In-home solutions for your child’s reading challenges

Hi, I’m Paula

I’m originally from San Jose, California, where I attended San Jose State University. My family and I relocated to Oregon twenty years ago to be closer to family and find better schools. Today, we proudly consider ourselves Oregonians and cherish living in the Northwest.

My journey with dyslexia began when my oldest child, Christopher, now 33, was diagnosed. Experiencing firsthand the challenges of parenting a dyslexic child, I empathize deeply with other parents facing similar situations. For the past 19 years, I’ve been teaching reading at Willamette Primary School in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, supporting students of various grade levels in both classroom and resource settings. Witnessing the joy on a student’s face as they start reading or grasping the material is incredibly rewarding. I also find fulfillment in teaching after-school enrichment classes at several West Linn primary schools. The thrill of working with children and contributing to their success fills me with a profound sense of accomplishment every time.

Paula is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Meg

I graduated in 1981 from Occidental College with my Bachelor of Arts degree. With over 25 years of teaching experience with elementary school students, I obtained my Waldorf Teaching Credential in 2002.

Currently, I operate my own tutoring business called Creative Insights Tutoring, specializing in private reading and writing instruction. You can find more information about my services on my website at www.creativeinsightstutoring.com.

I’m trained in the Barton Reading and Spelling Program, a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading and spelling that is particularly effective for students with dyslexia and those needing extra support in reading.

My teaching approach focuses on getting to know each of my students both academically and personally. I strive to build confidence in their learning abilities and create a warm and encouraging environment where they can trust their own capacity to learn.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy singing, swimming, and attending live music concerts. I am excited about the opportunity to work with you and your child. You can find me available for tutoring at my home in SE Portland.

Meg is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Anna

I am a veteran educator with nearly 20 years of experience in education. Throughout my career, I have served as a Spanish Immersion Teacher, Behavior Specialist, and Reading Interventionist. In 2023, I took the leap to start my own intervention program.

My diverse background and extensive training enable me to tailor highly effective and impactful support for struggling readers. I believe in customizing interventions to meet the individual needs of each student, drawing from a wide range of programs and techniques.

Additionally, I am a proud member of the Association of Educational Therapists and am currently completing a certificate in Educational Therapy from the University of California Santa Cruz. Continuing my education allows me to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in the field of educational therapy.

Anna is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Jamie

I’ve been dedicated to the field of education for the past twenty years. Holding a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, with a Curriculum and Reading Endorsement, I’ve always had a passion for teaching reading. For over a decade, I taught 2nd grade in both public and private schools, finding immense joy in helping young minds unlock the world of literacy.

My journey took a personal turn when my own boys were diagnosed with dyslexia. This experience motivated me to delve deeper into best practices for teaching reading and writing, especially for students who learn differently. It’s become a true passion of mine to support these students on their educational journey.

As a native Oregonian, I find solace in the outdoors. I enjoy spending time with my two boys, swimming, fishing, playing baseball, and riding horses. I also have a love for reading and traveling to warm, sunny destinations near the ocean.

Jamie is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Zil (they/them)

I am an experienced Montessori teacher, consultant, and coach with a deep passion for literacy and a strong commitment to anti-bias, antiracist education. I have received training at the 3-6 and 6-12 age levels and multiple literacy certifications.

I firmly believe that classrooms should be spaces filled with joy, critical
engagement, and a sense of community-driven learning. As an advocate for making science relevant and accessible, I am dedicated to translating literacy research into practical and effective classroom strategies.

I take great pleasure in supporting teachers, caregivers, and schools in empowering children throughout their learning journey.

For families residing in the Portland area, I offer in-person tutoring sessions tailored to children ages 5-12.

Zil is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Michele

I reside in Gresham. During the school year, I work full-time as an English Language Specialist. I provide tutoring services via Zoom and in my own home.

