# LD Expert

> LD Expert is a U.S. online provider of Orton-Gillingham based reading, spelling, and dyslexia intervention for students with learning differences. Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioners and Therapists teach 1:1 over Zoom. LD Expert also offers academic tutoring, diagnostic language evaluations by speech-language pathologists, and special education (IEP/504) advocacy for families. For schools, it provides online speech therapy, occupational therapy, Wilson Reading intervention, and professional development. The company is based in San Antonio, Texas and serves families and schools nationwide.

Full text of the key pages and all blog articles: [llms-full.txt](https://www.ldexpert.org/llms-full.txt)

## Key facts

- Delivery: all tutoring, intervention, and therapy is live, 1:1, and online via Zoom, so families anywhere in the United States can take part. Advocacy meetings can be virtual, or in person when available. Professional development is in person or virtual.
- Method: Orton-Gillingham based, structured literacy instruction that is multisensory, sequential, cumulative, and explicit. The main dyslexia program is the Wilson Reading System (WRS), delivered to fidelity.
- Credentials: all LD Expert reading tutors are fully certified through Wilson (Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, WDP, or Wilson Dyslexia Therapist, WDT). Certification requires a 3-day workshop, master's-level coursework, and a supervised year-long practicum of at least 65 lessons. Evaluations and speech therapy are done by licensed speech-language pathologists (CCC-SLP).
- Assessment: Wilson students start with the WADE (Wilson Assessment of Decoding and Encoding), a 30–45 minute online assessment that sets the starting point in the program.
- Progress tracking: after every lesson, families and schools get a summary plus online access to lesson data, including decoding and encoding errors and assessment results. LD Expert reports that its students have gained up to 4 grade levels.
- Pricing: national rates for dyslexia or Wilson tutoring are about $50–$130 per hour, and LD Expert is in the median of that range. The first consultation (30 minutes, by phone or Zoom) is always free.
- Scheduling: during the school day (to fit a school's bell schedule), after school, or in the evening. Hours: Mon 7:00–21:30, Tue–Sat 7:00–21:00, Sun 10:00–17:00.
- Leadership: Stephanie Tsapakis, MA, WDT (CEO and founder; licensed principal, dyslexia therapist, special education advocate) and Chelsea DiMarzio, MA, CCC-SLP, WDP (COO and co-owner; speech-language pathologist).
- Media: Stephanie Tsapakis was a guest on The Testing Psychologist podcast, episode 492, "More Than Tutoring" (https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/492-more-than-tutoring-w-stephanie-tsapakis-from-ldexpert/).
- Contact: info@ldexpert.org, phone or text (210) 866-5174. Address: 706 Mesa Ridge, San Antonio, TX 78258.

## Services

- [Services overview](https://www.ldexpert.org/services/): Overview of all LD Expert services for families and schools.
- [Services for Families](https://www.ldexpert.org/services/for-families): Online dyslexia and reading/spelling intervention, subject tutoring, diagnostic language evaluations, and special education advocacy for families nationwide.
- [Services for Schools](https://www.ldexpert.org/services/for-schools): Nationwide online providers for schools: certified Wilson Reading intervention (Tier 2 and Tier 3) and IEP/504 services, without the cost of a full-time hire.
- [Related Service Providers for Schools](https://www.ldexpert.org/related-service-providers): Online speech therapy and occupational therapy for schools. Covers onboarding, therapist training on school policies, IEP-frequency scheduling, and state compliance.
- [Special Education Advocacy](https://www.ldexpert.org/services/special-education-advocacy-services): IEP and 504 advocacy led by Stephanie Tsapakis. Covers evaluations, independent evaluations, record review, compliance, meeting support, transition planning, and discipline issues. Nationwide, with a strong client base in San Antonio and across Texas.
- [Professional Development for Schools](https://www.ldexpert.org/services/professional-development-for-schools): Customized training for campuses and districts on dyslexia, learning differences, special education compliance, IEP development, and collaboration between LSSPs, SLPs, OTs, and teachers. Full-day, half-day, or multi-session.
- [Tutoring in San Antonio, TX](https://www.ldexpert.org/tutoring-services-for-kids-san-antonio): Personalized tutoring and dyslexia intervention for San Antonio families. Delivered online, so the same service is available nationwide.

