I’ve been an Orton-Gillingham tutor since 2009. My journey began when I volunteered at a school specializing in Orton-Gillingham instruction and saw firsthand how powerful 1:1 support could be for helping children unlock their reading and spelling skills. Inspired, I earned my certification through OG Canada in both literacy and math instruction and began working at a leading learning center in North Vancouver. Over the years, I broadened my experience in other highly regarded OG programs, refining my skills and deepening my understanding of how to help each child succeed.

In 2017, I started tutoring privately to connect with families more personally and create truly individualized lessons. Since then, my schedule has grown steadily through referrals from parents and professionals who trust my approach. I love helping students tap into their potential with lessons that are structured, creative, and confidence-building. Whether we’re singing made-up songs, playing learning games, or celebrating breakthroughs together, my goal is always to make learning engaging and meaningful. In addition to tutoring, I’ve published several decodable books under the pen name Amanda Birdie, designed especially to support struggling readers.

I work primarily with students in grades 1–9, and I also support older learners who benefit from ongoing instruction. Alongside literacy, I enjoy teaching math and helping students build strong numeracy skills as concepts become more complex. Over the years, I’ve seen how self-doubt can transform into confidence when students realize they are capable of improving. It’s not always a downhill ride—there are obstacles and challenges along the way—but with patience and perseverance, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth in academic skills and character, which are truly invaluable. Supporting each learner’s journey and celebrating their progress is at the heart of everything I do.