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Explore the Science of Reading with Us!

Our goal is to empower your child to become a confident reader using an effective, research-based curriculum.

Explore the Science of Reading with Us!

Our goal is to empower your child to become a confident reader using an effective, research-based curriculum.

What is Science of Reading?

Diagram illustrating components of language comprehension and word recognition leading to skilled reading.

At Raising Readers, our instruction is grounded in the Science of Reading, a vast body of interdisciplinary research that explains how children learn to read. We don’t follow just one method—we follow what the science tells us works.A model we align with is Scarborough’s Rope, which illustrates how skilled reading is developed through the weaving together of two key strands:

Language Comprehension (e.g., background knowledge, vocabulary, sentence structure, verbal reasoning)
Word Recognition (e.g., phonological awareness, decoding, sight recognition)

Each strand is made up of specific, teachable skills that must be explicitly and systematically taught. Over time, these strands become more automatic and strategic, leading to fluent, skilled reading.

Learn more

Meet the Tutors

HI THERE! I’M ALAINE.

I am the founder of Raising Readers, a Calgary-based literacy intervention practice dedicated to helping struggling readers build confidence and achieve lasting success through evidence-based instruction.

My journey into literacy intervention began after my own daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and autism. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how transformative the right instruction can be and became passionate about helping other families navigate similar challenges.

I have completed extensive training in structured literacy and Orton-Gillingham-based instruction through the Scottish Rite Learning Centre for Children with Dyslexia in Vancouver, including supervised practicum experience. I am also trained and certified in Acadience Reading K–8 assessment and progress monitoring and continue to pursue ongoing professional development in the Science of Reading.

Before founding Raising Readers, I worked for six years as an Education Assistant supporting students with diverse learning needs, including dyslexia, learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism.

Today, Raising Readers provides individualized literacy intervention, comprehensive reading assessments, and family-centered support for students who need a different path to reading success. Our mission extends beyond tutoring—we are committed to increasing literacy access in our community through partnerships, educational resources, and initiatives such as our Literacy Kit Access Program.

I believe every child can learn to read when provided with effective instruction, meaningful support, and the opportunity to build confidence in their own abilities. It is a privilege to be part of that journey with every student and family we serve. I found my passion for helping children after my own daughter was diagnosed with autism and dyslexia. I know first hand how exceptional the dyslexic brain is and its capability with the correct method of instruction and a dedicated teacher. I make it my personal goal to connect with every student I work with, to support and motivate them, and to help them discover themselves how truly amazing they are!

Certified in:

I’M SHARON!

I joined Raising Readers as a tutor to empower students with dyslexia, helping them reach their full potential. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia, a Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate from Vancouver Community College, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary, and a Dyslexia Teaching Certificate from the University of San Diego. With over 25 years of teaching experience, I have worked across a variety of subjects, including English, Social Studies, and specialized Literacy and Learning programs. This extensive background has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by students with dyslexia and allows me to provide targeted, effective support.

As a mother of children who struggled in school and a teacher who works closely with students facing similar challenges, I understand the emotions and difficulties families experience. I also know that when students begin to experience success in reading, their confidence grows, their lives blossom, and they rediscover the joy of learning. I am committed to helping students with dyslexia achieve this success by providing personalized, one-on-one tutoring tailored to their unique learning needs.

Outside of teaching, I am a proud single mother of triplet boys and a dog named Jax. I love spending time in nature, whether it's taking long walks, kayaking, or working out. I also enjoy being with family and friends and have a passion for flowers, dragonflies, butterflies, bees, birds, crystals, and art.

I’M Cecilia!

Hi! I’m Cecilia, a literacy tutor with a unique background in sociology and anthropology, as well as nearly five years of experience working with students in a variety of learning environments. I began my journey as a university tutor and graduate teaching assistant before transitioning into tutoring reading and writing. I’m currently working toward certification in the Orton Gillingham approach to structured literacy. I’m passionate about helping students build confidence in reading, writing, and self-expression, and I enjoy bringing creativity into my sessions through art, movement, and lots of joyful energy. My approach focuses on helping each student discover their own strengths and learning style so they can thrive both academically and personally. When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me painting, dancing around the house, curled up with a book, or spending time with my two cats.

i'm Phoebe!

Hi there! I am Phoebe, a dedicated educator who truly loves working with children and helping them unlock their full potential.

