our story
We knew something wasn’t right before we had a name for it.
Our son struggled early—tears before school, frustration with homework, and a growing fear he couldn’t explain. We followed every recommendation, tried every intervention, and held onto hope each time.
But nothing worked.
His confidence faded. School became something he dreaded. And we felt completely helpless.
In third grade, we finally had an answer: dyslexia.
Everything changed when we discovered the Orton Gillingham approach—a structured, multisensory way of teaching reading designed for how his brain learns.
For the first time, it clicked.
His skills improved. His confidence returned. He began to believe in himself again.
That transformation is why Dyfference Makers exists.
We created these tools to give parents, teachers, and tutors the clarity and guidance we wish we had—so every child has the chance to learn in a way that works for them.
If this story feels familiar, you’re not alone. We share more about our journey—and what made the difference—in our blog series.
Dyfference Makers advocates for children with dyslexia, struggling readers, and their families by providing resources, support, and evidence-based training. Our mission is to empower students and equip educators with the tools they need to create lasting change.
We envision a world where every child, regardless of financial barriers, has access to effective reading instruction and the support they need to thrive. By providing accessible tutoring through Dyfference Makers Academy and empowering educators with Science of Reading-training, we aim to create a future where all students can reach their full potential.
Our Leadership
The Gooch Family
Founders
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together a diverse group of leaders who share a deep commitment to helping children become confident, capable readers. Each member offers unique expertise, perspective, and lived experience—guiding the mission of Dyfference Makers with both purpose and care. Together, they help ensure that every decision we make stays focused on what matters most: supporting families, empowering educators, and creating meaningful literacy change.
Testimonials
My daughter has grown in her reading skills, as well as her overall confidence and self esteem, thanks to the differentiated tutoring she has received from Laken. As a teacher myself (and a mother of four) I value and appreciate Laken’s specialized training as well as her positive and caring personality because I had found myself unable to provide my daughter with the particular skills she needed to manage her dyslexia. We are so grateful for all we’ve gained in our journey with Laken.
As a classroom teacher and parent myself, Laken has been so helpful in directing me to resources that work well and are easy to implement. Her advocacy for the dyslexia community will positively impact all students.
Laken is a star teacher. Her enthusiasm is contagious! She uses a structured literacy approach that breaks reading and spelling down into small skills involving letters and sounds and then builds on these skills over time. She uses explicit, direct, sequential, systematic, and multi-sensory instruction to teach reading. Laken helps learners at any age and any level learn to read in a relaxed and fun environment.
Laken is not only knowledgeable but passionate about teaching reading. I think it makes the experience different for your child with that level of care. Her journey with her son also lends itself to an understanding of what families experience as they try to get help for their children with the schools and private tutoring. She is a strong advocate as well as a teacher.
Explicit instruction in the science of reading is proven to work! I know this as a parent and a resource reading teacher. My daughter was a struggling reader. She had been struggling since kindergarten. I was so concerned about her and spent many sleepless nights worrying about the short-term and long-term impacts to her self-esteem and well-being! I needed the advice of a parent who was going through the same thing to talk to as a support system. I knew Laken had experienced similar concerns about one of her children. I contacted her and she was so kind and helpful. As a parent, it helps so much to have another parent to talk to that understands the struggles my daughter was facing. My daughter was tested and began receiving the reading intervention. Thanks to proper interventions centered around the science of reading with an OG approach, she made monumental gains in all aspects of reading. As a Special Education reading teacher, I use The Science of Reading every day in my resource classroom. It has made a difference for my students! I cannot stress enough the importance of reaching struggling readers early. When students are explicitly taught the science of reading, the sky is the limit!
Dyfference Makers in the News
Dyfference Makers is committed to supporting children with dyslexia and other learning differences by equipping families, educators, and communities with the tools, resources, and understanding they need to help every child succeed. Through ongoing advocacy and education, we work to raise awareness and reframe how people think about dyslexia—focusing on strengths, not limitations. Our work has been recognized in local news and media, where we’ve shared insights, stories, and the heart behind our mission.
You can watch and read those features on our News & Media page.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have questions, or just aren’t sure where to start—you’re not alone. Complete this form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We’re here to support you every step of the way.