Today we’d like to introduce you to Stevie Reilly.
Hi Stevie, 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?
Of course! Long before I opened my practice as a dyslexia therapist/reading specialist in Atlanta, my childhood revolved around reading. I would have stacks of books checked out from the library year round! My love for reading and learning as a child was obvious to family and friends; my favorite activity was to be the teacher when I would play with my siblings and cousins, so when it came time to choose a profession I obviously I chose to major in education!
After becoming a first grade teacher, I expected to pass along that same love of reading to my students. What I discovered in the classroom was more complex. I had students who were bright, curious, and eager, but they were still struggling to read. I didn’t have the tools to help them the way they needed and that didn’t sit well with me.
Driven by a deep desire to truly reach every learner, I applied and was accepted to Vanderbilt University’s Master’s program in Reading Education. There, I gained the research-based knowledge, diagnostic skills, and instructional methods I once wished for as a classroom teacher. After I completed my course work, I enrolled in an intensive, two year program that worked with the most struggling readers (the lowest 15-30%) in first grade. My work progressed to being a literacy coach training teachers on how to improve their classroom reading instruction using the latest reading methods, interventions, and consulting on their most challenging reading problems with students. That was on of my favorite parts. It is what I wish I’d had as a former first grade teacher–a full circle moment!
Today, I work as a reading specialist and dyslexia therapist, conducting in-depth educational assessments to uncover each student’s unique strengths and challenges. From those assessments, I build a personalized, targeted instruction plan designed to close gaps and rebuild confidence. My goal is always the same: to help every child feel capable, seen, and successful as a reader.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I started my reading practice in Alpharetta, my days were spent one-on-one with students in my office helping struggling readers build confidence and trust. My work has always been tailored to each child and hands-on.
Then COVID hit. Overnight, I had to shift everything online. I lost the tools I relied on—shared books, visual cues, in-person support and eye contact. It was very stressful to try to pivot high quality instruction from in person to the world of Zoom! It wasn’t easy, but I adapted and created digital materials, learned to connect through a screen, and found new ways to support my families.
There have been many challenges along the way, but each one taught me how to serve my students better. Now, we offer both virtual and in-person sessions. This journey has shown me that what matters most isn’t the setting—it’s the commitment to keep showing up and adapt to each child no matter where we are.
We’ve been impressed with Atlanta Reading Specialists, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We provide comprehensive educational assessments and personalized, one-on-one reading intervention for struggling readers, including those with dyslexia or other reading and writing challenges. Unlike traditional tutoring, we provide targeted, evidence-based instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs based off of those assessments. Our approach doesn’t just help students catch up; it builds lasting reading skills, boosts confidence, and leads to transformational academic and emotional growth.
Something that was very important to me is that each child works with the <i>same</i> educator every week to ensure consistency, trust, and meaningful progress. We also integrate principles that support emotional well-being, addressing the anxiety and frustration that often come with learning challenges. This has become more and more important to me since my husband is a mental health therapist.
We offer both in-person and virtual sessions and are known for our calm, caring approach and strong relationships with families and schools. I am proud of our mission: to help every child become a happy, confident, and capable reader in a space where they feel safe, supported, and seen.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is nurturing each child’s belief that he or she can be successful—even when reading and writing feel hard. That sense of confidence is where real progress begins.
Most students come to my practice feeling defeated and many say they hate books and reading. One of my greatest priorities is helping them change that narrative. I want every child to see that reading can be joyful, and that they’re capable of growth, no matter where they’re starting from.
I’ve always loved books, and I believe every child deserves the chance to feel that same connection. With patience, consistency, and persistence, I’ve seen lasting change happen–even in the most challenging cases. Watching a child go from frustration to confidence is the heart of my work, and it’s why I do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atlreads.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantareading/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@readwithstevie
Image Credits
Hannah Goodin Photo
