Welcome to Defeating Dyslexia with Darci
An online reading tutoring service
I Help struggling readers become confident & capable readers.
Reading and spelling make more sense when you understand how English works. I help students explore the connections between spelling, meaning, and word structure so they can build their skills and confidence.
Do you want your child to work with me?
"I can't say enough how much this has helped his self-esteem."
Darci has been so patient with my child. His confidence to read aloud to anyone other then me and his school teacher was very low when we first started and in the time she has spent with him his confidence has grown so much. He feels better about himself and is doing so much better. I have been very pleased with the progress he has made and very thankful for how patient and kind she has been towards him. I cant say enough how much this has helped his self-esteem. I would highly recommend Darci for anyone who needs help reading or anyone who struggles with dyslexia.
Marcia
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When reading is a struggle, it affects so much more than schoolwork.
Your child is getting older, but reading still doesn't come easily. Maybe they can read familiar words but get stuck on longer, unfamiliar ones. Maybe spelling feels like a guessing game, and writing a response to a reading assignment is a struggle of its own.
You've watched homework stretch into hours, seen your child's confidence take a hit, and wondered what these struggles might mean for their future. You want to help, but you're not always sure how.
And despite the support your child may have received at school, you're still waiting for reading to finally click.
If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone.
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Your child struggles with words that other kids their age seem to read effortlessly. When they encounter a long or unfamiliar word, they don't know how to break it down and figure it out. You worry that their reading difficulties are also affecting how much they understand.
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You're watching your child's confidence disappear. Your child may say things like "I'm stupid" or assume they can't do something simply because reading is hard. It hurts to see them lose faith in their own abilities.
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Homework has become a daily source of frustration. Assignments that should take 30 minutes stretch into two hours because your child struggles to read the material, understand the instructions, or put their thoughts into writing.
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You're worried about what happens next. You want your child to have the opportunity to pursue college, a career they love, and whatever future they choose. But you worry their reading and spelling difficulties could limit those opportunities.
Imagine your child approaching reading with
confidence instead of fear.
Imagine your child opening a book, encountering an unfamiliar word, and thinking, "I can figure this out!" Instead of immediately giving up, they have strategies they can use. Instead of assuming they're not smart enough, they begin to recognize just how capable they really are.
You want your child to become a confident, competent reader who can take on challenges independently, enjoy learning, and pursue their dreams without reading standing in the way.
You want to see your child:
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Tackle unfamiliar words independently. Instead of getting stuck on long, multisyllabic words, your child learns how to break them apart and work through them with growing confidence.
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Believe in their own abilities. You want to hear "I can figure this out!" instead of "I'm stupid." You want your child to recognize that struggling with something doesn't mean they can't learn it.
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Discover the enjoyment of reading. You want your child to become curious about books, ideas, and information rather than automatically avoiding anything that requires reading.
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Build the skills to pursue their dreams. You want your child to develop the reading, spelling, and writing skills they need to access educational opportunities, explore career possibilities, and navigate everyday life with greater independence.
Hi! 👋🏻 I'm Darci
My journey into the world of dyslexia began 20 years ago when my daughter was diagnosed. As a mother, I wanted to understand why reading was so difficult for her and, more importantly, how I could help. That experience led me down a path of learning, studying, and eventually specializing in reading instruction for students with dyslexia.
Over the past 20 years, I've continued to deepen my understanding of dyslexia and how students learn to read and spell. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in dyslexia, am a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), and have six years of experience providing online reading therapy.
My training includes Three Orton-Gillingham based approaches, and Structured Word Inquiry.
Today, I especially love working with students who have struggled with reading for many years. I enjoy helping them look beyond memorizing words and rules to discover how English actually works. Through Structured Word Inquiry, students explore the connections between spelling, meaning, and word structure.
It's exciting to watch students make connections, understand things they may never have understood before, and surprise themselves with what they can do.
Book a free consultation with Darci to discuss whether online reading tutoring would be the right solution for you.
UNDERSTANDING IS BETTER THAN MEMORIZING.
