Board of Directors
The Dyfference Makers Board of Directors is made up of passionate leaders, advocates, and professionals who are united by a shared mission: to improve literacy outcomes for struggling readers. With backgrounds spanning education, healthcare, business, and community leadership, each board member brings valuable insight and experience to our work. Together, this group provides thoughtful guidance, strategic direction, and unwavering support as we expand access to science‑based literacy tools and instruction—ensuring more children and families have the opportunity to succeed.
The Gooch Family
Each member of the Gooch family has had an important role in bringing Dyfference Makers to life. What began as a deeply personal journey to better support their son became a mission rooted in something bigger—ensuring other families don’t have to navigate dyslexia alone or spend years searching for answers.
That same purpose carries through the Board of Directors today. Together, we are committed to making sure every child has the opportunity to learn to read in a way that truly works for them. We advocate for students with dyslexia and struggling readers, while equipping the families, educators, and professionals who support them with clear, evidence-based tools.
Through Orton-Gillingham–aligned instruction and a strong, supportive community, we are working to create lasting literacy change—one child, one family, and one classroom at a time.
Laken Gooch
Executive Director & Founder
Laken Gooch is the founder of Dyfference Makers and a lifelong educator with a passion for helping children thrive. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University and holds Oklahoma licensure in both Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Laken is a certified Orton-Gillingham tutor, completing a rigorous two-year training and practicum through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education, and is also certified through the Center for Effective Reading. Her experience spans both classroom teaching and private tutoring, giving her a well-rounded, hands-on understanding of how children learn.
Outside of her work, Laken enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with her family, including Dunder, their beloved white Labrador retriever. She’s also an incredible baker and previously owned Lick Your Lips Mini-Donuts, serving Tulsa from her restored vintage trailer.
Laken is a certified Orton-Gillingham tutor, completing a rigorous two-year training and practicum through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education, and is also certified through the Center for Effective Reading. Her experience spans both classroom teaching and private tutoring, giving her a well-rounded, hands-on understanding of how children learn.
Outside of her work, Laken enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with her family, including Dunder, their beloved white Labrador retriever. She’s also an incredible baker and previously owned Lick Your Lips Mini-Donuts, serving Tulsa from her restored vintage trailer.
Meagan Brazeal
Vice President
Meagan Brazeal brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to Dyfference Makers. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science from Oklahoma State University and her master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Oklahoma.
As a practicing Occupational Therapist, Meagan has worked across a wide range of settings, including home health, neuro-rehab, outpatient care, school-based services, and private practice. She is also the owner of Wondrous Kids Pediatric Therapy and TimberNook of Northeast Oklahoma.
Outside of work, Meagan enjoys running, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her husband, two boys, and their many farm animals. She’s also known for her thoughtfully planned parties and beautifully crafted charcuterie displays.
As a practicing Occupational Therapist, Meagan has worked across a wide range of settings, including home health, neuro-rehab, outpatient care, school-based services, and private practice. She is also the owner of Wondrous Kids Pediatric Therapy and TimberNook of Northeast Oklahoma.
Outside of work, Meagan enjoys running, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her husband, two boys, and their many farm animals. She’s also known for her thoughtfully planned parties and beautifully crafted charcuterie displays.
Kent Gooch Jr.
Secretary & Treasurer
Kent Gooch Jr. combines a background in business and public service with a strong commitment to community impact. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Tulsa and later completed a Master of Public Administration at the University of Oklahoma.
Since 2005, Kent has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Tulsa Fire Department. He is also an active community leader, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Rising Village, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering refugees.
Kent enjoys traveling with his family, exploring new foods, and spending time in the mountains of western North Carolina. At home, he can often be found relaxing with his family and watching The Office—where he proudly claims the title of Assistant to the Regional Manager.
Since 2005, Kent has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Tulsa Fire Department. He is also an active community leader, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Rising Village, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering refugees.
Kent enjoys traveling with his family, exploring new foods, and spending time in the mountains of western North Carolina. At home, he can often be found relaxing with his family and watching The Office—where he proudly claims the title of Assistant to the Regional Manager.
Meredith Webber
Director
Meredith Webber brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her role on the Dyfference Makers board. She graduated from the University of Tulsa with degrees in marketing, public relations, and integrated marketing communications.
Diagnosed with dyslexia during her freshman year of college, Meredith faced the challenge of learning to read while continuing her coursework. Through perseverance, she not only overcame those obstacles but developed a lasting love for reading — especially biographies.
Her experience shaped her perspective and strengths as a creative thinker, ultimately leading her to found and serve as CEO of Outrider Gas Transports in Tulsa. Meredith is also an active volunteer, nature lover, and advocate for ensuring others don’t face the same unnecessary challenges she once did.
Diagnosed with dyslexia during her freshman year of college, Meredith faced the challenge of learning to read while continuing her coursework. Through perseverance, she not only overcame those obstacles but developed a lasting love for reading — especially biographies.
Her experience shaped her perspective and strengths as a creative thinker, ultimately leading her to found and serve as CEO of Outrider Gas Transports in Tulsa. Meredith is also an active volunteer, nature lover, and advocate for ensuring others don’t face the same unnecessary challenges she once did.
Sean Weins
Director
Sean Weins serves as Vice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer at Tulsa Community College, where he brings strategic leadership and a deep commitment to student success. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University.