## Programs

- [Reading & Spelling Intervention](https://www.ldexpert.org/programs/reading-and-spelling): Orton-Gillingham based, multisensory reading and spelling intervention for struggling readers, with or without a dyslexia diagnosis: an assessment, then a personalized plan, 1:1 sessions, and ongoing progress checks.
- [Wilson Reading System](https://www.ldexpert.org/programs/wilson-reading-system): What the Wilson Reading System (WRS) is and why it is a leading Tier 3 dyslexia intervention. Explains what full Wilson certification means and how to check a tutor's credentials.
- [Diagnostic Language Evaluations](https://www.ldexpert.org/programs/diagnostic-language-evaluations): Comprehensive online evaluations by speech-language pathologists. They cover phonological processing, reading, writing, spelling, and receptive and expressive language, and can identify dyslexia and other language-based disorders. Results are explained in a 90-minute review session.
- [Online Speech Therapy](https://www.ldexpert.org/programs/online-speech-therapy): Online speech-language therapy (teletherapy) by certified SLPs, for articulation, language, fluency (stuttering), phonological disorders, and social communication, in schools or for families.
- [Occupational Therapy](https://www.ldexpert.org/programs/occupational-therapy): Pediatric occupational therapy for handwriting, fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and emotional regulation, for schools and families.
- [Learning Differences](https://www.ldexpert.org/programs/learning-differences): How LD Expert supports students with dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, executive function challenges, and other learning differences.

## Free tools and resources

- [Free Dyslexia Screener](https://www.ldexpert.org/tools/dyslexia-screener): A free 5-minute, 22–24 question screener for parents of children in Pre-K to 8th grade, with no signup. It covers family history, sounds in words, letters and reading, spelling and writing, speaking and word finding, and effort and progress, and gives instant results with next steps. It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
- [Downloadable Guides](https://www.ldexpert.org/resources/pdf-guides): A free Reading/Dyslexia Tutor Comparison Guide with interview questions and a comparison checklist, plus "A Parent's Guide to Reading and Spelling Homework" (free sample, or the full guide for $9.95).
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.ldexpert.org/frequently-asked-questions): How to get started, contracts and cancellation, scheduling, the WADE assessment, progress tracking, tutoring rates, Wilson certification, whether online dyslexia tutoring works, signs of dyslexia, and dyslexia apps.

