What We Offer
Dyslexia and Reading Tutoring
Every child deserves instruction that meets them where they are. LELA's one on one tutoring services provide personalized instruction from a licensed educator with over 15 years of experience, a license in special education, and certified in Orton-Gillingham.
Orton-Gillingham is a structured, research-based approach to reading instruction designed to help students develop strong literacy skills. Lessons are explicit, systematic, and sequential, meaning new concepts are taught in a logical order and practiced until they become automatic.
Originally developed to support students with dyslexia, the Orton-Gillingham approach benefits many learners, including those who need extra support in reading, spelling, and writing. Instruction is individualized to meet each child's unique strengths and needs.
Preschool Play Based Literacy Class
The Play-Based Preschool Literacy class is designed for children ages 3–5 and nurtures a love of reading through hands-on exploration, movement, stories, and play. Each class builds essential early literacy skills—including phonological awareness, print concepts, vocabulary, letter sound knowledge, and early writing skills.
Phonological awareness is the foundation of learning to read. Before children can connect letters to sounds, they must first be able to hear, recognize, and manipulate the sounds in spoken language. Research consistently shows that strong phonological awareness is one of the best predictors of future reading success, making it one of the most important skills to develop in the preschool years.
With small class sizes and developmentally appropriate activities, children gain the confidence and foundational skills they need to become successful, joyful readers.
Parent Training and Homeschool Support
LELA provides personalized literacy support for homeschooling families. My goal is to help parents feel confident teaching their children to read. Support may include individualized lesson planning, parent training in the Science of Reading and evidence-based phonics instruction, and guidance for supporting children with dyslexia or other reading differences Families receive practical strategies, resources, and ongoing guidance tailored to their child’s unique needs and learning goals.
LELA works closely with families navigating complex medical needs and understands that traditional schedules and learning expectations may not always fit every student. Instruction can be adapted to accommodate a student’s diagnosis, energy level, medical appointments, and changing needs, with flexibility in pacing, scheduling, and lesson structure. Our goal is to create a supportive, low-pressure learning environment that allows students to make meaningful progress while honoring their individual needs.
Girls Book Club
Designed for girls in grades 3rd–5th, our Book Club combines the joy of reading with thoughtful literary analysis. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, students will explore high-quality literature while developing critical thinking, comprehension, vocabulary, and written and verbal communication skills.
Students learn to analyze characters, themes, plot, author's craft, and literary elements while supporting their ideas with evidence from the text.
Beyond building strong comprehension skills, Book Club fosters a sense of community and a chance for girls to bond over the magic of reading.
What Families Are Saying
"Within a few weeks of working with Emily, my daughter has gained an immeasurable amount of confidence in her own reading and writing skills. Furthermore, Emily has offered so much support as a parent and given me tools to help my daughter on a daily basis."
Stephanie K.
East Nashville Parent
"Emily is so responsive and a great communicator. She is easy to work with for scheduling and thinking through the goals and structure for our family's tutoring plan. Our son enjoys his time in session with Emily; I overhear him laughing and engaging with her. She brings kindness, expertise, and a gentle approach that our son appreciates. Thank you for your help, Emily!"
Jennifer W.
East Nashville Parent
"Emily has been absolutely amazing. She is patient, kind, and encouraging. Since working with her, I have seen such a positive difference in my son's confidence in learning to read. We are so grateful for his progress. I highly recommend working with Emily."
Chelsea M.
Homeschool Parent