Stephanie “Effie” Dinnen

Founder

Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist

I’m a Northern Virginia educator and literacy/dyslexia specialist with more than a decade of experience as a K-8 classroom teacher, diagnostician, reading interventionist, multilingual learner coach, literacy coach, Multi-tiered Systems of Support specialist, curriculum writer, administrator, and professional learning provider.

My work has included direct instruction with students, diagnostic assessment, individualized intervention, support for families navigating school-based services, and large-scale literacy and curriculum initiatives with schools and districts in Northern Virginia, Virginia at-large, New England and international schools.

At Line by Line Literacy, I bring those experiences together to provide families with careful review, diagnostic assessment, and targeted intervention organized around a specific literacy goal. Each intervention cycle includes progress monitoring, parent coaching, home resources, and practical support for advocating for effective literacy instruction at school.

Human connection, always
Literacy intervention is relational. Every student works one-to-one with an experienced educator who can notice, respond, and adjust instruction in real time. No screens, apps or devices. No one-size-fits-all lessons.

Evidence-based practice
Instruction is grounded in the Science of Reading and the broader Science of Learning. We use an explicit, systematic approach aligned with how children learn to read, write, and use language.

Parents as active partners
Families receive practical training, regular feedback, and individualized guidance to support literacy growth at home. We also help parents understand school data, prepare for meetings, and advocate for effective IEPs and literacy support.

Progress that guides the plan
Intervention should be measurable, not indefinite. We monitor growth, review what is working, and adjust the plan based on the student’s response.

Education, Credentials, and Training

  • Licensed Phono-Graphix® Reading Therapist

  • LETRS® Units 1 and 2

  • Orton-Gillingham certified educator

  • Teaching certifications and endorsements:

    • PK-K Early Childhood Education

    • 1-5 Elementary Education

    • 6-8 Middle Grades English Language Arts

    • TESOL/English as an Additional Language

    • Literacy/Dyslexia endorsement

    • Reading Specialist

    • Social Emotional Learning endorsement

Memberships:

  • Virginia Literacy Association

  • International MTSS Association

  • Association of Phonographix Licensed Therapists

  • Reading League Washington D.C.,

Your child can read and write with confidence.