Where Literacy Meets Love
Creating Sunflower & Sage Tutoring was born from a deep desire to alleviate the stress reading can cause for children. I've seen it firsthand—the frowns, the fretting, the fear of stumbling over words. But what if there was a cuddly, wagging friend by their side to help? That's where the magic of assisted animal therapy comes in!
Meet the Team:
Ms. Laura Owens - As your reading interventionist, I bring evidence-based expertise and a passion for meeting each K-8 student exactly where they are, celebrating every breakthrough along the way.
Sage - My certified therapy dog and reading companion brings something truly special to our sessions. Sage creates the calm, judgment-free environment where learning can flourish. With the softest ears to pet and the most encouraging eyes, Sage transforms reading from a daunting task into a delightful adventure.
Our Why
My goal is to create an environment where children can explore stories, expand their imaginations, and build confidence, all while being supported by a tail-wagging buddy.
This playful pairing of literacy and therapy not only makes reading fun but also fosters a genuine love of learning—one wag at a time!
At Sunflower & Sage Tutoring, we believe that when children feel safe, supported, and celebrated, they don't just learn to read—they learn to love reading.
About Me
25 Years of Making Reading Connections
With 25 years of experience under my belt, I've had the wonderful opportunity to teach across various grades and specialize in interventions for K-8, as well as support ESL students. My journey in education has been enriched by my completion of Reading Foundations Professional Development during my time in Catawba County Public Schools two decades ago. In 2010, I further honed my skills by completing the Orton-Gillingham approach training in Guilford County Public Schools. More recently, I completed the Science of Reading (LETRS) training in Wake County.
My Assessment & Approach
To effectively guide a student's reading journey, it's essential to first understand their past experiences and obstacles in learning. I start by conducting a thorough evaluation of each student's strengths and weaknesses through informal assessments, observation during reading activities, and discussions about their feelings toward reading. Identifying specific obstacles—be it phonemic awareness, vocabulary limitations, or lack of motivation—enables me to create tailored intervention strategies.
Once obstacles are identified, we can progress forward in the joy of reading and learning!
Life Beyond the Classroom
When I'm not working with students, I'm a devoted mother of three, a grandmother and a wife, sharing my life with a spirited corgi dog named Sage, who keeps me on my toes, and our adorable 5-year-old rescue Gigi. Hiking in the mountains, beach vacations with my family, and practicing yoga provide me with the balance I need to stay refreshed and ready to inspire young minds. Whether it's diving deep into literacy strategies or enjoying the outdoors, I'm all about making connections—both in learning and in life!
Join us at Sunflower & Sage Tutoring, where learners will develop strong literacy skills and they'll be blooming with confidence! Let's make learning fun and effective!
