Erin Maurer, Homeschool Mom of Two

Both of my children were diagnosed with dyslexia; my oldest in 5th grade and my youngest in 2nd grade. Homeschooling two children with different learning styles was an enormous challenge for me, a neurotypical learner. Megan McDonald has been a lifesaver in many ways, and I consider her not only a tutor but an educational consultant to my family.

Over the years, as I’ve learned more about dyslexia and the specific challenges it can present in a classroom setting, Megan foresaw the various skills that would serve my kids throughout their educational journey. She gave them a toolbox of sorts. These tools include Orton- Gillingham, remediation, executive function skills, audiobook training, and self-advocacy.

Initially, Megan tutored my children in an Orton-Gillingham language remediation program. If you’ve attempted to do this on your own, you know the drudgery it can be. I was grateful to have Megan spearhead the instruction after my own failing. Megan was thorough and consistent throughout the tutoring. When I wanted to give up, Megan forged on!

The executive function (EF) skills which Megan taught included: time management, use and reliance of a planner, test study skills and note taking. EF training single handedly was a game changer for my college bound student and provided the necessary roadmap for college success.

My oldest is a freshman in college and I’m proud to say she earned the Dean’s List and if asked she will say her executive function skills exceed almost everyone she meets at school. Audiobooks were introduced to us early in our journey. Megan educated me on the importance of using audiobooks and assistive technology to level the playing field for my kids.

During this process, we learned that my oldest has fantastic critical reading skills when reading with her ears and the speed with which she can read astounds me. Tools like this are essential.

Lastly, a critical component to any dyslexics’ education is learning to self-advocate. Each school year presents my kids with unique learning situations and I’m amazed at my children’s ability to speak and ensure their educational needs are being met. This piece of the educational puzzle would have been completely missed had we not had Megan guiding and encouraging us.

The above items are concrete and valuable learning skills that Megan teaches, but her true genius is in her ability to recognize each child’s strengths. If you are reading this, you have likely felt frustrated and defeated with your child’s education. As you may have heard, “Dyslexia is an island of weakness within a sea of strengths.” Megan’s true gift is finding your child’s strength and helping your child recognize their strength. This is what changes the educational possibilities and trajectory for a child and for that, I am forever grateful to Megan!