Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Hobock.
Hi Natalie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Prior to founding Houston Dyslexia LLC, I began teaching in a public school setting and then moved to private school settings. I spent most of my time in a private school setting that serves students with learning differences and learning disabilities. I found working with students who have learning differences, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia, to be my true calling. I love being part of the process of building a student back up when, unfortunately, he or she comes in broken down. I love it when a student realizes he or she IS smart and just needs to be taught how he or she learns best. It also helps that I enjoy learning about language and literacy intervention!
Throughout my years working in school settings, I wore many different hats. Colleagues and Administrators recognized my dedication and talent, and I was selected as Team Leader in public and private school, nominated ESL Teacher of the Year, Head of Reading Curriculum Department, and Director of Summer Program to name a few. I’m most proud of the difference I’ve made in students’ lives. I continued to pursue my passion and moved into private practice a few years ago when I founded Houston Dyslexia LLC. I provide Orton-Gillingham/Structured Literacy academic therapy to students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. I also provide Orton-Gillingham/Structured Literacy intensive tutoring to students.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been relatively smooth! There have been opportunities for growth, such as when COVID hit, and teaching went virtual. Fortunately, my students are one-on-one, so this allows me to focus on individual needs. I was able to see any struggles that arose from a virtual environment and address them. Most concerns could be addressed in a one-on-one environment with the exception of handwriting. I discovered ways to successfully improve handwriting instruction virtually; however, if a student benefits best from hand-over-hand instruction, there isn’t a way to do this virtually. Overall though, the road has been quite smooth!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Houston Dyslexia?
I provide Orton-Gillingham/Structured Literacy academic therapy to students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. I also provide Orton-Gillingham/Structured Literacy intensive tutoring to students, which is not traditional tutoring. Traditional tutoring generally focuses on meeting grade-level demands. Academic therapy focuses on how learning occurs in the brain and combines this with knowledge of specialized instruction techniques. Although dyslexia is a lifelong condition, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write very well with proper help!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think if you open your own business, you have to be somewhat of a risk-taker in some ways. Taking risks can be scary. However, if I hadn’t taken the risk of opening Houston Dyslexia LLC, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do what I love and own my own business. I count myself as dually fortunate!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.houstondyslexia.com
