Frequently Asked Questions

  • Looms + Light is a warm, child-centered reading tutoring service grounded in the Science of Reading. I use structured literacy, gentle routines, and my own hand-drawn, custom decodable stories to help young readers grow with confidence. Each lesson is tailored to your child, with instruction that feels safe, cozy, and emotionally supportive—never rushed or stressful.

  • I specialize in early and developing readers, typically ages 5–10. That includes beginning readers, hesitant readers, struggling readers, students with a dyslexia diagnosis, and children with suspected dyslexia.

  • Yes. I am a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist with a strong background in special education and years of experience as a reading interventionist. My instruction follows the Science of Reading, Orton-Gillingham principles, and structured literacy best practices—all of which are highly effective for dyslexic learners.

  • I don’t diagnose dyslexia because that requires a licensed psychologist. Instead, I provide screenings that identify risk factors and pinpoint the exact reading skills your child needs. If a formal diagnosis is needed for school accommodations, I can guide you to trusted evaluators.

  • Looms + Light blends research-based instruction with warmth, creativity, and emotional safety. I hand-draw my own characters and create custom decodable books tailored to your child’s exact stage of reading. Lessons feel gentle, cozy, and playful—while still being fully aligned with the Science of Reading. It’s support that strengthens both skill and confidence.

  • Each lesson includes:

    • A warm check-in

    • Phonemic awareness practice

    • Explicit phonics instruction

    • Decoding and spelling practice

    • Reading from custom decodable stories

    • A gentle wrap-up with encouragement

    Each lesson follows a clear, evidence-aligned sequence, but the experience is personal and creative. Much like adjusting the tension on a loom, I shift pacing and support based on what each child needs so their growing skills form a strong, even fabric.

  • Absolutely. Young children often feel safest with a caregiver nearby. You’re always welcome to sit in, listen, or stay close during sessions—whatever helps your child feel secure.

  • I offer optional, light practice designed to reinforce success—not overwhelm families. Many activities use the custom decodable books and spelling stories I create, which makes practice feel fun and meaningful rather than stressful.

  • Every child is unique, but most families notice improvements in confidence and decoding skills within the first few weeks. Reading growth is like weaving—steady, consistent threads create strong fabric over time.

  • I use a blend of structured literacy routines, multisensory tools, and hand-drawn decodable books created specifically for your learner. My materials are designed to feel warm, whimsical, and child-friendly—never clinical or overwhelming.

  • Reach out to schedule a screening and consultation. From there, we create a plan that meets your child exactly where they are.

  • No, I’m not a formally trained illustrator. I’m a reading specialist who draws from the heart. All of the illustrations in Looms + Light are hand-drawn by me, with a very intentional purpose: to slow the eye.

    Many early and struggling readers become overwhelmed by busy, digital, or highly detailed images. Hand-drawn art has a natural softness and simplicity that gently guides the eye, helping children take in the picture at a calmer pace. This slower visual rhythm reduces distraction, supports focus, and helps kids stay anchored in the text.

    So while I’m not a professional illustrator, the art I create is crafted specifically for young readers — warm, gentle, and intentionally designed to make reading feel safe and approachable.

  • A cozy environment doesn’t come from the room we’re in—but from the way we’re held. I use slow, steady lessons, soft illustrations, calm encouragement, and simple visuals to create an online space that feels like a warm reading nook. Even through a screen, your child will feel seen, safe, and gently guided. 

  • No, an official diagnosis is not required to start.

    Many families come to me with suspected dyslexia, reading hesitation, or noticeable struggles long before they pursue formal testing. Structured literacy is evidence-based, gentle, and helpful for any developing reader, whether diagnosed or not.

    If, during our initial sessions and placement assessments, I notice learning needs that are more complex than what virtual structured literacy alone can support, I’ll share that with you honestly. In those cases, I’ll guide you toward appropriate multidisciplinary options or an educational psychologist who can complete a full psycho-educational evaluation.

    But your child does not need a diagnosis to receive support.

    If they’re struggling, confused, avoiding reading, or losing confidence — that is enough to begin.

    My role is to meet them where they are, personalize instruction, honor them as a whole person, and create a nurturing environment where progress can unfold.