Frequently Asked Questions
What is YOUR philosophy?
I believe neurodiversity is not fully understood or accepted in our schools. Those with different learning styles are not given a fair chance to advance along with their classmates. Dyslexic brains take a different pathway to the language center where they can decode, encode, read, write and comprehend the written word. This difference can be identified as early as 3-4 yrs old, but we often don't even test struggling readers until the third grade. These children are gifted in many ways but most can not see it past their frustration. The same pathway connectors that makes a person dyslexic also fosters high-level, creativity, outside-the-box, "big picture" thinking. These learners don't need more disappointment, they just need a fair chance to show us what they can do, given the right teaching approach.
WHere does the tutoring take place?
I tutor out of my home. Parents are welcome to stay for the first one or two sessions. Then after that, I ask that you wait in the front sitting area where you will have a view of the tutoring room and your child. I try and limit the distractions as much as possible.
Can I see a copy of your policies?
YES. CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE MORE INFORMATION. (E-MAIL ME IF FOR SOME REASON YOU CAN ACCESS THESE FILES, AND I WILL BE GLAD TO SEND THEM TO YOU)
tutoring_welcome_guide.docx
tutoring_policies.docm
tutoring_welcome_guide.docx
tutoring_policies.docm
DO you have references?
Yes, you can find some under the resources and references section here on my site. I can also provide you with a few current and past clients to speak to personally. With more than ten years of public school teaching, and ten more years teaching my own daughter to succeed at reading and writing, I have plenty of references to provide.
Does my child need an assessment before attending tutoring?
You can bring in any formal testing from either their school or an outside agency and I will look at it for placement. However, I also provide a comprehensive evaluation to see where their strengths and weaknesses are and to get a baseline for their educational plan. The assessment fee is $150. The evaluation itself takes about 1-2 hours. The other 2 hours I spend scoring the tests and providing a written report, usually 7-8 pages in length. I evaluate the whole child, including family history, school testing, if provided, as well as at least three screening tools. This is NOT A DIAGNOSIS, it is an informal assessment to pinpoint deficits in which to guide the teaching of skills.
HOw long will the tutoring last (weeks, months, years)?
Every child is different and there is no quick fix for dyslexia. Dyslexia is a life-long challenge and there is no cure, however, with appropriate and timely intervention, success can be achieved. Dyslexia is a spectrum disorder, meaning one child can be mildly affected and another severely. Your child will advance at a rate where they can retain skills taught and apply them, while also building confidence. Please realize that strengthening and creating new neural pathways in the brain, which facilitate more efficient learning, takes time. My goal is to get your child caught up with their peers and to enjoy reading and learning … "go as fast as you can and as slow as you must". I don't want to linger longer than necessary because it's counterproductive and is more expensive for you...plus I usually have a waiting list. Most clients see noticeable progress in 3-4 months time and substantial progress within 6 months, but it may take longer to catch them up to their grade level required skills depending on their starting level.
What ages do you work with?
I will work with whomever needs it. The love of learning starts early, but a very young child will need to be ready and willing to learn. Tutoring is not effective with children younger than 3-4 years of age, they are just not able to maintain focus and have enough self control to sit through the intensive lessons. My specialty is working with students who are reading at a K-3rd grade. However, I am happy to teach adults as well. Children as young as age 5 years of age can be recognized as at risk readers or diagnosed as dyslexic. Please don't wait to get an assessment if you have concerns.
Is there a fee for a consultation and what are your options for payment arrangements?
I offer a free 30 minute consult upfront. If we agree to proceed, then the initial assessment of skills is $150. I have weekly or monthly payment options for tutoring sessions. I accept Venmo, Zelle, checks, automatic deposits and cash. There is a policy handbook and contract to look over before enrolling and any questions you have can be answered at that time. Click here for more information on tutoring session fees tutoring_services_information.docx.
What is your background?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood from UTSA.
I am a certified K-8 Elementary Ed teacher and taught in the NEISD for over ten years.
I have been either teaching or tutoring for almost 30 years.
I am trained in the Slingerland Method focusing on handwriting and phonemic awareness.
I am Orton-Gillingham trained from the Academy of Orton Gillingham Professional Educators.
I have attended hundreds of hours of seminars and sessions addressing the latest reading research and methods.
I am the parent of a dyslexic child, who wished I had someone to help me, and my daughter, navigate her early reading years long ago.
I have a passion for helping people overcome the reading difficulties affecting their families.
I am a certified K-8 Elementary Ed teacher and taught in the NEISD for over ten years.
I have been either teaching or tutoring for almost 30 years.
I am trained in the Slingerland Method focusing on handwriting and phonemic awareness.
I am Orton-Gillingham trained from the Academy of Orton Gillingham Professional Educators.
I have attended hundreds of hours of seminars and sessions addressing the latest reading research and methods.
I am the parent of a dyslexic child, who wished I had someone to help me, and my daughter, navigate her early reading years long ago.
I have a passion for helping people overcome the reading difficulties affecting their families.
Where are you located?
I am on the North side of town, near Encino Park and Stone Oak. Please see contact page for a more detailed map. I conduct tutoring sessions in my home. I do not travel because I do not have that kind of time between student appointments.