## About and team

- [About Us](https://www.ldexpert.org/about-us/): The company's story. CEO Stephanie Tsapakis, a special education teacher, and COO Chelsea DiMarzio, a speech-language pathologist, started LD Expert so students anywhere can reach certified dyslexia practitioners and therapists.
- [Meet the Team](https://www.ldexpert.org/team-members): All LD Expert tutors, dyslexia practitioners, and therapists, with credentials and years of experience.
- [Stephanie Tsapakis, MA, WDT](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/stephanie-tsapakis): CEO and founder. Dyslexia intervention, special education advocacy, curriculum support.
- [Chelsea DiMarzio, MA, CCC-SLP, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/chelsea-dimarzio): COO and co-owner. Speech-language pathologist; dyslexia intervention, speech and language evaluations, advocacy.
- [Jill Champagne, MA, CCC-SLP, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/jill-champagne): Speech-language pathologist; dyslexia intervention and speech and language evaluations.
- [Kate Agoglia, MA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/kate-agoglia): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner; reading fluency.
- [Anita Franklin, MA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/anita-franklin): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
- [Cristina Grasso, MA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/cristina-grasso): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner; special education teacher.
- [Marie Johnson, MA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/marie-johnson): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
- [Emily Kingsmore, BA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/emily-kingsmore): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner; early childhood and special education.
- [Emily Litchfield, MA, WDT](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/emily-litchfield): Wilson Dyslexia Therapist; special education and ESL.
- [Vicki Landolf, PhD, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/vicki-landolf): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
- [Rachel Lauer, BA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/rachel-lauer): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner; certified in English, elementary, and special education.
- [Christine Stremme, MA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/christine-stremme): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
- [Rebecca Summers, BA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/rebecca-summers): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner; elementary and special education.
- [Olivia Tran, MAT, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/olivia-tran): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
- [Ginnie Reed, MA, WDP](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/ginnie-reed): Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
- [Christi Becker, MA, WDT](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/christi-becker): Wilson Dyslexia Therapist.
- [Wendy Welch, NBCT, WDT](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/wendy-welch): Wilson Dyslexia Therapist; National Board Certified Teacher.
- [Jerri Polk, BScEd, MSW](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/jerri-polk): Dyslexia intervention and literacy education.
- [Tova Ladley, MEd](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/tova-ladley): Dyslexia intervention and academic tutoring.
- [Tim Burk, MA](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/tim-burk): Academic tutoring in all K-12 subjects.
- [Rhonda Green, MA](https://www.ldexpert.org/team/rhonda-green): Academic tutoring; parent of sons with ADHD and dyslexia.

## Blog: Dyslexia 101 series

- [Dyslexia 101, Part 1: What Actually Is Dyslexia?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dyslexia-101-but-what-actually-is-dyslexia): A plain-language definition of dyslexia as a language-based learning difference.
- [Dyslexia 101, Part 2: Characteristics of Dyslexia](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dyslexia-101-characteristics-of-dyslexia): Common signs of dyslexia in children and adults.
- [Dyslexia 101, Part 3: Dyslexia in the Classroom and Workplace](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dyslexia-101-part-3-implications-of-dyslexia-in-the-classroom-and-workplace): How dyslexia affects school and work, and the accommodations that help.
- [Dyslexia 101, Part 4: Debunking Dyslexia Myths](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dyslexia-101-part-4-debunking-dyslexia-myths): Common misconceptions about dyslexia, such as letter reversals and intelligence, and the facts.
- [Dyslexia 101, Part 5: How to Choose an Intervention Program](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dyslexia-101-part-5-how-to-choose-an-intervention-program): What to look for in a dyslexia program: Orton-Gillingham based, research-driven, and delivered by a certified professional.
- [Dyslexia 101, Part 6: Advocating at School or in the Workplace](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dyslexia-101-part-6-advocating-for-your-child-at-school-or-yourself-in-the-workplace): How to speak up for a child with dyslexia at school, or for yourself at work.
- [Navigating Dyslexia: Understanding and Intervention](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/understanding-dyslexia-and-intervention): An overview of dyslexia and intervention options such as the Wilson Reading System.
- [Dyslexia in Immersion Classrooms](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dyslexia-and-the-immersion-classroom-a-parent-s-choice): Whether a child with dyslexia should be in a language-immersion program, and how reading intervention works across two languages.
- [Why Apps Will Not Help Your Child's Dyslexia](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/why-apps-will-not-help-your-childs-dyslexia): Why apps can't replace explicit, individualized instruction from a certified professional.

