiana. Her work has helped bring greater awareness and improved support for dyslexic learners in local private and Catholic schools.

Sally is an active member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), and she currently serves as President of the Louisiana ALTA Chapter. She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Elementary and Special Education, along with a Master’s in Dyslexia Therapy from William Carey University.

She is dual trained in both the Neuhaus Basic Language Skills and Take Flight programs and is currently pursuing certification as a Qualified Instructor, with the goal of expanding dyslexia therapy training opportunities across Louisiana.

Sally is also a proud mom to four children—two in college, one in high school, and one in middle school—who are her purpose and joy in life.

CHRISTINE GRILLETTA, M.B.A, CALT Intern

Christine first joined the Southern Roots family in 2023 when her daughter began dyslexia therapy with Sally followed by her son in 2024. Her journey of parenting two children with dyslexia has been one of determination, advocation, and now has become her passion in life. Christine joins our team, not only a valuable resource of business as we continue to grow, but more importantly a true asset in improving our understanding and communication with parents, teachers, and the community on dyslexia. Christine graduated from University of New Orleans with an MBA, and in the last three years has pursued education and advocacy of both dyslexia and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior to moving to private practice, Christine taught 5th grade at a school for dyslexia. She is currently a CALT- Intern in the Take Flight program and is also a trainee- affiliate member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).

Outside of her dyslexia work, Christine loves spending time with her husband and three children. She is an avid reader, painter, and loves music and festivals.

ALEXANDRA GERSTNER, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Alex joined Southern Roots Dyslexia Therapy in August 2022 as the Social Media Manager. With a creative spirit and a keen eye for engaging content, she has become an invaluable part of the team. Alex enjoys the challenge of researching and designing meaningful content that supports families and strengthens the Southern Roots online presence.

She is currently a student at LSU with plans to major in Civil Engineering. Outside of school and content creation, Alex enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring farmers markets, reading, baking, and watching scary movies.

  • When we received a dyslexia diagnosis for our son, we quickly realized that specialized dyslexia therapy was what he needed. Sally welcomed him into one of her small group therapies and she has truly been a God send to us!! Our son has made tremendous progress in school and he enjoys his therapy group. She has been an amazing resource for me as I learn to advocate for my dyslexic son. I highly recommend Southern Roots!

    — Amanda Hamilton

  • Sally has helped my dyslexic son tremendously. Through her work with him, he is overcoming obstacles and gaining confidence. She has been a huge support and wealth of information to us as his parents as well. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

    — Amy Cuevas