Meet Dr. Grisel Bodden | Founder of The Little Reading House Dyslexia Therapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Grisel Bodden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Grisel, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Born and raised in the vibrant tapestry of New York City, I grew up in a Dominican household where the spirit of family and the ethic of hard work were instilled in me by my single mother. From a young age, I was enveloped by the warmth and strength of my aunts, each of whom was a testament to creativity and entrepreneurship.
One of my most cherished memories is accompanying my grandmother to her factory, where she crafted exquisite designer wedding gowns. Her story is one of remarkable determination and versatility—an activist throughout her life, she embarked on a new journey at the age of 70, becoming an actress. Her life taught me that with perseverance and passion, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
My family’s entrepreneurial spirit was a constant source of inspiration. One of my aunts ran successful jewelry stores both in the Dominican Republic and on Canal Street in New York, while another was a highly skilled seamstress. My mother, facing life’s adversities with unparalleled grace and determination, balanced strength with elegance and sophistication.
These extraordinary women, each with their unique talents and relentless drive, shaped who I am today. Their stories of hard work, resilience, and creativity have been the foundation upon which I have built my own aspirations and achievements. Surrounded by such powerful role models, I learned that the combination of hard work and passion is the key to turning dreams into reality.

What should our readers know about your business?
At The Little Reading House Dyslexia Therapy, we believe that every child deserves holistic care. Our unwavering commitment to nurturing the emotional and mental well-being of our students truly sets us apart. We recognize that for children to excel in reading, they must first achieve a balanced emotional state. To this end, we work tirelessly to instill a love of reading in each student, creating an environment where learning is not only effective but also joyful and transformative.

Our Journey

Our journey to where we are today has been one of profound faith and perseverance. Starting a business is more than a professional endeavor; it’s a path of self-discovery, revealing both areas in need of growth and hidden strengths. Patience and the willingness to embrace mistakes have been crucial to our growth. I’ve come to see mistakes not as setbacks but as valuable nuggets of knowledge, offering lessons that guide us forward. Through this process, I’ve realized that the people who enter our lives often serve to propel us toward our destiny, each person playing a vital role in our journey.

Lessons Learned

Throughout this journey, we’ve learned many invaluable lessons. The most significant, as my husband often reminds me, is to have faith and enjoy the journey. It’s essential not to despise small beginnings, for they lay the foundation for greatness. Every step, no matter how small, is a building block for future success. We’ve come to understand that faith, patience, and the courage to embrace the unknown are essential ingredients for growth and achievement.

Our Story

Our story is one of deep passion and unwavering dedication. At The Little Reading House Dyslexia Therapy, we strive to do more than teach reading skills; we aim to nurture the whole child. Our mission is to create a sanctuary where children feel emotionally secure and inspired, igniting a lifelong love of reading within them.
Through faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our students, we have built a place where every child’s potential can flourish. We believe in the power of small beginnings and the incredible impact of a nurturing environment.
We want the world to know that at The Little Reading House Dyslexia Therapy, we are dedicated to making a difference, one child at a time. Our work is fueled by love, driven by faith, and guided by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is a city teeming with vibrant art, captivating poetry, and a deep love for reading!

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Morning:
• Breakfast at Common Bond Café & Bakery: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at this cozy spot known for its artisanal pastries and delightful coffee.
Afternoon:
• Houston Museum of Fine Arts: Spend the afternoon exploring one of the largest art museums in the country. The museum features an extensive collection of art from around the world and frequently hosts special exhibitions.
Evening:
• Dinner at Backstreet Cafe: Enjoy a delightful dinner in a charming setting, featuring an eclectic menu with a Southern twist.
Day 2: Poetry and Prose
Morning:
• Breakfast at The Dunlavy: Have a picturesque breakfast with stunning views of Buffalo Bayou.
Afternoon:
• Visit Brazos Bookstore: This independent bookstore is a haven for book lovers, offering a carefully curated selection of books and frequent author readings and signings.
Evening:
• Dinner at Local Foods: Enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Night:
• Poetry Reading at Write About Now: Immerse yourself in Houston’s vibrant spoken word scene with an evening of poetry readings at this popular weekly event.
Day 3: Artistic Adventures
Morning:
• Breakfast at Blacksmith: Enjoy a hearty breakfast and some of the best coffee in town.
Afternoon:
• The Menil Collection: Explore this unique museum known for its diverse collection, including surrealist art, modern masterpieces, and ancient artifacts.
Evening:
• Dinner at Ninfa’s on Navigation: Savor the best Tex-Mex in the city at this iconic restaurant.
Night:
• Performance at The Alley Theatre: Catch a live performance at one of Houston’s premier theaters, known for its high-quality productions.
Day 4: Creative Spaces
Morning:
• Breakfast at Tout Suite: Enjoy a tasty breakfast in this trendy café that’s perfect for relaxing.
Afternoon:
• Visit Houston Center for Contemporary Craft: Explore exhibitions of contemporary craft, including ceramics, fiber, and glass, and even catch an artist at work in their studios.
Evening:
• Dinner at Uchi: Experience innovative Japanese cuisine at this award-winning restaurant.
Night:
• Live Music at The Heights Theater: Enjoy a night of live music in an intimate setting, featuring local and national artists.
Day 5: Literature and Leisure
Morning:
• Breakfast at The Honeymoon Cafe & Bar: Start your day with a New Orleans-inspired breakfast.
Afternoon:
• Houston Public Library – Julia Ideson Building: Visit this beautiful historic building and explore its extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Evening:
• Dinner at Hugo’s: Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine in a lively and elegant setting.
Night:
• Book Reading at Blue Willow Bookshop: Attend a book reading or author event at this beloved independent bookstore.
Day 6: Bayou and Beauty
Morning:
• Breakfast at Baby Barnaby’s Cafe: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this local favorite.
Afternoon:
• Buffalo Bayou Park: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic trails of this urban park. Don’t miss the Cistern, an underground reservoir turned art space.
Evening:
• Dinner at Riel: Savor innovative dishes that blend Gulf Coast, Canadian, and Ukrainian flavors.
Night:
• Cocktails at Anvil Bar & Refuge: End the evening with expertly crafted cocktails at one of Houston’s top bars.
Day 7: Farewell Houston
Morning:
• Breakfast at Common Bond On-The-Go: Grab a quick breakfast to fuel up for the last day.
Afternoon:
• Visit Rothko Chapel: Experience the serene and contemplative space of this non-denominational chapel filled with Mark Rothko’s abstract paintings.
Evening:
• Farewell Dinner at The Grove: Enjoy a farewell dinner with stunning views of Discovery Green park.
Night:
• Drinks at La Carafe: End the trip with a nightcap at Houston’s oldest bar, known for its historic ambiance and extensive wine list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This dedication is to my mother, my biggest cheerleader, and the wind beneath my wings. My mother is my foundation, my first love, and the cornerstone of my life. She is the reason I am who I am today. Her strength, grace, and determination have shaped me in ways that words can hardly express. I often joke with her, saying that everything I do is to impress her. While it may sound light-hearted, it is a truth deeply rooted in my heart.

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