If your child’s challenges include reading, writing, or spelling, I’d be happy to conduct an assessment to pinpoint what techniques and strategies would help. Read more about the assessment on the Assessment tab.

I focus on teaching my students to use different reading strategies flexibly to increase fluency, decoding skills, and comprehension. We strengthen visual, auditory, and working memory through reading, writing, and word work in enjoyable, interactive sessions. All activities are based in authentic reading and writing tasks and individualized for the learner. I combine elements of balanced literacy teaching, the science of reading, and brain research for a unique approach to literacy acquisition and application.

I tutor students of all ages in literacy, and have a wonderful math tutor referral for you — just ask!

What can you expect from a tutoring session with Debbie?

~ authentic activities like reading, writing, problem-solving and real-world applications ~ the student's understanding and articulation of how each session helped them and can be applied to their schoolwork
~ 100% customized learning, specific to your child's needs
~ active learning from the student, not lecturing
~ modeling of concepts and gentle guidance toward independent success
~ ongoing authentic assessment to show progress and identify areas to work on next
~ Brain Gym and Bal-A-Vis-X exercises to get both sides of the brain working together
~ elements from Reading Recovery, Fountas & Pinnell, Marie Clay, and the Davis Method of teaching reading and writing, as well as some vision therapy techniques and brain science, but mostly my own ideas and experiences with effective reading and writing instruction and how the brain works

Consider private or small group tutoring for your child if ...

~ your child shows signs of Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or other reading disorders, but the school interventions don’t seem to be helping
~ your child's class simply has too many students and he/she needs more individualized attention to excel
~ you'd like to see your child's strengths realized, or you'd like to see more strengths fostered
~ you want someone to work with your child's specific learning style
~ your child has special needs and isn't getting those needs fully met at school
~ you'd like your child to get a jump start on the next grade level or to prevent summer slide
~ your child needs an educational confidence boost
~ you'd like your child instructed in an area you have trouble teaching
~ you and your child clash when you try to work together
~ your child needs another point of view or a different teaching style for certain subjects