Dr. Garforth has professional expertise in Educational Psychology and a personal understanding of the frustrations children and adults with learning difficulties experience at home, school, work, and in extracurricular activities.
As a child, Dr. Garforth struggled with reading and spelling in her primary years. A psychoeducational assessment in grade four helped her understand her strengths and gave her hope that with the right instruction and accommodations she could succeed in school.
In grade five, Dr. Garforth’s public school teacher declined to provide her with accommodations during multiple weekly quizzes. Her poor score prompted extensive bullying from her peers, and her teacher predicted that she would never finish school.
In grade six, Dr. Garforth switched to a private school that specialized in helping children with dyslexia, and this removed the stigma of having a disability. She began to enjoy school and learned how to self-advocate.
With informed instruction, extensive tutoring, accommodations, and perseverance, Dr. Garforth went on to acquire four degrees from two Canadian universities. Postsecondary education was achievable because she had developed self-advocacy skills and was able to design her own course load.
Her life story was featured in an award-winning, Knowledge Network documentary, entitled Deciphering Dyslexia (2007).
Dr. Garforth initially completed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences from the University of Lethbridge (2005).