Our Mission
Dorothy Blosser Whitehead founded The Blosser Center with a clear conviction: every child deserves the power of literacy.
Drawing on the Orton-Gillingham Approach, she established a standard of structured, individualized instruction grounded in how the brain learns to read. The organization uses this foundation in three core areas of our work: tutoring, tutor training, and community education.
Through tutoring, we provide individualized instruction using both the Orton-Gillingham Approach and Launch Literacy. Launch Literacy is built on the Tattum Reading Approach, an OG-adapted structured literacy model that integrates core Orton-Gillingham principles with additional research-based practices to meet the needs of today’s learners.
Through tutor training, we prepare educators and community members in both Orton-Gillingham and Launch Literacy, expanding access to high-quality literacy instruction.
As a community resource, we offer workshops, family literacy nights, and guidance for parents and educators.
When a child gains the tools to read—and the confidence to know they can—their world opens. We honor Dorothy’s legacy by upholding excellence and expanding access so more students and communities can experience the power of literacy.
About Our Work
See the impact of our tutoring, training, and community partnerships.
2025 Impact Report
See how The Blosser Center is expanding access to literacy support.
Launch Literacy Data Report
Read results from our summer pilot program with rising sixth graders at Ockley Green Middle School in 2025.
Board of Directors
Our board helps guide The Blosser Center’s mission, growth, and long-term sustainability.
PATRICK ETHEL-KING
ELISA GARCIA
JESSICA KINGREY
JEROME MAYORAL
GEORGINA MILTENBERGER
MARCY NEWTON
JODY PADDACK
JOELLE POE
PATTY SULLIVAN
Meet Our Tutors
At The Blosser Center, every reader has a path forward. Our tutors bring patience, expertise, and steady encouragement to every lesson, helping students strengthen their reading skills, build confidence, and experience meaningful progress.
Trained in structured literacy and supported through ongoing coaching, our tutors provide explicit, individualized instruction designed around each student’s needs.
Meet Our Staff
Our staff supports families, students, tutors, and school partners across every part of The Blosser Center’s work. From program leadership to enrollment, billing, clinical support, training, and communications, each team member helps make high-quality literacy instruction possible.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Suzanne leads The Blosser Center’s vision, strategy, and growth. She oversees programs, partnerships, fundraising, and organizational development to expand access to high-quality literacy instruction.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Sarah supports the day-to-day operations of the organization and helps keep programs running smoothly. She is the primary contact for billing and administrative questions.
PROGRAM MANAGER
Erin helps families navigate tutoring and program enrollment and supports the coordination of student services. She is the main point of contact for questions about tutoring and summer program enrollment.
DIRECTOR OF LITERACY EDUCATION
Melinda provides clinical oversight for tutoring programs and supports instructional quality across student services. She helps guide assessment, case discussion, and responsive literacy instruction for students with diverse learning needs.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER & LEAD TRAINER
Mary Ann leads tutor training and designs and guides training experiences that prepare tutors to deliver skilled, research-based literacy instruction.
DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING ASSISTANT
Jennifer supports communications, outreach, and development efforts across the organization. Her work helps strengthen visibility, donor engagement, and day-to-day marketing support.
Our work is making headlines.
The Blosser Center was featured in several news outlets for the impact we’re making in our
community. We’re honored to share this recognition and the stories behind our work.
KGW TV News Anchor Libby Dowser
Portland pilot project hopes to spur on students to catch up on reading skills
The Oregonian
Oregon’s pandemic kindergartners prepare for middle school with critical reading gaps
KGW TV Former NFL player Alex Green shares dyslexia journey with Portland students
“Literature is not our strong suit but it can be once we discover new things”