At W.I.N. – What I Need Literacy + Learning Services, every lesson is personalized to meet students where they are. By combining research-based methods with a compassionate approach, I help learners build confidence in reading and writing while rediscovering the joy of learning.
I’m proud to support families across Belle Plaine, Northfield, Mankato, Nicollet, New Ulm, and St. Peter — providing the tools, strategies, and encouragement students need to succeed.
Every student deserves to feel successful.
What I Offer – Keys to Unlock Learning
At W.I.N. Literacy + Learning Services, instruction is research-based, multisensory, and personalized to each learner’s needs. I support
the full spectrum of literacy and learning skills—from building strong reading foundations to developing confident, independent learners.
Reading Foundations – The Science of Reading
Building strong, confident readers by covering all 5 components of reading:
- Phonemic Awareness – Hearing and working with sounds in words.
- Phonics & Decoding – Using diacritical coding and Orton-Gillingham to master rules, sounds, and patterns.
- Fluency – Developing accuracy, speed, and expression based on grade-level expectations.
- Vocabulary – Expanding word knowledge for deeper understanding.
- Comprehension – Connecting ideas, making inferences, and thinking critically about what is read.
Writing & Communication – Building Skills for Expression
Helping students become confident, capable writers:
- Penmanship – Printing for K–2, cursive for Grades 3+.
- Grammar & Mechanics – Developing sentence structure, punctuation, and clarity.
- Essay Writing & Research Skills – Organizing ideas, building arguments, and writing with purpose.
- Citation & Academic Integrity – Learning how to properly cite sources and give credit.
- Research Skills – Locating, evaluating, and using information effectively.
Study & Thinking Skills – Organized for Today, Ready for Tomorrow
Students gain practical tools to take ownership of their learning:
- Academic Readiness Skills – Building habits of goal-setting and planning for long-term success.
- Critical Thinking Development – Growing confidence in asking questions and solving problems.
- Organization & Study Habits – Using binders, folders, and calendars to stay on top of schoolwork.
With this three-pillar approach, students don’t just learn the steps—they build the skills, strategies, and confidence they need for
long-term success.
How W.I.N. Works
Flexible Support
Learning should fit your life, not the other way around. Sessions are available in-person, online, or hybrid, so your child can receive consistent, personalized help wherever they are.
More Than Just a Session
Each session includes:
🔹 50 minutes of focused, direct instruction, and
🔹 at least 30 minutes of personalized preparation where I design lessons, materials, and strategies specifically for your child.
This means every minute together is maximized for growth.
Comparable Rates
My rates are comparable to those of other licensed, experienced educators, with discount packages available for teens, veterans’ families, siblings, and income-based needs.
When you choose W.I.N., you’re investing in expert instruction, individualized planning, and measurable progress—not just “time with a tutor.”
Getting Started
At W.I.N., every student begins with a strong foundation for success:
🔹 Free Consultation – A 20–30 minute conversation (by phone or in-person) to discuss your child’s needs, your goals, and how I can help. This is an opportunity to listen, ask questions, and determine if W.I.N. is the right fit.
🔹 Initial Placement Assessment – If you decide to move forward, I will conduct an in-depth evaluation to identify your child’s strengths, struggles, and learning needs. This assessment is separate from the consultation and provides the roadmap for a personalized learning plan.
🔹 Personalized Plan – Using the assessment results, I design lessons tailored to your child’s unique needs—whether filling gaps, building strengths, or both.
This 3-step process ensures we start in the right place and move forward with confidence.