Reading Instruction That Helps English Make Sense
1. Understand English. Build Skills. Grow in Confidence.
Reading and spelling can feel frustrating when the patterns and connections aren't clear. I incorporate Structured Word Inquiry into my teaching to help students explore how spelling, meaning, and word structure work together. The goal is to help English make more sense, strengthen understanding, and support students as they develop their skills and confidence.
2. Specialized Dyslexia Expertise
With 20 years of studying dyslexia, a Master's degree in Literacy, CALT credentials, experience with three Orton-Gillingham curricula, and training in Structured Word Inquiry, I bring specialized knowledge and experience to your child's reading instruction.
3. Individualized Instruction for Your Child
Every student brings different strengths, challenges, and learning experiences. One-on-one online tutoring allows me to tailor instruction to your child's needs, explore concepts at an appropriate pace, and help them develop strategies they can apply to unfamiliar words.
"I immediately saw my son making progress and his confidence building!"
I immediately saw my son making progress and his confidence building! Darci is very friendly, professional, and patient. I would definitely recommend her services to others who want their kids to reach the next step in their education. Darci helped fill in gaps over summer break. Thank you Darci!!
D BOLIN
"She has helped my daughters with their reading and self esteem."
Darci is an amazing tutor she has so much patience. She has helped my daughters with their reading and self esteem. They enjoy their time with her. I would highly recommend her to anyone who's kids are struggling with reading.
J. ORTIZ
"I am very pleased to announce my son is now reading at his grade level."
Darci has done an amazing job w/ our 9 yr old child. Our son started when he was 7 yrs old and 1.5 yrs behind in reading. Darci was very patient and made learning fun for my son. We completed the practicum program and I am very pleased to announce my son is now reading at his grade level. There is no way we could have done this without Darci. Thank you so much for all you have done to help improve our child's reading level!
D. MARTIN
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1:1 sessions - live interactive online lessons. Think of my zoom room as a window where we can see and talk to eachother in real time. Your child works directly with me throughout each session, so I can adjust instruction, provide immediate feedback, and respond to their individual learning needs.
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My notes after each session - You'll know what we worked on, what your child is learning, and what we're focusing on next, without needing to sit in on every lesson.
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Direct communication with me. You'll have my personal phone number so we can easily communicate about questions, updates, or scheduling changes.
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Occasional parent check-ins We'll have opportunities to discuss your child's progress, address concerns, and make adjustments when needed.
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Optional extra spelling/handwriting practice for days we do not meet, using My Path to Learning, so that your child can practice the concepts we have talked about and also practice good handwriting.
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Your child should have a mini white board so that they can practice writing and spelling along with reading.
More Reading Practice Isn't Always the Answer
Does your child just need to read more? Not necessarily.
If your child struggles with reading, you might think the answer is simply more practice. More books, more reading homework, and more time spent trying to sound out unfamiliar words.
But what if your child doesn't yet understand how written English works?
Imagine being asked to practice something over and over again when you haven't been taught the skills you need to do it successfully. That can lead to frustration, discouragement, and a growing dislike of reading.
Children who struggle with reading often need more than extra practice. They need explicit, systematic instruction that helps them understand how words work.
That's why I incorporate Structured Word Inquiry into all my lessons. Rather than relying on memorization, we explore the structure, meaning, and relationships between words. I want your child to understand what they're learning so they can apply that knowledge to unfamiliar words.
And here's something else that's important: vocabulary matters! If your child sounds out a word but doesn't know what it means, they're still missing an important piece of reading comprehension.
My goal isn't simply to get your child to read more words. It's to help them understand words, become more confident, and develop the skills they need to become independent readers.
Your child doesn't need to try harder at something they haven't been taught how to do. They need the right instruction.
You might be wondering...
1. Is online reading tutoring really effective? Can my child learn to read through a computer screen? Absolutely! I've been providing online reading tutoring for six years, and I love how effective and convenient it can be. My lessons are live, one-on-one sessions. Your child isn't watching videos or working independently through an online program. I'm right there with them, teaching, listening, watching, and responding to what they're doing. I use Zoom, screen sharing, and a document camera. We both use a mini whiteboard to write and show our work. We interact throughout the lesson, and I usually finish with a game that reinforces what we've learned. It is really like we are at the same table across from each other and the computer is just a window between us. Plus, there's a bonus for parents: no driving across town! Your child can get the reading instruction they need while you make supper, help another child, or simply enjoy having one less thing to juggle.
