About

Special Education Teacher Trained & Qualified in the Orton-Gillingham Approach

ABOUT ARMAITY

Background

Orton-Gillingham Qualifications

Armaity began her teaching career over 20 years ago. She has taught in London, England and Florence, Italy. During the last ten years of her career, she has focussed on Early Literacy and Special Education. Armaity is passionate about working with children and helping them succeed.

She is currently working as a content contributor with the Ontario Ministry of Education Language curriculum.

Orton-Gillingham Qualifications

Achieved - Certified Level by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners 2023.
Member of the AOGPE since April 2019
Over 300 hours of practicum including supervisor observations and feedback with one-on-one tutoring and small groups.

Testimonials & References

Orton-Gillingham Qualifications

Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association - ONBIDA

Scroll down to read Parent Testimonials since Spellbound began in July 2019

Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association - ONBIDA

Member Profile - since July 2020
Ontario Professional Learning Circles -Spring 2020 - co-facilitation of teachers learning circles for Structured Literacy Instruction

Education

Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association - ONBIDA

Content Contributor

M.A. Child Studies in Education, OISE/UT
OCT - Ontario College of Teacher
Qualified Teacher Status, UK
B.Ed - OISE/UT
B.A. Philosophy - with minors in Linguistics and Psychology

Content Contributor

Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association - ONBIDA

Content Contributor

Content Contributor to the writing of the new Ontario Language Curriculum
Worked in teams with fellow specialists in updating the curriculum to reflect Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading (and Writing)
2022-2023

Testimonials

Encourages & challenges him

Stability, structure, content

"In just over four months, our 9 year old has gained significant confidence and skills with reading. Armaity's use of the OG Approach as well as Structured Word Inquiry helps him decode the English language...he feels like he's got 'insider knowledge' that his friends don't have! She encourages and challenges him to be the best learner he can."

Kirsty - parent

Stability, structure, content

We are very grateful for all the ways you have supported, encouraged, uplifted, given tough love and showed authentic, loving care to our son.

He’s grown so much since he met you.

This last year hasn’t been easy however the stability, structure and content of your lessons has been invaluable.

Susan - parent

Competent, skilled tEACHER

Stability, structure, content

Competent, skilled tEACHER

Over the years, we have tried many other tutoring companies. Then we found Spellbound and Armaity! The system she uses is Orton-Gillingham. My son is dyslexic and wow, does her training make a difference. She always responds quickly, and makes time to talk to teachers at school to give them advice on learning styles. Not to mention, she is lovely and my son, who can be very difficult for teachers...LOVES her!

Thank you for a great service!

Tiffany - parent

POSITIVE, UPBEAT ATTITUDE

Compassion, Creativity & attentiveness

Competent, skilled tEACHER

My son has struggled with reading and spelling since the first grade. We tried a chain tutoring service and saw little improvement. But once he started with Spellbound in Grade 6, his language skills improved dramatically. After the very first lesson, we were amazed that he could spell "who, what, when, how and where" correctly! Through the Orton-Gillingham approach, he finally had a basis upon which he could draw to sound out and spell words correctly. It was truly a game-changer, and it helped his confidence in the classroom. He learned etymology which was not only interesting but helped him make sense of words, and their sometimes strange orthography. Armaity's positive, upbeat attitude and creative ways to engage his particular interests made the tutoring experience enjoyable for him. Spellbound definitely gets 5 gold stars!

Lara - parent

Compassion, Creativity & attentiveness

Armaity has been a massive help to our son and I highly recommend her. In 2017 our son was diagnosed with a reading and writing learning disability. After the assessment, it was suggested that we find an Orton-Gillingham tutor and we came across Armaity. Since that time, he has been meeting with her twice per week and his improvements have been incredible. Two years ago, when he was in grade 2, he could not read and was aware that he was not performing at the same level as his peers. Doing school work brought up anxiety as he often did not understand what was asked of him. We spoke to his current grade 4 teacher a couple months ago and she was “shocked” to learn he had a learning disability as he is one of the top readers in her class. Each night now he reads himself to sleep and he is always excited to buy new books. We cannot thank Armaity enough! Her compassion, creativity, and attentiveness are impressive. A huge thank you for everything!

M&B - parents

Small Group Writing cLasses

Compassion, Creativity & attentiveness

The classes were very well prepared and organized with great communication surrounding the lessons and very clear handouts. The kids enjoyed the sessions, were engaged with the material and are applying what they learned to the structure of their writing outside of class. Overall, it was very helpful and positive learning experience for them. Thank you!