Hello! I am Katerina Malone, a dyslexia specialist and structured literacy reading and writing tutor trained by the Slingerland Institute. As a structured literacy tutor, I have successfully completed levels 1 & 2 of the Slingerland training program.
The Slingerland Approach is a comprehensive, structured, multimodal methodology based on Orton-Gillingham. It is aimed at supporting students with dyslexia / specific language-based learning differences.
With a background in linguistics, and higher education multimedia and publishing, I use the science of reading and technology to help struggling readers find success.
I am dedicated to guiding your child toward success—both in their academic and emotional journeys.
Katerina Malone, Slingerland Dyslexia Reading Specialist
My personal story and why I became a dyslexia Slingerland reading specialist
I first learned about dyslexia when my son was diagnosed in elementary school. After two years of resource reading support in the public school system, he still struggled with low self-esteem, and lagged several years behind in reading, writing and spelling. I embarked on a journey of educating myself on what dyslexia is and how to help him. After only a couple of months of Orton-Gillingham tutoring, my son shared he was finally beginning to “see what was in the words.” This intensive intervention transformed him into a confident, motivated, and successful reader. And most of all, it brought back the smile on his face!
After witnessing this dramatic change in him, I decided to go through the rigorous process of Slingerland training to help other kids find success.
During the process of researching and educating myself on dyslexia, I found out that too often in the public school setting, teaching is done in a manner that doesn’t give enough consideration to the brain research and educational and cognitive psychology that support effective teaching and learning. One crucial missing piece is the importance of teaching spelling skills in a direct and explicit manner. The cognitive process that enables readers and spellers form permanent connections between a word's pronunciation, spelling, and meaning is called orthographic coding, and it is the missing link that has been left out of literacy instruction standards.
I embarked on this journey to advocate for the science of reading and to help struggling readers find success.
An official dyslexia diagnosis is not necessary for parents to seek expert help for their struggling readers.
I am committed to helping your child achieve success in both their academic and emotional journeys!
