When my eldest child was diagnosed with dyslexia, I felt a wave of uncertainty and worry. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your child struggle with something that seems so fundamental—reading. The more I tried to help, the more frustrated we both became. I spent countless hours researching and trying different methods, yet nothing seemed to truly work. Mainstream education wasn’t meeting our needs, and I quickly realized that if I wanted to give my children the best chance to succeed, I would have to take matters into my own hands.

This was the beginning of my journey.

Homeschooling: Our Family’s Turning Point

With two dyslexic children and a deep understanding that traditional schooling wasn’t enough, I made the difficult decision to homeschool. For four years, I worked one-on-one with my kids, tailoring their education to their specific learning needs. It wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision we ever made.

During this time, I dove deep into the science behind how children with dyslexia learn. I learned to develop lessons that engaged multiple senses—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—and discovered that the key was not just in the methods but in creating a supportive, stress-free environment where they could thrive. I saw the difference immediately. My kids were happier, more confident, and finally making progress in ways we had never seen before.

It wasn’t just about mastering phonics or sight words; it was about igniting their curiosity and fostering a love for learning, something we had lost along the way.

From Parent to Certified Academic Language Therapist

What started as a personal mission to help my children quickly grew into a passion for helping others. I realized that the methods I had used to teach my kids could benefit so many other families who were going through the same struggles.

With a background in Montessori education and years of hands-on experience, I took the next step: I became a Certified Academic Language Therapist. My goal was to offer specialized, research-based support to children who needed a different approach to learning. As an educator, I’m able to create personalized, multisensory lessons for each of my students. This method engages all pathways to the brain—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—enabling children to truly absorb the material in a way that works for them.

Why I Connect with Struggling Readers

Parents of my students often tell me that my ability to connect with their children is what makes all the difference. I know exactly what these kids are going through because I’ve been there with my children. I understand the frustration, the tears, and the feeling of helplessness. But I also know the joy of that breakthrough moment—the moment when your child reads a word, a sentence, or a paragraph and smiles because it finally makes sense.

Every student is unique, and my goal is to meet them where they are. Some days are tough, and the material can feel overwhelming, but I always ensure we find the fun in learning. I know firsthand how important it is for children to feel successful, especially when the road is long and filled with challenges.

Empowering Independence and Confidence

Today, my eldest has graduated from university, and my younger child is thriving in college. Watching them grow into confident, independent learners has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. They’ve learned to navigate their dyslexia in ways that empower them, and I’m proud of the role I played in that journey.

Now, my mission is to help other children experience that same transformation. Through one-on-one tutoring, either in person or online, I teach dyslexic and dysgraphic students how to become independent readers and writers. Using multisensory language therapy, I’m able to offer personalized strategies that cater to each child’s unique learning style—giving them the tools they need to succeed.

A Path to Reading Confidence

I’ve been where you are. I’ve felt the frustrations, the worries, and the setbacks, but I’ve also seen the other side—the part where your child begins to soar. My journey from a homeschooling parent to a Certified Academic Language Therapist has equipped me with the skills, the experience, and most importantly, the empathy to guide your child through their learning struggles.

Every child deserves the opportunity to feel confident and capable. If your child is struggling with reading or writing, know that there is hope. Together, we can unlock their potential and open the door to a lifetime of learning success. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how I can help your child, please email [email protected]. I work with students both online and in person, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

 

Sheridan Hotung, CALT
Certified Academic Language Therapist & Coach to the dyslexic community of children, parents & educators

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