Rate My Professor Leigh Ann Van Dyke

Leigh Ann Van Dyke is the Learning Disability Specialist and Professor at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at Palomar College, a position she has held since joining the institution in 2013. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Educational Counseling and Counseling from California State University, Fresno. Licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor since 2013, Van Dyke has accumulated over 20 years of experience working in community colleges. In her role at Palomar College, she specializes in learning disability assessments, providing essential testing and support services to students. She is a key member of the Learning Disability Assessment Screening team, which includes Devonay Olson, Jane Mills, Patty Ricks, Sabrina Menchaca, Laura Gorham, and Alyssa Vafaei. Van Dyke teaches courses focused on study strategies, anxiety and stress wellness, and nervous system techniques, including fully online classes recommended for students seeking to enhance their academic skills.

Van Dyke demonstrates significant leadership and commitment to professional development in the field of learning disabilities. She served as the Southern California Chair of the Learning Disabilities Community of Interest Group (LD CIG) for the California Association of Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED) through October 2023. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in supporting LD specialists amid the COVID-19 pandemic by contributing to the formation of a Representative Council for regional collaboration and professional communication. She participated in reviewing scholarships, including the Susan Bunch Memorial Scholarship and Dick Griffith Memorial Scholarship, piloted an e-signature feature in CARS-W, organized seminars for the CAPED Pre-Convention in October 2022, and co-chaired a Re-Opening Workgroup to develop guidance on campus return plans based on prior LD CIG resources. At Palomar College, she has been involved in multiple committees, such as the Behavioral Health and Campus Wellness Committee, Tutoring Committee, and others including the Academic Review Committee and Training Committee. Van Dyke has also offered workshops for DRC students, including a session on managing stress and test anxiety. Her dedication extends to fostering student success within a supportive DRC environment known for its professional staff.