Meet our team

Our team at Reading Roots is uniquely qualified with over 50 years of combined teaching experience across diverse socio-economic backgrounds, cities, and countries. We are highly trained, experienced, skilled teachers trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach. We offer the specialized OG (Orton-Gillingham) program and hold a range of qualifications that demonstrate our expertise in the field.

One of our very first students entered Grade 2 with little to no knowledge of their basic alphabet sounds and was unable to read at grade level. They were at risk of falling further behind. After just a few sessions of focused learning, the student's progress was remarkable. Not only did they start reading, but by the time they entered Grade 3 and wrote the Grade 3 EQAO, they had not only met the provincial benchmark but had surpassed it. This transformation was a powerful reminder of the impact targeted, personalized instruction can have on a child's learning journey.

At Reading Roots, we ensure our teachers stay current with the latest reading education methods, including the Orton-Gillingham Approach, through continuous professional development. All of our teachers are trained and OCT registered, and we regularly participate in professional development opportunities to enhance our skills and knowledge. We also collaborate closely with local psychologists who keep us informed about the latest diagnoses and any changes in the field, ensuring we are equipped to provide the most effective and up-to-date support to our students. Our commitment to ongoing learning helps us refine our craft and offer the best possible instruction.

Teachers at Reading Roots find the most reward in seeing their students grow in confidence and independence as they master reading skills. Witnessing a struggling student progress from not recognizing basic sounds to reading fluently is incredibly fulfilling. The "aha!" moments, when a student finally understands a concept they’ve been working hard to grasp, are deeply gratifying. Teachers also cherish the long-term impact they have on a student’s academic journey—helping them not just improve their reading but also build a foundation for lifelong learning and success. The personal connections they form with students, and the pride in knowing they’ve made a real difference in their lives, is what makes the work so rewarding.

Louisa Mattina OCT#444730

Founder and Owner 

 

Russ Hodgson OCT#505929

Co-Owner

Experienced and skilled teachers

Our commitment to ongoing learning helps us refine our craft and offer the best possible instruction. We are located in LaSalle, Ontario, Canada.