Questions parents ask

Only a doctor or qualified educational psychologist can diagnose dyslexia — and you don't need a diagnosis to seek help. Common signs of a struggling reader include difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words, slow or labored reading, persistent spelling difficulties, avoiding reading aloud, and working much harder than peers with little to show for it. If you're seeing these signs, that's enough to reach out. We can talk about what you're observing and whether structured literacy instruction could help.

Yes. Many of my students don't have a formal diagnosis — and they don't need one. I work with any child who is struggling with reading or who wants a stronger foundation in literacy. The Orton-Gillingham approach is effective for any reader who benefits from explicit, structured instruction.

Yes. In addition to reading, I offer structured instruction in writing and grammar for students from early learners through high school. If your child needs support beyond reading, reach out and we can talk about what's the right fit.

There's no wrong time to start, but earlier is generally better. Most of my students are in elementary school, and early intervention gives children the strongest foundation. That said, the Orton-Gillingham approach works for older students too. The brain's ability to build these pathways doesn't expire.

Most students see the best results with two to three sessions per week. Consistency matters more than intensity. Once-a-week sessions can be helpful for maintenance, but building new skills requires more frequent practice. We'll talk through the right schedule during your consultation.

It depends on the student's needs and how frequently we meet. Over time, sessions become less frequent as your child internalizes the skills and becomes a more independent reader. The goal is always to get them to a place where they don't need me anymore.

Some schools are beginning to adopt structured literacy practices, but most general education reading programs are not designed for students who need explicit, one-on-one instruction. Even schools with intervention programs rarely offer the individualized, Orton-Gillingham-based approach that research shows is most effective. Private tutoring fills that gap.

Many programs teach reading through memorization, repetition, or context clues. Orton-Gillingham teaches the actual structure of the English language. It's explicit, systematic, and multisensory. Every concept is taught directly, practiced through multiple senses, and mastered before moving on. It has the deepest evidence base of any reading intervention approach.

My sessions are primarily in-person in the Portland, Oregon area. Virtual sessions may be available in certain situations — reach out and we can talk through what works for your family.