## Blog: Beyond Dyslexia series (other learning differences)

- [What Is ADHD? Signs, Reading Challenges, Diagnosis & Treatment](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/beyond-dyslexia-adhd): How ADHD affects reading and behavior, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
- [What Is Executive Function? How It Affects Learning](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/beyond-dyslexia-executive-function): The parts of executive function, how they affect reading, and strategies to support them.
- [What Is Executive Function and Why Is It So Important?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/what-is-executive-function-and-why-is-it-so-important): Why executive function is key to independent learning.
- [Beyond Dyslexia: Working Memory](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/beyond-dyslexia-working-memory): How working memory deficits affect learning and how to spot them.
- [Beyond Dyslexia: Reduced Processing Speed](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/beyond-dyslexia-reduced-processing-speed): What slow processing speed looks like and how it is identified.
- [Understanding Central Auditory Processing Disorder](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/central-auditory-processing-disorder): Signs of CAPD/APD, how it differs from dyslexia, and support strategies.
- [What Is a Phonological Disorder?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/phonological-disorder): Signs of phonological disorder, how it affects speech and reading, and treatment approaches.
- [Is a Weak Curriculum Holding Your Child Back?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/beyond-dyslexia-weak-curriculum): How weak reading curricula (instead of a learning difference) can cause reading struggles.
- [How Environment Shapes Student Learning](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/beyond-dyslexia-environmental-factors): How lighting, noise, and home or classroom environment affect learning.
- [A Comprehensive Look at Common Neurodivergencies](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/neurodivergency-a-comprehensive-look-at-common-neurodivercencies-learning-differences): An overview of common neurodivergencies and learning differences, and how to get a child more support at school.

## Blog: Helping struggling readers

- [Help Me Help My Struggling Reader, Part 1](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/help-me-help-my-struggling-reader): Practical at-home tips for parents of struggling readers.
- [Help Me Help My Struggling Reader, Part 2](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/help-me-help-my-struggling-reader-part-2): The single most important thing parents can do at home to help a child with dyslexia learn to read.
- [The Best At-Home Strategy for Helping Struggling Readers](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/the-best-strategy-for-helping-your-struggling-reader-at-home): One high-impact strategy for supporting reading at home.
- [The Case for Explicit and Systematic Phonics Instruction](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/explicit-reading-and-spelling-instruction): Why explicit, systematic phonics (structured literacy) works for all students and is essential for students with dyslexia.
- [Best Books for Teaching Your Child to Read](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/which-books-are-best-for-teaching-my-child-to-read): Book recommendations by age, including decodable readers.
- [Why You Can't Fix Reading Over the Summer](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/why-you-can-t-fix-reading-over-the-summer): Why a short summer program rarely fixes a reading difficulty.
- [Summer Activities to Build Language and Reading Skills](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/summer-activities-to-build-language-and-reading-skills): Fun ways to keep building literacy over the summer.
- [The Benefits of Reading to Your Children](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/benefits-of-reading-to-your-child): How reading aloud supports social-emotional development and language.
- [Why Essay Writing Is So Hard for Some Students](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/why-is-essay-writing-so-hard-for-some-students): Why writing is hard for students with learning differences and how to help.

## Blog: Choosing tutoring and intervention

- [What to Look For in a Reading Tutor](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-reading-tutor): Credentials, methods, and questions to ask before hiring a reading or dyslexia tutor.
- [Does Online Tutoring Really Work?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/does-online-tutoring-really-work): Evidence, pros and cons, and how to tell if online tutoring suits your child.
- [Top 7 Online Tutoring Platforms for Kids](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/tutoring-platforms-for-kids): A comparison of seven online tutoring platforms, with pricing, pros, and cons.
- [Why Are Tutoring and Dyslexia Intervention So Expensive?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/why-dyslexia-intervention-is-expensive): What goes into the cost of certified dyslexia intervention and why it is priced as it is.
- [The Risks of Taking a Break From Tutoring](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/the-pitfalls-and-risks-of-taking-a-break-from-tutoring): What happens when students with learning differences pause intervention, and the alternatives.
- [Tutoring vs. Extracurriculars: What Comes First?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/prioritizing-after-school-schedules-extracurriculars-or-tutoring): How to prioritize after-school time.
- [Tier 2 vs. Tier 3 Interventions](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/tier-2-vs-tier-3-interventions-education): The difference between Tier 2 and Tier 3 (RTI) interventions, and what parents should know.

