Literacy and Learning Services
A First Foundation, LLC is the private practice of Dr. Marissa Kiepert Truong, an educational therapist who specializes in literacy and treating dyslexia and other coexisting challenges such as ADHD, low self-esteem, and executive function weaknesses. She provides in-person therapies and educational testing in Paoli and serves the Main Line of Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
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If your child....
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Gets frustrated easily with homework
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Guesses frequently at words
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Has poor handwriting
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Reads slowly or inaccurately
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Has a hard time remembering letter sounds
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Lacks self-esteem due to learning struggles
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Dislikes reading
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Seems to have a poor memory
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Struggles with vocabulary
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Can't tell when two words rhyme
I can help!
Meet
Marissa Kiepert Truong, Ph.D.
Welcome! I am "Dr. T." - the owner of A First Foundation, LLC. I am a certified structured literacy dyslexia interventionist and ADHD certified educator with a doctorate in educational psychology who provides private educational therapies and evaluations in Paoli, PA and online. It is my mission to help children reach their full potential by minimizing the impact of academic challenges on mental health and overall well-being. I value early identification of learning challenges and providing intervention when it matters the most - the early years. My customized services meet children where they are so they can build the confidence they need and deserve to succeed in the classroom and beyond. I enjoy partnering with parents and look forward to getting to know your child as an individual learner.
Building the foundation for a bright future - one page at a time!
Literacy, language, and learning therapies to enhance skills in:
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Readiness for Reading​
Phonemic Awareness
Word-Attack & Decoding
Fluency & Comprehension
Written Expression
Emotional Regulation
Handwriting
Motivation
Organization
Language Processing
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Intervention Services
A First Foundation, LLC provides educational intervention services to children in preschool through 5th grade to meet a variety of language-based learning needs.
Dyslexia Therapy/OG Tutoring
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is widely regarded as the gold standard for teaching reading, writing, and spelling to children facing reading difficulties, including dyslexia, a language-based learning disability. This proven, multi-sensory method engages students through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques, making learning both effective and enjoyable. Dr. T. offers personalized, one-on-one learning plans that utilize the OG Approach, systematically targeting each child's unique needs and strengths. Through structured and systematic lessons your child will learn phonological awareness, sound-symbol association, syllablication, morphology, syntax and semantics.
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Curious if this approach is right for your child?
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Early Childhood
Early language and literacy intervention services are designed for children at risk for dyslexia or other reading difficulties, particularly those with speech and language processing delays or a family history of reading disabilities. Dr. T. conducts early screenings to assess your child's strengths and needs in essential areas critical for reading development, including phonemic awareness, letter recognition, rapid naming, and vocabulary. Based on these assessments, Dr. T. creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your child.
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Curious if your child would benefit from early childhood intervention in literacy?​
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Oral & Written Language Processing
Oral and written language processing are crucial for effective communication and learning. Phonological awareness, an essential oral language skill, significantly contributes to the development of spelling and reading fluency. Written language processing encompasses the ability to comprehend and produce written text. Through targeted interventions in phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and writing skills, Dr. T. creates personalized learning plans that empower students to read with understanding, complete written assignments successfully, and communicate effectively in writing.
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Curious how I can help your child with reading comprehension and written expression?
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Executive Function
Coaching
Personalized support to build skills and confidence in children with learning disabilities
Studies estimate that about 20-40% of children with dyslexia may also have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The core symptoms of ADHD—such as distractibility and impulsivity—can directly impact executive functioning. The combination of ADHD and dyslexia can lead to increased difficulties in academic settings. Children may struggle with executive functioning while also facing challenges in reading, writing, and spelling.
Dr. T. specializes in executive function coaching for children who have been identified with a language-based learning disability. ​Using a strengths-based model, the goal of executive function coaching is to equip children with the tools they need to better manage their time, tasks, and emotions, leading to greater success in school and in life.
Educational Testing:​
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Dyslexia Testing/Comprehensive Literacy Evaluations
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Early Language and Literacy Screenings
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​Instructional-Needs Assessments
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Progress Monitoring in Literacy Skills
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Early Childhood Evaluation/Kindergarten Readiness
Assistance for Parents with:
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Learning strategies and classroom accommodations based on a child's learning profile (testing in executive functioning, memory, complex reasoning, speed). Not intended for diagnosis.
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Evaluation, 504 accommodation, and IEP goal review (ADHD and specific learning disorders only)
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Childcare/preschool selection and school-readiness decisions​​
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What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disorder and is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, students with dyslexia can learn to read and write successfully.
​Click the link below to learn more about dyslexia and the treatment options offered through A First Foundation, LLC.
Ready to get started?
Individually designed intervention, therapeutic, and coaching services involve a significant amount of preparation and resources. To make sure your family’s needs and our areas of specialization align and are a strong fit, A First Foundation, LLC utilizes the following steps:
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REACH OUT. Contact me via email, schedule a phone call, or use the contact form below to connect.
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FREE PHONE CONSULTATION. I will discuss your needs or reason(s) for referral and what you are looking for in a specialist, and answer any questions you may have!
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IN-PERSON CONSULTATION (OPTIONAL). This is a 20-minute free in-person meeting to go over policies and meet you and/or your child.
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PAPERWORK. I will send you forms to gather demographic information, permissions, learn about your history, and personal goals.
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DIAGNOSTIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT. I will conduct a diagnostic assessment to determine your child's needs, strengths, and outline individualized goals. For EF coaching, questionnaires and interviews will help to formulate strategies and set goals.
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POST-ASSESSMENT FOLLOW UP. This includes reviewing the intervention plan together and answering any questions you may have.
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SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS. I will set up weekly appointments in our system and you will receive reminders prior to your appointment.