2. My child has ADHD. How will you keep them focused during a 50-minute lesson? This is a great question! Children with ADHD don't necessarily need less instruction. They may need instruction that is flexible and responsive to their attention needs. Because I work one-on-one, I can adjust the lesson when I notice your child losing focus. Sometimes we take a break, stand up, and move around. Sometimes I switch activities or change gears to keep things fresh. I also incorporate games and interactive activities to reinforce what we're learning. For some younger students, shorter and more frequent sessions work better. I've even worked with students for 30 minutes four times a week instead of two longer weekly sessions. I get to know your child and learn what helps them stay engaged. We don't have to force every child into the same routine! Parents are welcome to be nearby during lessons, too. Sometimes having Mom or Dad within earshot helps a child stay on task.
3. What are your qualifications and experience working with children with dyslexia? I'm a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and have a Master's degree in Literacy. My interest in dyslexia began about 20 years ago when I discovered that my own daughter was dyslexic. That experience led me to learn everything I could about dyslexia and how to help children who struggle with reading. I've been working with students online for six years. I'm experienced in three Orton-Gillingham curricula and incorporate Structured Word Inquiry into all my lessons. I bring both professional training and personal understanding to my work. I know that behind every struggling reader is a child who deserves to feel capable, supported, and successful. And your child does not need a formal dyslexia diagnosis to work with me. If they're struggling with reading or spelling, I'm happy to help.
4. Will you follow a set curriculum, or will you customize lessons for my child? Both! I believe children need an organized, systematic approach to learning to read and spell. We need to build skills in a logical order rather than randomly jumping from one activity to another. At the same time, no two children are exactly alike. I work through a curriculum while adjusting the pace, spending extra time on difficult concepts, and adding instruction when I see a need. After each lesson, I make notes about what I observed. If I notice something your child needs more practice with, I make sure we address it in an upcoming lesson. Your child isn't expected to keep up with someone else's pace. We work at the pace that makes sense for them.
5. How will I know if my child is making progress? Because I work one-on-one, I can observe your child's reading and spelling skills throughout every lesson. I keep notes after our sessions and use those observations to guide future instruction. I don't administer formal standardized tests. Schools often do plenty of testing already! My focus during our time together is on teaching and paying attention to what your child can do, what they're learning, and what still needs work. There are also many signs of progress you can look for at home: *More willingness to read. *Increased interest in books and reading. *Greater confidence. *An improved ability to figure out longer words. *Better spelling. *Growth in vocabulary. *Less frustration when encountering unfamiliar words. I encourage parents to have their children read to them so they can notice these changes firsthand. You may also see progress reflected in school assessments and classroom performance, although every child's progress and timeline will be different.
6. Is my child too old to improve their reading? They're already in middle school! Absolutely not! It is never too late to improve your life by improving your reading. I work with students in first grade through eighth grade and beyond. A child who has struggled for years can still develop stronger reading and spelling skills. In fact, middle school is an important time to address reading difficulties. As children get older, reading becomes increasingly important in every subject. When reading is difficult, it can affect their ability to access the information they're expected to learn. Your child doesn't have to accept struggling with reading as their permanent reality. We can work on building the skills they need, regardless of their age.
7. What is Structured Word Inquiry, and why do you incorporate it into your lessons? One of the things I believe strongly is that understanding is better than memorizing. Structured Word Inquiry teaches students how the English language works. Instead of simply memorizing spelling patterns and trying to remember how every word is spelled, students explore the meaningful parts of words, how words are related, and why words are spelled the way they are. I incorporate this approach into all my lessons because I want children to understand what they're learning, not just memorize information for the moment. Children are usually taught to spell words by sounding them out or by rote memory. In reality words are not just spelled the way they sound. Instead they are spelled the way they are spelled because they mean things. That is why we spell “jumped” with and not with a at the end. We are spelling what we mean and not just a string of sounds. Vocabulary is important, too. If a child sounds out a word but doesn't know what that word means, they will still struggle to understand what they've read. Sometimes, rather than expecting a child to figure out an unfamiliar word by sounding it out, I'll tell them the word first. Then we'll explore its meaning and structure together. Remember, written language is designed to represent a language we already speak. Children shouldn't be embarrassed because they don't recognize a word or understand how it's spelled. Nobody knows every word in the English language! My goal is to help children understand how words work so they can become more confident and capable readers and spellers.
