The Appalachian Reading Center, Inc.
Tutoring for Struggling Readers and Dyslexic Students
(304) 744-8188
About The Appalachian Reading Center, Inc.
The Appalachian Reading Center, Inc. was founded in 2004. We are a non-profit tutoring center, committed to helping struggling readers of every age and income level.
Learning disabilities affect one in five children in our area. These students often sit in classrooms, unable to keep up, often being held back in school, some never reaching their potential as individuals. With our help, over time, they begin to shine like never before.
The Reading Center is not affiliated with any government programs or county schools. We exist as a non-profit agency designed to provide excellent remediation for students with language-based learning disabilities.
We began with a staff of two serving 15 students; and we have grown to a staff of 25 with nearly 250 students. Our Executive Director is Lori Dubrawka. Our staff includes seasoned instructors who are committed part-time tutors.
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (GKVF) Community Connections video featured the Appalachian Reading Center. Jane Powell, GKVF Communications Director, has a conversation with Lori Dubrawka, Director of Appalachian Reading Center. They discuss resources available for those with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Published on January 24, 2018
The Appalachian Reading Center, Inc. has received grants from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (GKVF) since 2004. These grants support the availability of partial scholarships for students.
Learn More About Our Program
Recent Events
The ARC Team makes a pit stop at the
Wilson Reading System booth!
The ARC Team (including tutors & student, Millie), attended DyslexiaCon23, held by the International Dyslexia Association in Columbus, Ohio.
The 2023 Leaders of Literacy
Appalachian Reading Center student, Maxin, lobbies for the
Third Grade Success Act at the State Capitol.
October 2019 Celebration
International Dyslexia Awareness
15th Anniversary of The Appalachian Reading Center, Inc.
 2019 Open HouseThe C.C. Dickinson Family Giving Circle sponsored the Open House event. |  Mad Sad Glad DonationChuck Stump and Jim Strawn of Four Dolphins Press, publisher of the Sad, Mad, Glad Books, presented a donation of $500 to our Scholarship Fund. |  Dyslexia Awareness ShirtsA family of students wore themed shirts for the Open House celebration |  Open House Guests |  Open House GiveawaysReading Center Board Members and parents donated giveaways. |  Open House Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 HarpistMusicians serenaded the Open House guests. |  ViolinistMusicians serenaded the Open House guests. |  GuitaristMusicians serenaded the Open House guests. |  International Dyslexia AwarenessThe Reading Center celebrated for several days by giving information about dyslexia to our students and families, as well as by offering special snacks and giveaways to students arriving for tutoring. |  Outdoor Activities |  Indoor Activities |
 Former StudentSome former students returned for the Open House |  Open House Guests |  Open House Guests |
Wilson Reading System Training
July 16-18, 2018
The Appalachian Reading Center, Inc., a non-profit tutoring center, hosted the first group of educators nationwide to be trained in using the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) 4th Edition curriculum. Participants completed the three-day WRS overview on July 16-18, 2018 at the South Charleston campus of Marshall University Graduate College. The program was led by Lori Josephson, M.A., LLC an educational consultant and Wilson® Credentialed Trainer from Akron, Ohio.
The Appalachian Reading Center, Inc, was the first in the country to train its staff using the newly updated materials. WRS launched its 4th Edition at a conference for trainers in Boston the week before the training in West Virginia.
Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a multi-sensory, research-based reading and spelling program based on Orton-Gillingham principles that supports children and adults with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
WRS materials address the teaching of phonemic awareness, word identification, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through an integrated study of phonology, morphology, and orthography.
Front Row from left to right: April Irvin, Candice Clark, Leah Fulton, Michele Burris, Kathryn Rhoads, Lori Josephson (trainer), Alasha Al-Qudwah, Sue Dixon, Darlene Spangler
Back Row from left to right: Jennifer Strock Carriger, Lindy Hoeft, Amanda Douglas, Molly Chapman, Lori Dubrawka, Cathy Shank,Tammy Darnell, Denise Riner, Janet Masters