Patty is certified at the Associate Level through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators and has over 20 years of experience working with children and adults with dyslexia, ADHD, and dysgraphia. She partners closely with families and educators to help students build literacy skills, confidence, and self-advocacy.

With a background in both general and special education, Patty has taught English and Reading in classroom and one-on-one settings. She previously served as a Reading Specialist at The Westmark School in Los Angeles, where she worked with students in grades 2–12 and received training in multiple multisensory teaching approaches. Her instruction is tailored, engaging, and rooted in a deep understanding of language-based learning differences.

Now based in Santa Barbara, Patty enjoys spending time with her family and rescue dog, Zeke, as well as sewing, biking, and traveling. Her son, Aidan, is a Cal Poly graduate and works in management consulting in Los Angeles.

Background & Education:

B.A. in Public Relations, Marketing and English
California Teaching Credential, English 1991
Cross Cultural Credential 1992
Preliminary Special Education Credential 1999
M.A. in Reading from California State University, Fresno 2013

Professional Training:

60 hours Lindamood-Bell Training 200-2004

40 hours Orton-Gillingham Approach Associate Training, 2014, Fellow Karen Leopold
100 hours Orton-Gillingham Associate Practicum 2015-2016
40 hours Orton-Gillingham Approach Certified Training Level I 2017
40 hours Orton-Gillingham Approach Certified Training Level II 2018

20 hours Orton-Gillingham Approach Certified Practicum 2019, Fellow Karen Leopold
12 hours Orton-Gillingham Approach Certified Training, 2021, Fellow Dawn Nieman
More than 2200 hours logged tutoring dyslexic students
20 hours/year Orton-Gillingham Annual Conferences for Updated Research and Concepts

Presentation:

Speech & Reading Connection, Webinar Scottish Rite Foundation, 2020