Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D., CCC/SLP, CDT, CALT, QI

Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D., CCC/SLP, CDT, CALT, QI is a bilingual speech and language pathologist, certified dyslexia specialist, certified academic language therapist and a qualified instructor. Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan is the President of the Valley Speech Language and Learning Center in Brownsville, Texas and a research associate with the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics at the University of Houston. Elsa's research interests include the development of language and literacy skills among Spanish-speaking English learners. She has worked with teams of researchers designing assessments and interventions for English learners who struggle with reading.

Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan has written many scholarly articles, curricular programs, and book chapters related to the oracy and literacy development among English learners. Her book entitled: Literacy Foundations for English learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction can help educators understand how to implement Structured Literacy among English learners.

Currently the Chairperson of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities, her community efforts include serving as the Co-founder of Brownsville READS, board member of Saint Joseph Academy, Driscoll Children's Development Foundation Board, Valley Regional Hospital board member, and board member of Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise. Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan has received awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Dyslexia Association, and the Champion of Dyslexia Award by the Texas Education Agency.