## Blog: IEPs, 504 plans, testing, and advocacy

- [12 Signs Your Child Might Need IEP Support](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/12-signs-your-child-might-need-iep-support): Warning signs that a child may need special education services.
- [Does a Diagnosis Matter?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/does-a-diagnosis-matter): Why a formal diagnosis gives families a roadmap and helps secure IEP or 504 support.
- [Introducing Your Child's IEP or 504 to New Teachers](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/introducing-your-child-s-iep-or-504-to-new-teachers): How to share an IEP or 504 plan with new teachers at the start of the year.
- [Navigating Due Process for IEP Non-Compliance](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/iep-non-compliance-due-process-steps): Steps for parents when a school is not following an IEP.
- [Balancing Expectations and Accommodations](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/the-balance-between-expectations-and-accommodations): Keeping expectations high while giving neurodivergent students the right accommodations.
- [How Parents Can Influence School Curriculums](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/parents-guide-influencing-school-curriculums): How parents can push schools toward curricula grounded in the science of reading.
- [What Does My Child's MAP Testing Data Mean?](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/what-does-my-child-s-map-testing-data-mean): How to read NWEA MAP Growth RIT scores and percentiles.
- [Interpreting Test Scores: When to Get Help](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/interpreting-the-data-how-to-know-if-your-child-needs-help): How to understand standardized test data and know when to seek an evaluation or intervention.
- [Getting Ready for State Testing](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/getting-ready-for-state-testing): How to prepare students, especially those with learning differences, for state tests.
- [Empowering Parents: Organizations That Support Students with Dyslexia](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/empowering-parents-getting-involved-with-organizations-that-support-students-with-dyslexia): Dyslexia organizations, such as the IDA, that parents can get involved with.

## Blog: Parenting and wellbeing

- [How to Support a Child with ADHD](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/help-me-help-my-child-with-adhd): Practical parenting strategies for focus, behavior, and routines.
- [Parenting a Child with Anxiety](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/help-me-help-my-child-with-anxiety): Signs of anxiety in children and calming strategies.
- [Challenge Avoidance: Teaching Perseverance](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/helping-kids-overcome-challenge-avoidance): How to help kids who give up quickly build resilience.
- [The Whole-Child Approach](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/the-whole-child-approach-they-re-more-than-a-diagnosis): Supporting children as more than a diagnosis.
- [Encouraging Homework Excitement](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/encouraging-homework-excitement-strategies-for-all-students): Strategies for reducing homework battles.
- [Why Quiet Time Matters](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/importanceofquiet): How quiet time reduces overstimulation and anxiety.
- [Why Kids Need to Decompress During Winter Break](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/the-importantance-of-decompressing-this-winter-break): Why rest over school breaks matters.
- [Dear Teachers, Please Stop Blaming Parents](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/dear-teachers-please-stop-blaming-parents): A letter to teachers: reading struggles come from gaps in reading instruction and teacher training, not from parents failing to read at home.
- [Teacher Appreciation Week: What Teachers Really Want](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/teacher-appreciation-week-what-your-teachers-really-want): Meaningful ways to thank teachers.
- [End-of-Year Academic Awards](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/the-end-of-the-school-year-academic-competitions-and-awards): Whether academic awards help or hurt motivation for students with learning differences.
- [Congratulations, Parents!](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/congratulations-parents): Recognizing the advocacy work parents of children with learning differences do all school year.
- [All blog articles](https://www.ldexpert.org/blog/)

## Get started

- [Schedule a Free Consultation](https://www.ldexpert.org/schedule-a-consultation): Book a free 30-minute call for families, schools, or neuropsychologist referral partners.
- [Contact Us](https://www.ldexpert.org/contact-us): Email info@ldexpert.org or call/text (210) 866-5174.

## Optional

- [Careers](https://www.ldexpert.org/careers-opportunities): Remote contract roles, such as Wilson Reading System teacher and virtual school-based speech-language pathologist.
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