every child deserves the tools they need to succeed in school.

We exist because

GTDA’s founder (Pat) and director (Vicki) both have daughters with dyslexia and are passionate about helping struggling learners regain their confidence and joy, and overcome barriers to their success in the classroom and in life.

3 ways to get involved:

  • Tutoring 125 Students Per Year

  • 25 Trained, Compassionate Tutors

  • Serving the Greater Grand Traverse Region

  • Founded in 1985

You’re in good hands:

Our Staff

  • Pat founded GTDA nearly 40 years ago. Her little girl wasn’t learning, so Pat, a former teacher, embarked on a journey to understand how to help her daughter learn to read and write. This led her to the Orton-Gillingham method and to the creation of GTDA.

  • Vicki has been our fearless leader for over 10 years, and has made significant impact in our community and region advocating greater awareness and support for students with dyslexia. She has a Masters Degree in Reading and Literacy, is a former elementary school teacher and homeschooled her own dyslexic daughter.

  • Our team of 25 compassionate tutors completes a rigorous Orton-Gillingham certification course as well as ongoing training to best serve your child.

Our impact goes beyond tutoring.

GTDA empowers parents, teachers and the community with tools and knowledge to support students with dyslexia and reading challenges.