About Sisu Reading
The story behind the practice — and the belief that every child can become a confident reader.
Because the Right Support Changes Everything
After years of working with young readers in classroom settings, I kept noticing the same thing: bright, capable children who were falling behind — not because they weren't trying, but because they hadn't been taught in the way their brains needed to learn.
I saw children who memorized words instead of understanding them. Children who guessed based on pictures. Children whose confidence eroded a little more each school year. And I saw how, with the right kind of instruction — explicit, structured, and patient — those same children could break through.
Sisu Reading was born from that belief: that every child can learn to read, and that the path forward doesn't have to feel overwhelming. It just has to be clear.
Professional Experience
I hold a Master's degree in Education and have spent years teaching in both classroom and one-on-one settings. My training includes structured literacy methodology, cognitive coaching, and research-aligned reading intervention strategies grounded in the science of reading.
I've worked with students across the K–6 range — from those just beginning to decode to those who need support building fluency and comprehension. Each student teaches me something new, and that continuous learning is a core part of how I approach this work.
How I Work with Struggling Readers
Structure Creates Safety
Children who struggle with reading often feel anxious or uncertain. A consistent, predictable session structure helps them relax, focus, and engage. Every session follows a clear pattern so your child knows what to expect.
Explicit Beats Implicit
I never assume a child "should" know something. Every skill is taught directly, modeled clearly, and practiced until it's solid. There are no gaps in the instruction, no leaps of logic your child has to make on their own.
Confidence Is Part of the Curriculum
Skill-building alone isn't enough. I intentionally nurture a growth mindset throughout our work together — helping your child see mistakes as part of learning and progress as proof of their own effort and strength.
Growth Takes Perseverance
The Finnish word sisu captures something I see in every child I work with: an inner reserve of determination, even when the work feels hard. My role isn't to make reading easy overnight — it's to walk alongside your child with steady, structured support until the skills take hold and the confidence follows.
Learning to read well is one of the most important things a child will ever do. And with the right guide, every child can get there.