Susan Barton is thrilled when parents choose to share their journey, knowing it might offer hope to other families struggling with dyslexia, like this parent did:
When Max tested at a pre-K reading level at the beginning of second grade, I was devastated. He was about to enter a new school, and I had no idea how to help him. We tried so many things—nothing was working.
I started researching, calling tutors, and reading everything I could. That’s when I found Laurie, a Certified Barton Tutor in Fort Myers. From the first phone call, I felt like I could breathe again. She understood. She listened. She recommended coming in to have Max screened for dyslexia. The screening was a turning point. I was relieved when we found out it was dyslexia.
In just one school year, he went from pre-K to second grade reading level. But the most meaningful transformation was in his confidence. He started reading road signs when we were in the car. I feel like Max’s approach to learning has changed. I think a lot of that is because he now has confidence in his own abilities. Watching him believe in himself again has changed everything.
Laurie gave Max a space where he felt safe and successful. She also gave me the tools to support him at home. I can’t say enough about her and the Barton Reading & Spelling System.
If I could go back and tell myself one thing at the start of this journey, it would be, “It’s going to be okay. Just keep moving forward.”
Allison Ross Parent Fort Myers, FL
Laurie Frydenlund Masters-Level Certified Barton Tutor Fort Myers, FL
Susan Barton loves hearing from parents about the impact Barton tutoring has had on their child, as this parent shared:
“We first noticed our daughter, Ella, was struggling in kindergarten. When her school closed because of COVID, her teacher sent home sight words to practice. No matter how many times we reviewed them, she could not remember them. The next morning, it was as if she had never seen them before. We became very concerned.
In first grade, Ella started receiving extra help at school from the Reading Specialist. It wasn’t long before we knew she needed more intense intervention. While sharing our concerns with other parents, two moms encouraged us to have Ella evaluated at the Dyslexia Reading Connection, and we will be forever grateful for their advice.
When Ella was diagnosed with dyslexia, our overwhelming feeling was relief. We finally understood why reading was so hard for her.
Ella talks openly about her dyslexia and embraces the unique way her brain works. We remind her often that she is “perfectly and wonderfully made,” and this journey has only strengthened that belief.
The Barton Reading & Spelling System has truly helped our daughter. The transformation has been remarkable. Today, Ella is reading at grade level! Barton tutoring has given her the confidence to do anything. We are so thankful to you, the staff at DRC, and Ms. Karrie — her incredible tutor.
Jackie Sharkey Parent Appleton, WI
Karrie Brass Certified Barton Tutor at the Masters Level Appleton, WI
For much of her life, Yvette Jones carried the quiet weight of not knowing why reading was so difficult. It wasn’t until adulthood that she discovered she has dyslexia—and with that discovery came both relief and hope. Her story reminds us that it is never too late to understand your challenges and find the right tools to succeed.
When Yvette began Barton tutoring, she experienced what she calls her “aha moment.” For the first time, reading started to make sense. The barriers that once felt permanent began to break down, replaced by confidence and joy. Her journey shows the incredible power of structured literacy—not just for children, but for learners of any age.
Yvette’s testimony is proof that dyslexia doesn’t define your potential or put an expiration date on learning. Whether you are six or sixty, the Barton Reading & Spelling System can open new doors and offer the gift of reading. Now she shares that freedom with others. She tells parents who feel lost, “You are not alone. Dyslexia is not a weakness—it’s a gift.” Instead of hiding, Yvette speaks openly, serves at her church, and inspires others with her simple, powerful message:
“It’s never too late to learn. Dyslexia doesn’t define you—it can empower you.”
Watch this short 8-minute video to hear Yvette’s inspiring story in her own words.
Susan Barton loves hearing how Barton tutoring has changed a child’s life, as this Certified Barton Tutor shared:
Susan,
I’m thrilled to share an exciting update about one of my Barton students.
Benjamin struggled with reading and spelling from a very young age. Even when he was eight years old, he could not decode simple three-letter words and frequently wrote letters backwards. At first, his mother chalked it up to him being the youngest child. She tried many different reading programs, but none of them helped her son, and he continued to fall further behind.
Benjamin was formally diagnosed with dyslexia when he was 11. A year later, I began tutoring him using the Barton Reading & Spelling System. From the start, he showed tremendous dedication, worked incredibly hard, and ultimately, completed all ten levels.
Once Benjamin completed the Barton System, we started working on written expression using the IEW curriculum. Because of his creativity and intellect, I encouraged him to submit one of his stories to an international contest.
Today, Benjamin is a high school senior. He recently competed in his first speech competition and advanced to the regional level. He was also awarded a Karina Eide Young Writers Award for his exceptional short story, The Doppelgänger’s Dilemma.
It’s incredible to think that the same student who could not decode three-letter words is now delivering speeches and writing award-winning stories with confidence.
I am incredibly proud of the young man Benjamin has become and the inspiration he is to others who are walking a similar path.
Thank you, Susan. Your program truly changes lives.
Kristi Davis Certified Barton Tutor at the Masters Level IEW Accredited Writing Instructor
Bright Solutions for Dyslexia 