Dr. Zerfas, Friona grad, earns awards
Dr. Terri Zerfas, Friona High School Class of 1968, was recently presented the 2013 Excellence in Education award by the Dallas Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Terri’s mother and sister, Judy Cummings and Lisa Gonzales attended the award luncheon. This is the highest award bestowed by the organization.
Since training as a speech/language pathologist at Texas Tech University 40 years ago, Terri has served Texas students who have speech, language, and/or learning disabilities. She earned a Ph.D from Texas A&M University-Commerce and is currently an adjunct instructor at Southern Methodist University’s learning therapy program. This is a graduate level program that provides a two-year raining program to meet the requirements for Licensed Dyslexia Therapist in Texas.
Because of her work at SMU, Terri received the International Dyslexia Association’s 2011 Outstanding University Educator award. Currently she is serving as the chair of Senate Bill 866, which will provide undergraduate education majors with much needed knowledge regarding the early identification of dyslexia as well as appropriate accommodations in the classroom.
Terri lives in Rockwall with her husband, two dogs, and a few cows. In addition to frequent activities with her children and grandchildren, Terri is an active supporter of the Nobles of Note big band that is directed by her husband Gary. All proceeds from the band are donated to the children’s Burn Hospital in Galveston. On her frequent trips to Friona to visit her mother Judy, Terri indulges a favorite hobby – taking pictures of the magnificent Panhandle sunsets.
