Head Speech Therapist Lydia Porter smiling with a child during a reading activity

Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Specializing in dyslexia, language, and literacy for school-age children.

ASHA Certified · State Licensed · Orton-Gillingham informed literacy intervention

Meet Lydia Porter, M.S., CCC-SLP

A speech therapist who sees the brilliant child behind the struggle

ChatterBug Therapy was born from one simple belief: when a child with dyslexia feels truly understood, everything about learning begins to change. On this page, you’ll get to know Lydia, the speech-language pathologist who built ChatterBug to give families a calmer, clearer path forward.

If you’re a mom or dad watching your bright child battle through every word, you’re in the right place. This is the story of why Lydia decided your family deserves more than generic support and copy-paste school reports.

15-minute video call · No pressure, just answers to your questions

Why ChatterBug Exists

“I kept meeting brilliant kids who thought they were broken.”

Before starting ChatterBug Therapy, I spent years working in schools and clinics, supporting children who were doing everything “right” and still falling behind in reading and writing. The pattern was always the same: the effort was there, the intelligence was there—but their confidence was quietly crumbling.

I listened to parents whisper things like, “I just want reading to not end in tears,” and kids say, “I’m just bad at this,” about skills that were never actually taught in a way their brain could process.

Starting ChatterBug Therapy was my way of saying: the problem is not your child. They don’t need more pressure, more worksheets, or more “try harder” talks. They need skilled, science-based support that finally matches how their brain is wired.

ChatterBug is built to give families a place where reading struggles are taken seriously—but your child’s joy, humor, and spark always come first.

From school-based SLP to parent partner

  • Years in school settings showed me how easy it is for bright, dyslexic learners to be mislabeled as “lazy” or “distracted.”
  • I was often given 20 minutes a week with a child who needed a whole new approach to reading, language, and self-belief.
  • Parents told me they felt lost between school meetings, private evaluations, and conflicting opinions online.
  • I realized what families needed wasn’t just another appointment—they needed a trusted guide who could connect the dots.

ChatterBug Therapy is my answer to that gap. Here, I work one-on-one with families, combining speech-language therapy, literacy intervention, and practical coaching so home and school can finally feel less like a battle.

My promise to you: I will always speak to you as a partner, translate the jargon, and keep your child’s sense of self at the center of every plan we make together.

How We Help Dyslexic Learners

A calm, research-backed path out of the overwhelm

ChatterBug Therapy blends speech-language therapy, structured literacy, and parent coaching into one clear plan so your child isn’t pulled in ten different directions.

Child-first, not label-first

A diagnosis like dyslexia can explain a lot—but it doesn’t define your child. We start by understanding their strengths, interests, and how they naturally communicate, then tailor therapy so it feels like it was built just for them.

Science-based, kid-approved

We draw from structured literacy, Orton-Gillingham principles, and evidence-based speech therapy. But in your child’s session, this looks like games, movement, and bite-sized wins that make hard things feel doable.

Parents are part of the team

You won’t be left piecing things together alone. After sessions, you’ll know exactly what we worked on, why it matters, and simple ways to support your child in everyday life—without turning home into a second classroom.

Training & Experience

The expertise behind the kind, calm sessions

Lydia blends formal training with real-world, hands-on experience helping children and families navigate dyslexia and language-based learning differences.

Lydia’s path to ChatterBug

• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Specialized coursework in literacy, phonological awareness, and language disorders.

• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
National certification recognizing high standards in clinical practice.

• School-based and private practice experience
Years spent collaborating with teachers, psychologists, and IEP teams to support learners with dyslexia, ADHD, and language disorders.

• Ongoing training in structured literacy & dyslexia
Including Orton-Gillingham–informed approaches and evidence-based reading interventions.

Most importantly, Lydia is known by families for her patience, sense of humor, and ability to explain complex concepts in plain, parent-friendly language.

From Parents Like You

“We got our happy reader back.”

Every family story is unique, but the themes are the same: less arguing over homework, more confidence, and finally feeling like someone is truly in your corner.

“Before working with Lydia, my son would shut down at even the shortest reading assignment. Now, he actually asks to read the funny books they use in sessions. The biggest change isn’t just his skills—it’s his belief that he can do this.”

— Mom of a 3rd grader with dyslexia

“What I appreciated most was how Lydia made sure we as parents understood what dyslexia actually means. Our meetings never felt rushed. I left every session with a clear, simple plan instead of more guilt and confusion.”

— Dad of a 5th grader, recently diagnosed

Curious what support could look like for your child? It starts with a simple conversation.

Working With Lydia

What your family can expect

Every step is designed to lower stress, increase clarity, and give your child more wins—starting from the very first call.

1. Free consult

A 15-minute video call focused on your child’s story, what’s working, and what’s not. You’ll leave with initial recommendations—even if we’re not the right long-term fit.

2. Clear game plan

If we decide to move forward, Lydia will outline a personalized therapy and literacy plan, including how we’ll measure progress and how often you’ll get updates.

3. Ongoing support

Sessions are structured but warm, with regular check-ins for you as a parent. You’ll always know what we’re working toward and how to support your child between visits.

Questions Parents Ask

Is ChatterBug right for my child?

Your situation is unique—and that’s exactly what we talk through during your free consultation. Here are a few quick answers in the meantime.

Do we need a formal dyslexia diagnosis to start?

No. Many families come to ChatterBug when they suspect dyslexia or notice ongoing struggles with reading and spelling. During your free consult, we’ll talk through what you’re seeing, any past testing, and whether a formal evaluation might be helpful. Therapy can absolutely begin while we clarify the full picture.

What ages does Lydia work with?

ChatterBug focuses on school-age children, typically from kindergarten through middle school. If your child is just starting to show signs of reading difficulty or has been struggling for years, we’ll tailor support to where they are right now.

How involved do I need to be as a parent?

You don’t have to become a teacher. But your insight and partnership are incredibly valuable. We’ll check in regularly so you feel informed, supported, and equipped with a few simple, realistic ways to help your child—without turning every evening into homework hour.

What happens on the free consultation call?

We’ll talk about your child’s strengths, challenges, history with school and reading, and what you’re hoping will change. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions. At the end, Lydia will share honest recommendations—even if that means pointing you to a different type of support.

If you’re worried about your child’s reading, you don’t have to wait and see.

A short conversation can give you more clarity than months of guessing. Bring your questions, your worries, and anything you’ve been told about your child’s learning. Lydia will meet you there with calm, clear next steps.

15 minutes · Virtual · No obligation
Just real talk about what’s going on and how we can help.