Experienced educator Kimberly (Vestweber) Warneke ’93 GR ’11 serves others as a licensed dyslexia therapist

Kimberly (Vestweber) Warneke ’93 GR ’11 always knew she wanted to be a teacher. The DCE at the home church of her youth encouraged her to explore the Lutheran teacher program at Concordia University, Nebraska. She was also encouraged because her church offered a scholarship for students who were pursuing church work. 

Warneke has a bachelor of science degree in education and a master of science in education with reading specialist endorsement from Concordia University, Nebraska. She is also a Certified Academic Language Therapist (Licensed Dyslexia Therapist). 

She said she has many fond memories of her time on campus, but meeting her husband Kevin ’91 was definitely the best part.  

“The sense of community at Concordia was amazing. I feel so blessed that the friends I made at Concordia have become lifelong friends,” she said. “Having only attended secular schools prior to Concordia, going to classes with professors that made the Christian faith an integral part of all the learning was new to me. They showed me the joy and fulfillment of church work.” 

Following graduation, Warneke taught fourth grade at Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Dallas, Texas, for two years, first grade and Kindergarten at Faith Lutheran School in Plano, Texas, for a total of nine years, first grade and in the Eagle’s Nest Program (math/reading remediation) at Prince of Peace Christian School in Carrollton, Texas for 14.5 years and started her private dyslexia therapy practice part-time in 2005 while still teaching full time. She began providing full time private dyslexia therapy services in 2020. 

“Dyslexia can be an overwhelming diagnosis for families. I enjoy easing their fears by talking about the remediation process and being a resource for them. It’s fulfilling to work with a struggling student to help them become a reader. However, the best part is seeing relief, joy and confidence replace their fear and anxiety.”

“My vocation is a Certified Academic Language Therapist/Dyslexia Therapist/Reading Specialist,” she explained. “I started working part-time with one student in my home. Currently, I have my own full-time private practice and work with nine students, three to four times each week. I travel to see students at their school, or they come to my home office. I teach dyslexic students how to read, write and spell.” 

The Warnekes have been married for 33 years and have three children, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. Kimberly enjoys serving in the altar guild at church, sewing embroidered Christmas stockings for their growing family, reading and visiting grandchildren at every opportunity. 

Kimberly said her time at the university definitely prepared her for her career in Lutheran education and for her current work.  She said that although she serves students in all types of settings, she always feels the most “at home” in Lutheran schools. 

“I still utilize the skills and knowledge that were taught by Dr. Judy Pruess and Dr. Janell Uffleman daily in my work as a reading specialist,” she said. “Dyslexia can be an overwhelming diagnosis for families. I enjoy easing their fears by talking about the remediation process and being a resource for them. It’s fulfilling to work with a struggling student to help them become a reader. However, the best part is seeing relief, joy and confidence replace their fear and anxiety. My skills and love for working with these students is a gift from God. I don’t really deserve any honor or credit for my work. To God be the Glory!” 

To celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week, throughout the month of January, Concordia Nebraska will highlight stories of faculty, staff, alumni and students who have been impacted by or serve in Lutheran education. National Lutheran Schools Week provides more than 1,800 preschools, elementary schools and high schools with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate God’s work among us in schools of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.