Online Structured Literacy Approach for Children with Reading Challenges, Including Dyslexia

Your Child's Reading Journey Starts Here

“Grounded in the belief that difference is not deficit, my work begins with what’s strong.”

Ms. Joy is a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist with credentials from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). With over 20 years of international teaching experience in Venezuela, England, Singapore, and Mexico, she brings a rich global perspective to her coaching practice.

Her approach is grounded in Orton-Gillingham principles and the science of reading, with a focus on clear, step-by-step phonics instruction and personalized strategies tailored to each learner’s needs. She specializes in supporting children with reading challenges, including dyslexia, through skill-building coaching.

All coaching sessions are delivered online via Zoom, making expert literacy support accessible to families everywhere.

Coaching Philosophy

Ms. Joy is dedicated to building confidence and creating learning experiences that go beyond memorizing words. She believes every child’s brain is unique and works in its own way. Kids with dyslexia may feel like their brains need to be “fixed,” but she wants them to know they are not broken—they just learn differently. Her coaching focuses on helping students understand how reading works through clear strategies, so they become independent and confident readers. She works closely with families to create personalized reading plans that grow with each child.

Your Child's Journey Starts Here

About Ms. Joy –

Ms. Joy is a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist with credentials from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). With over 20 years of international teaching experience in Venezuela, England, Singapore, and Mexico, she brings a rich global perspective to her coaching practice.

Her approach is grounded in Orton-Gillingham principles and the science of reading, with a focus on clear, step-by-step phonics instruction and personalized strategies tailored to each learner’s needs. She specializes in supporting children with reading challenges, including dyslexia, through skill-building coaching.

All coaching sessions are delivered online via Zoom, making expert literacy support accessible to families everywhere.

Coaching Philosophy

Ms. Joy is dedicated to building confidence and creating learning experiences that go beyond memorizing words. She believes every child’s brain is unique and works in its own way. Kids with dyslexia may feel like their brains need to be “fixed,” but she wants them to know they are not broken—they just learn differently. Her coaching focuses on helping students understand how reading works through clear strategies, so they become independent and confident readers. She works closely with families to create personalized reading plans that grow with each child.

Why a Reading Coach?

I call myself a Reading Coach, not a tutor or teacher, because my role goes beyond instruction. Like a sports coach, I’m there to guide, encourage, and train alongside your child, celebrating progress, strengthening skills, and building confidence every step of the way.

For children who’ve struggled with reading, that distinction matters. A coach feels like someone in your corner, someone who believes in you, supports you, and helps you grow. That’s exactly the kind of relationship I want to build with your child.

Working With Ms. Joy: What You Need to Know

Below are answers to common questions about scheduling, sessions, and what to expect. Still have questions? Visit the Contact page, and I will be happy to help.

My online coaching stands out for its personalized, skill-based approach. After each session, I tailor weekly practice to your child’s needs using engaging, interactive activities that reinforce progress and build mastery in essential reading skills.

I use core reading programs like Blast Off to Reading and I Can Fly, both grounded in Orton-Gillingham principles. These structured, step-by-step programs offer over 50 lessons designed to strengthen phonics, decoding, and literacy development.

As a certified Structured Literacy Coach, I provide individualized attention and a customized Reading Growth Plan that aligns with your child’s strengths and challenges, ensuring consistent progress and a solid foundation for reading and spelling success.

A Personalized, Diagnostic Approach Ms. Joy's approach is diagnostic and personalized, addressing each student's unique needs. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on summative assessments and a one-size-fits-all approach, her method tailors instruction to struggling readers, particularly those with dyslexia and related challenges. Her approach also emphasizes early literacy and English language development, supporting both native English speakers and bilingual Spanish-speaking learners, while providing emotional support.

Motivating Reluctant Readers Strategies include fostering a supportive environment, offering choice, using real-life connections, technology, and SEL. Multisensory activities, storytelling, and decoding practice make reading interactive, fun, and meaningful.

Technology & Tools Sessions take place over Zoom, where students control the screen, highlight text, and interact with lessons in real time. A few tools include Pioneer Valley Books Digital Readers, Word Wall, Online TLC Studio, and InferCabulary for vocabulary development.

Scheduling & Enrollment

  • Summer Coaching opens May 1st to reserve July sessions. Please complete registration by the end of May, just before Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season.
  • Returning Students should confirm fall registration by June 14th each year to secure their spot.
  • New Student Enrollment closes June 30th annually to guarantee a coaching slot. After that date, availability is limited for the remainder of the school year.
  • Concluding Your Reading Growth Plan: Please provide at least one month's notice before your final session. Most Reading Growth Plans wrap up at the end of June, aligning with the school year. If you wish to extend or begin a new plan, I will work with you to adjust goals and scheduling.

Parents can support their child's literacy development by completing the practice games provided between sessions and engaging with any shared resources or activities offered. Discover more ways to support your child at home by visiting our Resource Page.

Has your child grown as a reader? Your story could be the encouragement another family needs to take that first step. A few words from you help new families understand what is possible and find the right support for their child.

Thank you!

ALREADY ENROLLED?

Welcome Packet

After enrolling in a Reading Growth Plan, families receive access to a secure online Welcome Binder.

This binder includes your Welcome Packet, which introduces Reading With Ms. Joy, explains how Reading Growth Plans work, and guides you through what to expect from your child’s reading support.

Please review the materials carefully before your child begins instruction. Access is provided once enrollment is complete.

Access Your Welcome Packet

Enter the Password Provided for Registered Students.

Help Me Get to Know Your Child

The more I know about your child, the better I can personalize their sessions. Please take a moment to complete this short survey before we begin.

 

Happy Clients Share Their Thoughts on the Impact of Ms. Joy’s Tutoring.

Happy Clients Share Thoughts on the Impact of Ms. Joy’s Literacy Coaching

I am writing this letter regarding our experience with our son’s reading tutor, Ms. Joy. Ms. Joy helped our son with reading strategies, fluency, comprehension, and accuracy. The growth we’ve seen in our son has exceeded our expectations, to put it mildly. At the beginning of this process, our son really struggled while reading and would quickly become frustrated and discouraged to the point of tears at times. Now he has a bookshelf full of chapter books that he reads by choice and is developing preferences as to the types of stories he enjoys. Thank you for your hard work with my son. You help set him on an entirely different path.

- Shane

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