Heather Borowski, Ed.S.

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Hello and welcome to 

Decatur Reading Tutor! 

I began teaching in 1992 and retired from City Schools of Decatur in Decatur, Georgia in 2020. During my tenure at City Schools of Decatur I served in several exciting capacities:

• Library Media Specialist
• Classroom Teacher
• Instructional Technology Coordinator 
• Interim Principal 
• Director of Instructional Media and Communications 

Since retiring from public education in May 2020, I have taught bright students with dyslexia and other language-based disorders at the nationally renowned Atlanta Speech School from 2020 until 2025.

I have been an educator for 33 years, and teaching students to read is my heart's passion.

I received my initial 70 hours of OG training in 2018 at the Schenck School in Atlanta, Georgia under Rosalie Davis, Fellow of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham practitioners. Additionally, I received unparalleled experience through teaching at one of the nation's leading schools for children with dyslexia, Atlanta Speech School, for 5 years. After completing an 18-month process of rigorous coursework with a supervised practicum, I earned the Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Certification in March 2023. 

 I am the mother of two sons, including a child diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia and expressive language disorder. I understand the challenges, fears, and unique strengths of students with dyslexia. 

I have two big, friendly, furry dogs- MeiMei is a 3 year old Bernese Mountain Dog and Cookie is a 6 year old English Cream Golden Retriever.

Cookie and I are a certified Pet Therapy Team through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Cookie loves nothing more than sitting quietly and listening to my students read. You have the option of having Cookie be in the room during tutoring sessions.

There are numerous studies on the benefits of reading with a therapy dog. Some include:

Practice Without Pressure: Reading to a therapy dog allows children to practice their reading skills at their own pace, without the fear of making mistakes in front of others. This can be particularly helpful for children with learning disabilities like dyslexia.

Mental Health Benefits: For children with ADHD, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, the presence of a therapy dog can have therapeutic effects, improving mood, reducing hyperactivity, and enhancing emotional regulation.