Currently pursuing my Orton-Gillingham tutor certification, I combine specialized literacy training with a diverse background in teaching Elementary English, Math, and French to children of all ages. My experience across these subjects has equipped me with a wealth of instructional styles, allowing me to adapt my approach to meet the unique learning needs of every student.

My passion for teaching isn't just professional, it is a big part of my personal life as well. I am a mother to four loving and energetic children, including two whom I currently homeschool.

When I’m not tutoring or homeschooling, you can find me embracing the great outdoors with my family, snowboarding in the winter and hiking and camping through the other seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at alaine@raisingreaders.info if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What help can I get?

For students in grades 1 to 12 that need help with reading, spelling/writing. The Structured Literacy approach works with students at the word level; teaching the underlying rules, phonemes, morphemes, & patterns of the English language. Learning cursive writing (handwriting) can also be implemented.

The Structured Literacy Approach will work with all students, but it is primarily used with students that are having difficulty with reading. These students may or may not have been diagnosed with dyslexia.

What is the recommended number of tutoring hours per week?

Typically students receive 2 sessions per week, each with a duration of 45 - 55 minutes on non-consecutive days

What is covered in the lesson?

Visual identification of phonograms, Auditory identification of phonemes, Blending sounds, Reading words, Reading Sentences, Spelling Work, Sentence Work, Introduction of new material, Oral reading using decodable/controlled text.

Where does tutoring take place?

We are located in Calgary, Alberta. We offer both virtual and in person classes to Calgary residents. Virtual classes all over Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario are available.

Are sessions one-on-one or in a group?

They are one-on-one.

Is THE SCIENCE OF READING only for students with learning disabilities like Dyslexia?

No. It works for all students whether typical or atypical. Its systematic and structured approach makes it beneficial for every type of learner.

How long does it take to finish a program?

It depends on where you start within the programming. A structured literacy program from start to finish can take 1 year or more to complete.

How is progress monitored at Raising Readers?

We use Acadience Reading — a standardized, research-based assessment tool — to monitor each student’s reading progress over time. Acadience allows us to:

Benchmark reading skills at key points in the year
Track growth in areas like phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency
Adjust instruction based on real-time data
Share progress updates with families - and with your child’s school (if also using Acadience)

Benchmark assessments are typically conducted three times a year, with optional progress monitoring checks in between to ensure your child stays on track.

What is the Acadience Reading assessment?

Acadience Reading (formerly known as DIBELS) is a standardized assessment tool used to measure essential early literacy skills in students from Kindergarten to Grade 8.

It helps us identify:

Whether a student is on track, above benchmark, or at risk for reading difficulties
Specific skill areas like phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension
How to best support each child with targeted instruction

Acadience is widely used in schools across North America and allows us to share data with your child’s school (if they use the same tool), ensuring a more coordinated support plan.

What is a provisional tutor?

A provisional tutor at Raising Readers is a qualified team member who is currently completing additional training in structured literacy approaches, such as Orton-Gillingham or the Science of Reading. These tutors:

Have relevant experience or education in teaching or literacy support
Work under the close guidance of a certified lead tutor
Participate in ongoing training and shadowing as part of their onboarding
Follow the same lesson structure and curriculum as certified tutors

This model ensures high-quality instruction while allowing us to expand access to reading support.

What is the Science of Reading and how does it differ from Orton-Gillingham?

The Science of Reading refers to decades of research from education, psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience that explains how reading develops. Scarborough’s Rope is one of the most widely accepted visual models of this science. At Raising Readers, we use evidence-based methods informed by this research—including, but not limited to, Orton-Gillingham principles.

Explore the Science of Reading with Us!

Explore the Science of Reading with Us!

What is Science of Reading?

Meet the Tutors

HI THERE! I’M ALAINE.

I’M SHARON!

I’M Cecilia!

i'm Phoebe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Training & Certifications

TUTORING USING THE STRUCTURED LITERACY APPROACH

Raising Readers Literacy Kits

Connect With Us!

Contact Us

Alaine MALLARI

Raising Readers

Hours

Featured Products

Explore the Science of Reading with Us!

Explore the Science of Reading with Us!

What is Science of Reading?

Meet the Tutors

HI THERE! I’M ALAINE.

I’M SHARON!

I’M Cecilia!

i'm Phoebe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Training & Certifications

TUTORING USING THE STRUCTURED LITERACY APPROACH

Raising Readers Literacy Kits

Connect With Us!

Contact Us

Alaine MALLARI

Raising Readers

Hours

Featured Products

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