Students work with us to build their skills and also to see how they learn best. We actively engage students in their learning, help them reflect on their successes, and identify the habits and strategies that are most effective for them.
ABOUT US
Wise Owl Learning is a place where students
who learn differently can find success.
With individual or small group tutoring, we teach students in a
multisensory approach that follows a logical sequence that builds
on previous learning to allow the student to engage at their level.
We recognize the typical barriers caused by symptoms of Dyslexia
and ADHD and help students learn to compensate and manage
these, so they can be independent and successful learners.
TEACHERS
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Becky Madison
Becky Madison has been teaching since 1996. She has taught English, speech, and drama in high school, homeschooled her three sons, and now specializes in tutoring. She saw the need for specialized tutoring for all types of learners after her youngest son was diagnosed with dyslexia. She completed her undergraduate work at both UCSB and Sonoma State with an emphasis in creative writing. She uses her love for writing to show her students that they, too, can write creatively. After earning her certification in the Slingerland Multisensory Approach, she began tutoring students ranging from elementary to college age. Her love for learning continues to fuel her additional education, as she attends various conferences and workshops focused on teaching students with learning challenges. Since she has a son with dyslexia, Becky has a unique perspective and knowledge from which to draw in order to help families and students alike. When she is not tutoring, she can be found on a river fishing with her husband, skiing with her youngest son, visiting her grandchildren in Connecticut and New Zealand, and writing children’s literature.
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Kori Behler
Kori Behler has been teaching since 1995. Her undergraduate work was completed at University of Nevada, Reno and graduate studies were completed at Sonoma State University in Special Education. In addition, she holds a CA K-12 teaching credential, is certified as an Educational Therapist through the Association of Educational Therapists, completed the Certificate in College Advising through UCLA, and is especially grateful for the training she completed with Dr. Nancy Cushen-White in the Slingerland Multisensory Approach to Teaching. Through her experiences teaching elementary school and working as a disability specialist at SRJC, she is able to consider the whole educational experience for a student and guide them to paths that help them create many options for their future. Kori works with students of all ages teaching skills related to reading, writing, math, study skills, handwriting, and also offers programs for Spanish-speaking learners. Kori offers academic coaching/mentoring specific to students with difficulties of executive functions (such as time management, organization, long-term planning, motivation), attention, and other related difficulties. Consultation and educational evaluations are available.
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Kim Kobre
Kim Kobre has been a learning specialist since 1992. A graduate of Elon University in Burlington, North California, Kim went on to complete trainings for both Orton-Gillingham and the Slingerland Multisensory Approach for teaching students with dyslexia. Her Slingerland training was completed under the direction of Dr. Nancy Cushen-White, a renowned clinical professor in Pediatrics-Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine at UCSF and a member of the UCSF Dyslexia Research Center Team. Kim teaches students in the elementary to high school grades, providing comprehensive instruction in a supportive environment. She is well-versed in helping students with reading, writing, handwriting, comprehension, phonological processing, and study skills. Kim is also experienced in helping families support their child with unique needs. Kim is an active member of the International Dyslexia Association and frequently attends lectures and workshops to stay current in the research and education.
SERVICES
We are available to work with students in person or remotely. We also offer evaluations to determine the academic baselines and patterns of difficulties, consultations, and ongoing collaboration with other support providers and classroom teachers.
Whom We Serve
Students grades K-12
Areas of Support
All aspects of reading, writing, handwriting, math, study skills, organization, and other executive function supports. We are experienced in working with students with varying impacts from disabilities such as Dyslexia and ADHD.
RESOURCES
Slingerland
A method of instruction designed specifically for teaching students with Dyslexia, but is often very beneficial for non-Dyslexic students as well. It is designed to deliver instruction in a multisensory format and addresses the necessary components of reading instruction to allow students to integrate individual skills to contextual reading. In-depth trainings and supervised practicum provide teachers with an understanding of what explicit and systematic instruction looks like for reading.
Orton-Gillingham
Orton-Gillingham is a multisensory method of teaching that inspired the Slingerland method of instruction (the OG of reading instruction). Many teachers will start with this training before moving on to Slingerland.
Lindamood-Bell
There are many Lindamood Bell programs that address skill areas of phonological awareness, comprehension, and general decoding strategies. Many centers that specialize in LMB offer intensive supports for students, and many private tutors can incorporate these into an overall program of support for struggling readers.
Making Math Real Institute
Making Math Real Institute offers parent and educator trainings covering the systematic, explicit and multisensory method of teaching math that David Berg has modeled after the Slingerland and OG approaches to reading.
Learning Ally
Provides access to their digital library for students who have a verified reading/print disability such as Dyslexia. It allows students to access books in a multisensory format, presenting the text on the screen while it is read aloud. Adjustments to suit individual preferences (speed, voice, etc) make it a smooth and practical tool for students and allows for greater access to grade-level material and beyond. For those who are eligible, an annual membership fee of $135 is required, and fee waivers are available for those who have financial need.
Teaching Phoneme Awareness
A guide for educators.