A Legacy of Advocacy, A Future of Possibility

Ending another school year can be a time for reflection and celebration as we look back on student growth, challenges overcome, and meaningful memories created throughout the year. As I reflect and celebrate the close of this school year, I am also reminded of members of the Houston Branch of IDA who left a lasting impact on our community.

Peggy Engman - A former HBIDA board member, was one of those remarkable individuals whose influence continues to be felt by so many.

Last year, Peggy Engman’s granddaughter, Clara Engman, reached out to let me know that her grandmother had passed away. Peggy, a former HBIDA board member, was one of those remarkable individuals whose influence continues to be felt by so many. A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, Peggy graduated from Tulane University before moving to Houston, where she became a pioneer in her field as one of the few women at the time to establish her own private practice.

At a time when there was limited understanding of dyslexia, yet a growing awareness of the need to support students with language-based learning differences, Peggy remained committed to learning, advocating, and serving her clients with compassion and determination. In 2015, Peggy received HBIDA’s Nancy LaFevers Community Service Award in recognition of her many years of service and leadership. Most notably, she organized a scholarship fund that provided children and adults access to evaluations by diagnosticians and speech-language pathologists knowledgeable about dyslexia.

Friends described Peggy as “enthusiastic” with “great follow-through.” Her granddaughter Katherine reflected on Peggy’s enduring influence, sharing: “Growing up, Perky always reminded me how important it is to express my thoughts and opinions clearly. She taught me never to let anyone or anything silence me. Helping people find their voice was something she was truly passionate about.”

As we celebrate the conclusion of another school year, take a moment to celebrate your own perseverance and dedication. You made it to the finish line. Remember that every day, you give students a voice to express their thoughts and perspectives, empowering them to build confidence, deepen their understanding, and grow into thoughtful, independent learners. Honor those moments and the lasting legacy of Peggy Engman by continuing to help students find and use their voices.

Have a wonderful summer and we cannot wait to see you all at our annual Fall Symposium on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at The Briarwood School. Registration and details will be posted on our website this summer.

Mallary Lattanze

President of HBIDA