LT Larson Prep

Orton-Gillingham Certified

Dyslexia Tutoring in SW Portland

We provide one-to-one, Orton-Gillingham certified reading instruction for students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences. Our practice is based in Multnomah Village, and we work with families across SW Portland — in person and online.

Dyslexia is not a problem of intelligence or effort, and it rarely responds to more of the same — more flashcards, more repetition, more pressure. What it responds to is structured literacy: explicit, sequential, multisensory instruction in how written language actually works. That is the approach our dyslexia instruction is built on, and it is the heart of how we teach.

Kira Parker, lead dyslexia and early literacy instructor at Larson Prep

Meet Your Instructor

Kira Parker

Lead Instructor, Dyslexia & Early Literacy · Orton-Gillingham Certified

Kira leads all of our dyslexia and early literacy instruction. A kindergarten teacher by profession, she brings extensive training in early literacy alongside her Orton-Gillingham certification — the structured, multisensory approach that every one of her sessions is built on.

Few instructors know beginning readers the way a career kindergarten teacher does: how they learn, where they stall, and what it looks like when confidence starts to return. Families work with Kira directly and consistently — the same instructor at every session, building the trust and continuity that this work depends on.

How we teach

Orton-Gillingham is a research-backed approach to teaching reading that has helped students with dyslexia for nearly a century. In practice, it means every session is structured and cumulative: we teach the sound–letter patterns of English explicitly, in a deliberate sequence, engaging multiple senses at once — seeing, hearing, saying, writing. Nothing is assumed, and nothing is skipped; each new skill is built on one the student already owns.

Just as important is what our sessions are not: there is no standardized script and no one-size-fits-all curriculum. We adjust pacing, materials, and emphasis to the individual student — their profile, their frustrations, and their strengths. Students with dyslexia are often exceptional big-picture thinkers with strong memories, sharp critical-thinking skills, and real creativity. We teach to those strengths while we build the skills.

What we work on

Foundational Reading Skills

Phonological awareness, decoding, word recognition, spelling, and early reading development — explicit, carefully paced instruction for students who need written language taught directly rather than absorbed.

Reading Fluency & Comprehension

We help students strengthen accuracy, fluency, and understanding so reading becomes more manageable and more confident over time — in their own books and in their schoolwork.

Older Students & Test Preparation

For middle and high school students, we integrate reading support with coursework and, when relevant, SAT/ACT preparation — including passage-mapping and annotation strategies suited to dyslexic readers, and guidance through the accommodations process.

Who we work with

Early readers who are just beginning to struggle. Students with a dyslexia diagnosis, an IEP, or a 504 plan. Students without a formal diagnosis whose reading isn't keeping pace with their thinking. Twice-exceptional students whose difficulty with reading sits alongside real intellectual strength. If you're unsure whether what you're seeing is dyslexia, that uncertainty is itself a good reason to talk — we'll give you an honest read on whether our work is the right fit.

Common questions

Does my child need a dyslexia diagnosis before starting?

No. We work with many families before or during the evaluation process, and with students who have no formal diagnosis but whose reading isn't keeping pace. When helpful, we're glad to coordinate with your child's school or diagnostic psychologist.

Do you offer sessions in person or online?

Both. We work with families in person from Multnomah Village in SW Portland, and online for families elsewhere. The structured, multisensory approach translates well to both settings.

How long does it take to see progress?

Structured literacy is steady, cumulative work rather than a quick fix, and honest answers matter here: most families notice confidence shift first, then accuracy, then fluency. Pace depends on the student's starting point and session frequency, and we'll always give you a candid read on progress.

Do you help with school accommodations?

Yes. We are experienced in helping families navigate the accommodations process, including extended time and other supports for schoolwork and for the SAT and ACT.

Begin with a conversation

We begin with an initial conversation to understand the student, the coursework, and what kind of support would be most useful.

Schedule a Consultation