Prior to his work in higher education, Sean served in the United States Air Force, where he earned multiple awards and commendations, including a “Below the Zone” promotion and recognition as a distinguished graduate of Officer Training School.
Sean is deeply involved in the Tulsa community, having served as past board president for Leadership Tulsa and actively contributing to organizations like the Tulsa Area United Way and Downtown Tulsa Partnership. His firsthand experience in education fuels his passion for supporting students with dyslexia and helping them succeed without unnecessary barriers.
Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters, especially near the water.
Prior to his work in higher education, Sean served in the United States Air Force, where he earned multiple awards and commendations, including a “Below the Zone” promotion and recognition as a distinguished graduate of Officer Training School.
Sean is deeply involved in the Tulsa community, having served as past board president for Leadership Tulsa and actively contributing to organizations like the Tulsa Area United Way and Downtown Tulsa Partnership. His firsthand experience in education fuels his passion for supporting students with dyslexia and helping them succeed without unnecessary barriers.
Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters, especially near the water.
Amy Knight
Director
Amy Knight combines a background in communications with a deep personal passion for supporting struggling readers. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications and Media Studies from Moody Bible Institute and currently serves as Director of Sales and Marketing for Knight Pecan Farms in Tulsa.
Diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school, Amy understands the life-changing impact of early intervention. Inspired by a teacher who helped her learn to read, she is passionate about ensuring other children have the same opportunity for success.
Amy is a natural connector who brings warmth and community-building to everything she does, making her an invaluable part of the Dyfference Makers board. She enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with her husband, their puppy Kia, and her extended family on the pecan farm.
Diagnosed with dyslexia in elementary school, Amy understands the life-changing impact of early intervention. Inspired by a teacher who helped her learn to read, she is passionate about ensuring other children have the same opportunity for success.
Amy is a natural connector who brings warmth and community-building to everything she does, making her an invaluable part of the Dyfference Makers board. She enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with her husband, their puppy Kia, and her extended family on the pecan farm.
Rob Atema
Director
Rob Atema is the founder and owner of Rivertop Contracting, a leading landscaping management and enhancement company based in western North Carolina. His leadership, commitment to quality, and dedication to both employees and customers have been key to the company’s success.
In addition to his work in contracting, Rob has a strong interest in real estate development and investing. As someone who is dyslexic, he brings valuable firsthand perspective to the Dyfference Makers mission and is passionate about helping others reach their full potential.
Rob is married to his wife, Katey, and together they have raised two sons, Logan and Carson. In his free time, he enjoys the beach, Lake James, and gathering around a campfire with family and friends.
In addition to his work in contracting, Rob has a strong interest in real estate development and investing. As someone who is dyslexic, he brings valuable firsthand perspective to the Dyfference Makers mission and is passionate about helping others reach their full potential.
Rob is married to his wife, Katey, and together they have raised two sons, Logan and Carson. In his free time, he enjoys the beach, Lake James, and gathering around a campfire with family and friends.
Caitriona Harris
Director
Caitriona Harris serves as Director of Learning Initiatives at Monte Cassino School, where she leads the REACH program supporting students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia. A speech-language pathologist by training, she brings both expertise and compassion to her work with students, families, and educators.
She first connected with Dyfference Makers while helping guide Laken and Kent in finding the right school environment for their children. Her commitment to thoughtful, student-centered support made her a natural addition to the board.
Outside of her professional role, Caitriona is a proud mom of three sons and enjoys life with her two dogs. She loves reading and finds joy in the mountains of Durango, Colorado—her “home away from home”—even if her skiing days are behind her. As she shared in a recent article, she believes support should feel positive and approachable—because when people feel confident, they grow.
She first connected with Dyfference Makers while helping guide Laken and Kent in finding the right school environment for their children. Her commitment to thoughtful, student-centered support made her a natural addition to the board.
Outside of her professional role, Caitriona is a proud mom of three sons and enjoys life with her two dogs. She loves reading and finds joy in the mountains of Durango, Colorado—her “home away from home”—even if her skiing days are behind her. As she shared in a recent article, she believes support should feel positive and approachable—because when people feel confident, they grow.
Dunder
Chief "Barketing" Officer
Dunder is the official mascot and Chief Barketing Officer of Dyfference Makers—bringing heart, humor, and just the right amount of chaos to the team. A proud white Labrador (and self-identified dyslexic “bog”), Dunder is also the beloved “host” of Dyfference Makers Academy.
Named after The Office, Dunder has a talent for showing up exactly when—and where—you least expect him, often in the middle of the kitchen or wherever snacks might be nearby.
His favorite activities include zoomies around the kitchen island, strategic lounging in high-traffic areas, listening intently to reading time, chasing cats (with limited success), lake dives, and rolling in the mud like it’s a luxury spa experience.
Dunder reminds us every day that joy, messiness, and embracing differences are all part of making a Dyfference.
Named after The Office, Dunder has a talent for showing up exactly when—and where—you least expect him, often in the middle of the kitchen or wherever snacks might be nearby.
His favorite activities include zoomies around the kitchen island, strategic lounging in high-traffic areas, listening intently to reading time, chasing cats (with limited success), lake dives, and rolling in the mud like it’s a luxury spa experience.
Dunder reminds us every day that joy, messiness, and embracing differences are all part of making a Dyfference.
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