Center Leadership

Scientific Leadership

Our multidisciplinary team includes neurologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychologists, and neuroscientists with expertise in neurodevelopment, molecular genetics, neuroimaging, computer science, psychology, and education.

Maria Luisa Gorno-Tempini, MD, PhD.

Charles Schwab Distinguished Professorship in Dyslexia and Neurodevelopment, Director of Neurology; Co-director, UCSF Dyslexia Center

Dr. Maria Luisa Gorno-Tempini is a behavioral neurologist and the Co-Director of the UCSF Dyslexia Center and the UCSF|UC Berkeley Schwab Center for Dyslexia and Cognitive Diversity. She is Professor of Neurology and Director of the Language & Neurobiology Laboratory at the Memory and Aging Center. Her expertise is in cognitive neurology, applying neuropsychological and neuroimaging techniques to understand language difficulties across the lifespan, ranging from neurological diseases to neurodevelopmental challenges and gifts. In 2014, Dr. Gorno-Tempini co-founded the UCSF Dyslexia Center. 

Bruce Miller, MD

A.W. and Mary Margaret Clausen Distinguished Professor in Neurology; Director, Memory and Aging Center; Director, Global Brain Health Institute

Dr. Miller is Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry with specialty in behavioral neurology. He is the Director of the UCSF Memory and Aging Center. His clinical and research expertise are in understanding the anatomical and molecular basis of neurological diseases and neurodevelopmental differences. He has clinical and research expertise in aging and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the neurobiological basis of behavior and creativity. In 2014, He co-founded the UCSF Dyslexia center with Dr. Gorno Tempini.

 

Christa Watson Pereira, PsyD

Assistant Professor of Neurology

Dr. Pereira graduated from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology-Stanford PsyD Consortium in 2014. She has a background in psychology, developmental biology, neuroimaging and neuropsychology. Her research interests include brain development across the lifespan.

Advisory Board

Co-Chairs: Steve Carnevale and David Evans (Charles Armstrong School Emeritus Board of Trustees)

Maria Luisa Gorno-Tempini (Director UCSF Language Neurobiology Labortatory and Co-Director UCSF Dyslexia Center)

Robert Hendren (Co-Director UCSF Dyslexia Center)

Fumiko Hoeft (Director Brain Imaging Research Center UCONN & UCSF Professor Psychiatry)

Claudia Koochek (Head Westmark School)

Katrina Maestri (President of Trustees - Chartwell School)

Bruce Miller (Director UCSF Memory and Aging Center & Director Global Brain Health Institute)

Bob Wise (Former Governor & Congressman West Virginia and President Emeritus Alliance for Excellent Education)

Patrick Brennan (Lobbyist - Rooster Public Strategies)

Sue Shalvey (Education Consultant & Former Teacher, Principal and District Leader)

Leadership Circle

Through their annual contributions, Leadership Circle members pave the way for the UCSF Dyslexia Center’s sustained excellence in groundbreaking research and medical evaluations of learning differences.  Members are not bystanders but partners in UCSF breakthroughs.  Leadership Circle members are provided the opportunity to actively engage with researchers to provide the thought leadership required to impact student learning.

Ken and Nancy Branscombe

Mike & Loren Gordon

Luca & Katrina Maestri

Kurt & Tammy Mobley

Sandy Otellini

James and Laura Rosenwald

Justin & Lee Sadrian

Sebastian Scripps

Sinclair Sherrill

Ambassador Circle

Volunteer leaders and supporters who serve as active ambassadors and advocates for the UCSF Dyslexia Center, deeply connected to our core mission.

Carol Beatty – Dyslexia Advocate

Julie Brady – Dyslexia Advocate

Andy Butler – CEO Square Panda

David Flink – Founder & CEO Eye-to-Eye

Andrew Friedman – President & CEO Learning Ally

Karen Kruger – Charles Armstrong School

Tobie Meyer – Decoding Dyslexia California

Kyle Redford – Marin Country Day School

Stu Shader – Learning Ally

Kerry Slattery – Organizational Consultant and Dyslexia Advocate

Kelly Vercellino –Dyslexia Advocate

Linda Yates – Founder & CEO Mach 49