Word Lab Literacy Studio — West Chester, PA

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West Chester, Pennsylvania

Every child can learn to read.
At Word Lab, we hold that as both a belief and a commitment.

Individualized, in-person Orton-Gillingham instruction — serving students of all ages.

Complete Intake Form Send an Email

or call 302.388.3915

About

Christina Wilcomes founded Word Lab because she knows — from both sides — what it means to struggle with reading.

As a mother of two grown sons, one of whom is dyslexic, she lived the uncertainty that brings so many families to a specialist's door: the nagging feeling that something is wrong, the years of hoping it will resolve, and the profound relief of finally understanding why it hasn't. That experience shaped not only her commitment to this work, but the way she approaches every student who walks through her door.

Christina is an Orton-Gillingham–certified literacy specialist trained through the Dyslexia Training Institute, with additional certification through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education. She has also completed formal coursework in Structured Word Inquiry, which pairs seamlessly with the OG approach to help students understand how words work — so that spelling finally makes sense.

She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Smith College. She began her career teaching fourth and fifth grades in Northern New Jersey before transitioning to specialized literacy instruction.

Her practice is built on a single conviction: that every child is capable of learning to read, and that when they struggle, the answer is almost never the child.

What Families Say

“

After two years of struggling, our son finally understands why words work the way they do. Christina gave him a framework — and his confidence has completely transformed. He actually asks to read now.

— Parent of a 3rd grader, West Chester

“

We tried other tutors and nothing stuck. Christina's approach is different — methodical, patient, and genuinely effective. Within a few months we could see real, measurable progress.

— Parent of a 5th grader with dyslexia

“

I'm an adult who has struggled with spelling my entire life and always assumed I just wasn't a good reader. Working with Christina showed me it was never about ability — I just hadn't been taught correctly.

— Adult learner

Testimonials are illustrative. Real parent quotes will be added as they become available.

Our Mission

Every child can learn to read. This is not wishful thinking — it is what the research tells us, clearly and consistently.

Too often, a child who cannot read is seen as the problem, when the problem has never been the child. The Orton-Gillingham method, developed from Dr. Samuel Orton's research in the 1920s and brought to life by Anna Gillingham, has shown us for nearly a century how to teach every child to read. Structured, systematic, and evidence-based, it remains the gold standard in literacy instruction today. As Diane McGuinness argued in Why Our Children Can't Read, the failure is not our children's. It never was.

English has a reputation for being chaotic and unpredictable. In Uncovering the Logic of English, Denise Eide reveals otherwise: seventy-five phonograms — letters or letter combinations that represent sounds — and thirty-one spelling rules govern the vast majority of the written word. Most children are never taught them. But when they are, reading stops feeling like a mystery and starts feeling like a skill.

At Word Lab, we follow the roadmap. Our instruction is systematic, evidence-based, and tailored to each child's individual needs. We give students the foundation they deserve, and watch them become the readers they were always meant to be.

Services

Individualized Literacy Instruction

Word Lab offers one-on-one, in-person Orton-Gillingham instruction for students of all ages — from early readers through adults. Every session is structured, multi-sensory, and built around the individual student.

One-on-One Orton-Gillingham Instruction

All Ages · In-Person · West Chester, PA

Every session is individualized, structured, and multi-sensory — tailored entirely to the student in front of Christina. Instruction draws on three interlocking approaches, woven together based on each student's needs:

Orton-Gillingham Method

The gold standard in structured literacy — sequential, explicit, and multi-sensory. Teaches the phonograms and spelling rules that govern English, so students can decode and spell with confidence.

Phonics & Decoding

Explicit instruction in the 75 phonograms and 31 spelling rules that unlock the written word — giving students the tools to read and spell independently, not by memory or guesswork.

Structured Word Inquiry

A complementary approach that explores the history, meaning, and logic of English words — deepening comprehension and making spelling genuinely make sense.

