About Janine
In 2020, I graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology. As someone with dyslexia, I have always been passionate about supporting those with learning differences. While completing my Orton-Gillingham training I worked in the Sooke School District as an Educational Assistant and an Indigenous Educator. For the last 12 years, I have worked with children and youth in a variety of educational and recreational environments. I realized that supporting students one-on-one with academics (reading, writing, and math) was my true passion. I am very much looking forward to getting to know my students and designing an education plan that is tailored to them.
Janine is a fully certified member of The Canadian Academy of Therapeutic Tutors (OG Canada).
My Philosophy:
The research is clear that people who are stressed do not learn well or even at all. I strive to make my lessons as enjoyable as possible. I want my students to feel safe and comfortable, and to grow in confidence. I also attended reading classes as a child and dreaded my lessons. It makes me extremely happy to hear from so many of my families that their child or teen doesn't complain about attending lessons, but actually looks forward to it. I give the students flexibility to work harder some days and work slower on days they are feeling more stressed or tired. It's a careful balance to accomplish as much as possible in lessons while knowing when to take it slow on a harder day. Building a comfortable relationship with my students is an important part of the therapeutic teaching relationship. I always encourage my students to share about their days, their interests, and any questions they may have, or make requests about things they'd like to work on.
Notes about Janine:
At the end of your first year of practice as an Orton-Gillingham Tutor, you need to get reassessed by a supervisor who has been in the field for more than 10 years. After her assessment, Janine's supervisor said she is a "natural talent". Janine's supervisor said that she is so naturally gifted that she was recommended to pursue further education and move up in the governing body as a supervisor herself.