Literacy and Learning Services
A First Foundation, LLC is the private practice of Dr. Marissa Kiepert (Truong), an educational therapist who specializes in literacy and treating dyslexia and other coexisting challenges such as ADHD, low self-esteem, and executive function weaknesses. She provides in-person therapies and educational testing and serves the Main Line of Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Building the foundation for a bright future - one page at a time!
Literacy, language, and learning therapies to enhance skills in:
Readiness for Reading
Phonemic Awareness
Word-Attack & Decoding
Fluency & Comprehension
Written Expression
Emotional Regulation
Handwriting
Motivation
Organization
Language Processing
Intervention Services
A First Foundation, LLC provides educational intervention services to children in preschool through 5th grade to meet a variety of language-based learning needs.
Dyslexia Therapy/OG Tutoring
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is widely regarded as the gold standard for teaching reading, writing, and spelling to children facing reading difficulties, including dyslexia, a language-based learning disability. This proven, multi-sensory method engages students through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques, making learning both effective and enjoyable. Dr. T. offers personalized, one-on-one learning plans that utilize the OG Approach, systematically targeting each child's unique needs and strengths. Through structured and systematic lessons your child will learn phonological awareness, sound-symbol association, syllablication, morphology, syntax and semantics.
Early Childhood
Early language and literacy intervention services are designed for children at risk for dyslexia or other reading difficulties, particularly those with speech and language processing delays or a family history of reading disabilities. Dr. T. conducts early screenings to assess your child's strengths and needs in essential areas critical for reading development, including phonemic awareness, letter recognition, rapid naming, and vocabulary. Based on these assessments, Dr. T. creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your child.
Oral & Written Language Processing
Oral and written language processing are crucial for effective communication and learning. Phonological awareness, an essential oral language skill, significantly contributes to the development of spelling and reading fluency. Written language processing encompasses the ability to comprehend and produce written text. Through targeted interventions in phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and writing skills, Dr. T. creates personalized learning plans that empower students to read with understanding, complete written assignments successfully, and communicate effectively in writing.
Executive Function
Coaching
Personalized support to build skills and confidence in children with learning disabilities
Studies estimate that about 20-40% of children with dyslexia may also have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The core symptoms of ADHD—such as distractibility and impulsivity—can directly impact executive functioning. The combination of ADHD and dyslexia can lead to increased difficulties in academic settings. Children may struggle with executive functioning while also facing challenges in reading, writing, and spelling.
Dr. T. specializes in executive function coaching for children who have been identified with a language-based learning disability. Using a strengths-based model, the goal of executive function coaching is to equip children with the tools they need to better manage their time, tasks, and emotions, leading to greater success in school and in life.
Educational Testing:
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Dyslexia Testing/Comprehensive Literacy Evaluations
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Early Language and Literacy Screenings
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Instructional-Needs Assessments
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Progress Monitoring in Literacy Skills
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Early Childhood Evaluation/Kindergarten Readiness
Assistance for Parents with:
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Learning strategies and classroom accommodations based on a child's learning profile (testing in executive functioning, memory, complex reasoning, speed). Not intended for diagnosis.
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Evaluation, 504 accommodation, and IEP goal review (ADHD and specific learning disorders only)
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Childcare/preschool selection and school-readiness decisions