My focus is supporting students and adults with dyslexia in their reading and writing endeavors. I implement a multisensory approach rooted in the science of reading, which synthesizes evidence of effective literacy achievement strategies. My teaching materials include the Phonics Books curriculum, poetry, reader’s theater scripts, illustrations, storytelling, and journaling.

Above all, I tailor my instruction to each student’s individual interests, fostering discovery and play throughout the learning process. I firmly believe that learning should be infused with humor and inspire a sense of wonder. After all, words are where humans store knowledge. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery and learning together!

“All the colors I am inside have not been invented…yet.” Shel Silverstein

Michele is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Elizabeth

I’m a proud Portland native residing in SE PDX with my husband, two daughters (ages 9 and 5), and our beloved labradoodle. Since 2003, I’ve been dedicated to helping young people enhance their reading and spelling skills.

My journey began with an Early Childhood/Elementary Education degree from the University of Portland. Later, during graduate school at Portland State University, I became a certified reading specialist. For several years, I taught reading and spelling to small groups of elementary school students. In 2011, I took a leap and founded my own tutoring company, Educate Oregon, LLC.

I find immense joy in working one-on-one with students, assisting them in training their brains to become exceptional readers and spellers.

I am available during the school day, preferably near the Woodstock neighborhood. Let’s work together to unlock your child’s full potential!

Elizabeth is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Jill

I’m a certified teacher and Educational Specialist dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and with various learning differences. My mission is to help them build confidence, achieve grade-level literacy, and flourish academically. I believe in fostering a love of learning by nurturing feelings of curiosity and accomplishment.

My journey began in both New York City and Los Angeles, but I ultimately settled in Oregon, where I’ve lived for 30 years with my husband and our two sons. My favorite pastimes are reading, solving puzzles, and spending quality time with family and friends. Recently, I volunteered with a local high school group and an organization providing groceries to those in need.

My commitment to helping students stems from personal experience. When one of my sons was diagnosed with a learning disability, I learned that such a diagnosis doesn’t limit a child’s ability to learn but rather highlights their struggle in a traditional classroom setting. Through dedication and practice, I discovered that personalized tutoring tailored to each child’s unique learning style fosters confidence and leads to success. Today, my son has earned a graduate degree and works in urban planning.

I’m passionate about helping students acquire the skills they need to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and navigate the educational system effectively. Let’s work together to make schools work for them.

Jill is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Liza

I hold a Master’s Degree in Reading and Special Education from the University of Portland. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve served as a general and special education teacher. Currently, I’m working as a reading specialist at Clear Lake Elementary School in Eugene, Oregon.

For the past 8 years, I’ve dedicated myself to tutoring students and helping them improve their reading skills. Witnessing students gain confidence in their reading abilities through intervention is incredibly rewarding. I’ve received training in various evidence-based curriculums and recently completed a Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills course. I’m passionate about continuous learning and always seek opportunities to deepen my knowledge in reading instruction. Additionally, I find that I learn a great deal from my students, and I cherish the opportunity to work with them.

I have a natural rapport with young students and prioritize helping them develop their confidence in reading. Whether in person in the Eugene area or
online, I’m available to support students on their journey to becoming proficient readers.

Liza is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.

Hi, I’m Jessica

I have a passion for helping students learn how to read. If you’re in the Lake Oswego area and looking for someone to work with your child at home, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out to me to discuss my availability.

With over 15 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my work. For the past 6 years, I’ve provided personalized reading instruction as a private reading tutor, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of every student. Additionally, I’ve spent 8 years as a reading specialist, helping struggling readers overcome obstacles and develop strong literacy skills.

As a professional learning coach for 4 years, I’ve coached educators in effective teaching strategies and literacy instruction. My 5 years of experience as a classroom teacher have allowed me to foster a love for reading and learning in my students. I’m dedicated to helping your child unlock their full potential and succeed in reading. Let’s work together to make learning enjoyable and rewarding!

Jessica is a private tutor and is not affiliated with or employed by PDX Reading Specialist.