By: Jenny Smith
When Timmie Murphy first stepped into a kindergarten classroom as a volunteer, she noticed something that would shape her entire career: some of the brightest, most articulate students encountered unexpected challenges with reading. This observation led her to found RW&C, LLC, a company that has grown from a local tutoring service into a respected leader in dyslexia education and reading intervention.
From Observation to Action
“It was very surprising to see such varied skill sets in the same classroom,” Murphy recalls. “Sadly, I noticed early on that students who found reading difficult often became targets of verbal bullying.” This early experience highlighted a significant issue: reading difficulties influence not just academic performance but also a child’s social and emotional well-being.
The statistics are noteworthy: 15-20% of the population is dyslexic, with 80-90% of these individuals being identified with learning disabilities. “When I discovered that dyslexia is the most common neuro-cognitive disorder, I knew I needed to take action,” Murphy explains. This realization led to years of specialized training and the creation of a comprehensive approach to reading intervention.
Building a Comprehensive Solution
With over 8,000 private session hours implementing effective reading intervention programs, Murphy’s expertise addresses multiple learning challenges, including dyslexia, ADHD, and various cognitive and neurological disorders. Her background in Elementary and Special Education from St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans laid the foundation, but it was hands-on experience that revealed the most effective strategies.
“Each student requires a tailored approach to succeed,” Murphy emphasizes. This understanding led to the development of RW&C’s multi-faceted strategy, which includes:
- Personalized one-on-one instruction
- Integration of diverse learning tools and techniques
- Ongoing communication with parents and teachers
- Regular progress monitoring and adaptation
The Human Side of Learning
Behind the methodology lies a deeply personal approach to education. One particularly touching story involves a second-grader who had become “a bit of a bully” to mask her reading struggles. “Once this child learned to read,” Murphy shares, “she became the sweetest and kindest grandchild. That’s a win in my book!”
Such transformations are common in Murphy’s work. The impact extends well beyond reading skills to positively affect every aspect of a student’s life:
- Improved self-esteem
- Better behavior in school
- Enhanced performance across all subjects
- Strengthened family relationships
Creating a Movement
Today, Murphy’s vision extends beyond individual tutoring. Through RW&C’s innovative State Director model, she’s creating a network of dedicated educators who share her commitment to excellence in reading intervention. This expansion enables RW&C to maintain its high standards while reaching more families across the country.
“Trust your instincts,” Murphy advises professionals entering the field. “Whatever you pursue, you should have a passion for it. Seek the training and experience to excel in your field.” This philosophy has guided her own professional journey and now shapes RW&C’s approach to growth and development.
Leadership with Purpose
Murphy’s leadership philosophy centers on several key principles:
- Continuously communicating the message that “dyslexia can be addressed”
- Maintaining a culture of the highest integrity
- Building an organization invested in every client’s success
- Objectively measuring performance
- Hiring highly trained, certified clinicians who share the same philosophy
The Future of Reading Education
As awareness of dyslexia continues to increase, Murphy and RW&C are positioned at the forefront of a vital educational movement. Recent National Assessment of Educational Progress data showing that only 33% of fourth graders perform at or above grade level in reading highlights the importance of their mission.
“More and more families are turning to alternative educational options to meet their child’s needs,” Murphy notes. “A specialized program like RW&C’s can bridge the literacy gap in a caring and structured way.”
A Lasting Legacy
Through RW&C, Murphy has created more than just a reading intervention program—she’s established a movement that’s reshaping how we approach learning differences. Her company’s tagline, “Reading… The Gift of a Lifetime! ™” reflects the profound impact of their work.
“When you see a student make that connection from sound to print and print to sound in real-time, you know you’re witnessing something extraordinary,” Murphy reflects. “These aren’t just academic victories—they’re life-changing moments that will leave a lasting impact.”
For more information about RW&C’s innovative approach to reading intervention and dyslexia education, visit rwc4reading.com.
Published by Nicholas A.