A neuropsychological approach to reading
Academic achievement tests have historically endeavored to evaluate core neuropsychological and theoretical perspectives that identify students at risk. However, reading tests in the past have not focused on why a student may struggle with reading interventions.
A neuropsychological approach to reading posits that multiple neural pathways assist the reading process. Understanding which pathways need support is the foundation of everything we do.
The reading process involves
Orthographic Mapping
Storing written words in long-term memory for instant retrieval.
Phonemic Awareness
Hearing, identifying, and manipulating individual sounds in spoken words.
Fluency
Reading with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression.
Decoding
Applying letter-sound relationships to accurately read written words.
Comprehension
Understanding, processing, and interpreting what has been read.
Intervention begins with understanding why
Our intervention begins with an evaluation to learn why a student is struggling first and foremost, so that an intervention can be specifically tailored to meet their needs.
Evaluation First
Before any intervention begins, we assess which specific reading processes are creating barriers. Every student's profile is different.
Tailored Intervention
Results from the evaluation directly inform a personalized plan, targeting the specific pathways that need support rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Ongoing Support
Intervention sessions are individualized, practical, and encouraging, designed to build genuine confidence alongside measurable skill.
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Jen Baldassarre
Certified K–12 Reading Specialist
Jen Baldassarre is a passionate interventionist who loves helping students grow in their confidence as readers and writers. With 13 years of classroom teaching experience in Oak Park, Chicago, and Western Springs, her approach is both practical and theoretical.
She is certified by the National Board and earned "Those Who Excel" recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education. She is thrilled to join her sister at Riverside Psychology and is looking forward to providing individualized, effective support to readers and writers of all ages.
National Board Certified
Teaching Certificate
Certified K–12 Reading Specialist
Illinois Licensed
"Those Who Excel"
Illinois State Board of Education
13 Years Classroom Experience
Oak Park · Chicago · Western Springs
