ANNOUNCEMENT: Please note we are not currently accepting new clients.
The International Dyslexia Association states that "when reading is taught by highly knowledgeable and skilled teachers of reading, all but the most severe reading difficulties can be resolved or, at the very least, greatly improved." Current research supports the use of Structured Literacy (often called Orton-Gillingham based instruction) in remediating dyslexia. I offer a Structured Literacy approach that is systematic, cumulative, explicit, intensive, and multisensory.
My Qualifications and Experience
I have been a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist for 20 years. My college coursework included classes in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, the very content that is embodied by a Structured Literacy approach. While dyslexia therapy is NOT considered speech therapy, I do hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). According to ASHA, this is "a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the field of Audiology (CCC-A) or Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Those who have achieved the CCC—ASHA certification—have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high quality clinical services, and they actively engage in ongoing professional development to keep their certification current." See the ASHA website for more information.
In addition to my college degrees, I have sought continuing education in the science of reading. I am currently working toward certification as an Academic Language Therapist (CALT) through the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA). This includes 200 hours of classroom instruction and 700 hours of practicum with dyslexic individuals. I am passionate about continuing to seek relevant professional development courses to review current literature and expand my skills. Additionally, I have hundreds of hours of experience homeschooling my own dyslexic child.
The programs I use for dyslexia intervention are based on Orton-Gillingham principles. Some of the programs I use include Take Flight (developed at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital), SPELL-Links, and Lexercise. I prefer in-person therapy, but can arrange for virtual therapy when needed.