Finding Her Voice: Haley’s Story
Power of Haley
When Liz first met Haley, she knelt down to introduce herself. Haley looked up, but said nothing. “She doesn’t speak in class,” her teacher gently explained. Haley followed Liz quietly down the hall to the mobile classroom where they began their tutoring session at Sterling Elementary. During that first lesson, Haley nodded, pointed, and made eye contact, but didn’t utter a word. Over the next few weeks, Liz adjusted her approach, filling their walks with small observations about the artwork on the walls and inviting Haley
to engage in her own way. Slowly, trust began to grow. Then one day, something changed. Haley pointed to a picture of a goat and let out a soft “baaa.” Liz turned toward her with a beaming smile. It was a simple sound, but a powerful breakthrough. In the following weeks, Haley began whispering single words. Her voice grew stronger, her confidence brighter. One day, she proudly told Liz, “Liam can walk,” referring to her baby brother. At ALP’s student celebration months later, Haley glowed as
she showed Liz that Liam really could walk. Her dad watched proudly as Liz shared how far his daughter had come. By year’s end, Haley was laughing, chatting, and eagerly engaging with others as she left her sessions. Liz is still tutoring Haley, now a bright and talkative second grader who sometimes needs a gentle nudge back to reading. Haley’s story shows what’s possible when a child is surrounded by belief, when tutors, teachers, parents, and schools come together to ensure every child finds their voice, their confidence, and their potential.