Meet Our Team

SALLY GERSTNER, M.ED., LDT, CALT

Sally is the founder of Southern Roots Dyslexia Therapy. Her passion is helping families navigate the world of dyslexia from diagnosis to therapy to advocacy and everything in between. Over the past 7 years she has created and developed relationships within the community that have brought awareness and change to how local private and catholic schools support their dyslexic learners. She is a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) and International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Sally holds a dual Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Masters in Dyslexia Therapy. She dual trained in both Neuhaus Basic Language Skills and Take Flight dyslexia therapy programs. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Louisiana ALTA Chapter and she is training to become a Qualified Instructor to bring more knowledge and training opportunities to Louisiana.

Outside of her dyslexia work, you'll often find Sally at a sporting or dancing event for one of her four kids ages 10 -20, attending festivals, paddle boarding in the area, or entertaining family and friends.

ELIZABETH GERMAN, M.ED., CALT

Elizabeth joined Southern Roots in 2022 as a partner and she brings an energy and passion that is unmatched.  With Elizabeth joining the team, families in Tangipahoa Parish have a much needed resource and dyslexia therapist. Elizabeth holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Master's in Education with a focus in Dyslexia Therapy. She is a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and the current Treasurer of the Louisiana ALTA Chapter. Prior to moving to private practice, Elizabeth taught 3rd grade for ten years.

Outside of her dyslexia work, Elizabeth and her husband along with their two young daughters love being active...running, spending time out on their boat, traveling, or spending time with family and friends.

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- In Training 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

Alexandra joined Southern Roots in August 2022 as the Social Media Manager. She has a creative spirit and has become an invaluable member of the team. Alexandra enjoys the challenges and rewards that come with researching and creating to bring information of value to our families and building a social media presence.

Alexandra is a freshmen at LSU who loves spending time with family and friends. When not at school or creating, Alex loves dancing, watching scary movies, and baking. Alex has plans to major in Architecture and Graphic Design.

  • 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