Session Schedule

Orton-Gillingham instruction is most effective with two 60-minute sessions per week, or three 40-minute sessions per week. Pricing available upon inquiry — contact Christina to discuss.

Is This Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability — and the most under-identified. It is not a problem of intelligence. It is a problem of instruction. If your child shows any of the following signs, reach out. Early intervention changes outcomes.

Signs that may indicate dyslexia or a reading difficulty

✦Difficulty learning letter sounds or connecting letters to sounds

✦Struggles to sound out unfamiliar words, even after repeated exposure

✦Reads slowly, haltingly, or loses their place frequently

✦Avoids reading aloud or resists reading altogether

✦Spells the same word differently every time

✦Confuses or reverses letters — b/d, p/q — beyond early childhood

✦Has strong verbal skills but struggles significantly on the page

✦Works twice as hard as peers for half the result

✦Has been evaluated for or diagnosed with dyslexia or a reading disability

You don't need a diagnosis to begin.

Word Lab works with students at every stage — whether you have a formal diagnosis, a nagging suspicion, or simply a child who is struggling and deserves better instruction.

Not sure if this is the right step?

Reach out. Christina is happy to have a brief conversation with families who are still figuring out whether their child needs support — and what kind.

Send an Email

or call 302.388.3915

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect

There is no single answer — it depends on the student. OG instruction is cumulative and sequential, meaning each lesson builds on the last. Students with mild reading difficulties may make significant progress in several months. Students with dyslexia or more significant challenges may benefit from a year or more of consistent instruction. What matters most is frequency and consistency: students who attend regularly and practice between sessions progress more quickly. Christina will discuss realistic timelines during your initial consultation.

Absolutely. The Orton-Gillingham method is effective for any student who struggles with reading or spelling, regardless of diagnosis. It is also beneficial for students who are reading at grade level but lack a strong phonics foundation — gaps that often surface later in spelling, writing, and fluency. A formal diagnosis is not required to begin instruction.

Most reading instruction asks children to memorize words by sight or guess from context. Orton-Gillingham teaches the underlying code of English — the phonograms and spelling rules that govern the language — so students can decode any word they encounter. It is explicit, systematic, and multi-sensory, engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways simultaneously. It does not assume the child will "catch on" — it teaches directly and sequentially, leaving nothing to chance.

Word Lab works with students of all ages — from early readers in kindergarten through adult learners. It is never too early to build a strong phonics foundation, and it is never too late to learn to read well.

The best first step is to complete the student intake form on this site, or to reach out directly by email or phone. Christina will follow up to schedule a conversation, learn more about your child, and discuss next steps.

From the Studio

Perspectives on Literacy

Thoughts on reading, language, and what it means to teach a child well.

Understanding Dyslexia

What Is Dyslexia — and What It Isn't

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability — and one of the most misunderstood. It has nothing to do with intelligence, effort, or vision. Here's what the research actually tells us.

The Science of Reading

Why Phonics Instruction Matters More Than You Think

For decades, schools moved away from explicit phonics instruction in favor of whole-language approaches. The consequences are still being felt. Here's why getting back to basics changes everything.

The OG Method

The Orton-Gillingham Method: What Makes It Different

Most reading instruction asks children to memorize words or guess from context. Orton-Gillingham teaches the underlying code of English — and that changes everything for struggling readers.

For Parents

5 Signs Your Child May Need a Literacy Specialist

Many parents spend years assuming their child will catch up. Sometimes they do. But often, what looks like a developmental delay is a gap in instruction — one that a specialist can close.

Language & Logic

English Isn't Chaotic — It's a Code. Here's How to Teach It.

English has a reputation for being irregular and unpredictable. But 75 phonograms and 31 spelling rules govern the vast majority of the written word. Once you know them, everything makes sense.

Individualized Literacy Instruction

Is This Dyslexia?

What to Expect

Get in Touch

Perspectives on Literacy