8. Do I need to sit with my child during tutoring? Usually, no! Most students can work with me independently. One of the advantages of online tutoring is that you don't have to rearrange your entire afternoon to drive your child to an appointment and wait for them. You can be at home making supper or taking care of other things while your child works with me. That said, I do encourage parents to stay aware of what's happening during lessons. Being nearby can sometimes help children stay on task, particularly younger students or students with ADHD. You're always welcome to sit in if you'd like. We'll figure out what works best for your child and your family.
9. How often will my child need tutoring, and am I locked into a long-term commitment? I require students to meet with me at least twice a week. Consistent instruction and practice are important when we're building reading and spelling skills. Each session is 50 minutes, and I charge a flat monthly rate. Additional weekly sessions are available for families who want more frequent instruction: Twice a week: $500/month Three times a week: $730/month Four times a week: $955/month There is no long-term contract. You can stop whenever you feel tutoring is no longer the best fit for your family. Over half of my students stay with me for over a year, and 22% have stayed for three years or longer. I think that speaks to the value families find in continuing to work together as their children develop their skills.
10. Private tutoring costs a lot of money. How do I know this is worth the investment? I understand. Investing in your child's education is a big decision, especially if you've already spent money on other programs or interventions that haven't made the difference you hoped for. When you work with me, your child receives individualized, one-on-one instruction from a Certified Academic Language Therapist with a Master's degree in Literacy. Every lesson is focused on your child's specific reading and spelling needs. Reading is foundational to nearly every subject in school. As your child's reading skills improve, they have more opportunities to access information, understand what they're learning, and become more independent. I want your child to have more than the ability to get through a reading assignment. I want them to develop the skills and confidence to use reading throughout their life. My twice-weekly tutoring option is $500 per month for two 50-minute sessions each week. There is no long-term contract or commitment. You can stop whenever you feel tutoring is no longer the best fit for your family.
Tuition and investment
I charge a consistent monthly tuition rate based on the number of hours your child attends tutoring each week. Tuition is paid year-round, including summer months, and remains the same every month.
This means your monthly payment does not change based on the number of days in a particular month, school holidays, or family vacations. Even if your family takes time off or misses some sessions, your monthly tuition remains the same. This allows me to reserve your child's regular tutoring times throughout the year and makes budgeting predictable for everyone.
A minimum commitment of two hours per week is required. More frequent sessions are encouraged, especially in the beginning, to help your child build and reinforce new reading skills.
Monthly Tuition & payment details
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2 hours per week: $500/month
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3 hours per week: $730/month
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4 hours per week: $955/month
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5 hours per week: $1,195/month
Homeschooling and looking for additional tutoring hours? Please contact me for a customized schedule and rate.
Payment is due at the beginning of each month. Your monthly tuition reserves your child's regular tutoring schedule throughout the year, including summer.
If your family has a vacation planned, I am happy to arrange make-up sessions if my schedule allows. However, missed sessions due to family vacations, holidays, or illness do not reduce or change your monthly tuition.
Payment Options: You may pay by bank account with no additional processing fee. Credit card payments include a 3% processing fee.
Made a huge difference in my spelling and reading.
Defeating dyslexia with Darci is one of the best teachers I've ever experienced. Her knowledge of the English language is incredible. Going all the way back to the beginning building blocks. Like understanding how letters interact with one another to make a word. Being able learn the rules of the English language that allow you to build words and spell them correctly. Understanding prefixes, suffixes, vowel teams, and open and closed syllables. Made a huge difference in my spelling and reading. I'm 33 years old, and I've struggled with spelling my whole life. Being able to go back to the beginning and understand the rules of the English language really helps. So, regardless if you're young or old, I Strongly recommend.
Joel S.
Are you ready to start building your child's reading skills and confidence?
Schedule a free 20 minute consultation.
At this meeting you can talk to Darci and ask any questions you may have and tell her all about your child. If you decide to move forward with tutoring we will choose a time that works for both of us.