Kay Howell graduated from Pennsylvania State University and completed a Master’s Degree in Sociology and Political Science at Duke University. She has experience in social work and has taught in the public schools. She developed the Michigan Dyslexia Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides diagnostic testing and instruction for children and adults with dyslexia, trains teachers, offers free information to the public, and conducts projects with schools and other organizations. Today the Institute maintains five centers in Michigan. It has served as a model for developing similar Institutes in other states. Kay volunteers time to teach students, train teachers, and assist the Institute with special projects.