Marissa Kiepert, Ph.D., C-SLDI, ADHD-CE
Educational Therapist | Literacy Specialist | Consultant
Welcome!
Dr. Marissa Kiepert is an educational therapist specializing in literacy development, dyslexia testing and intervention, and supporting children with diverse learning needs. She is the founder of A First Foundation, LLC, which she established more than 15 years ago with a mission to promote early literacy and healthy, whole-child development.
With more than 25 years of experience across education and psychology, Dr. Kiepert has worked as a teacher, administrator, professor, learning specialist, educational therapist, and consultant in schools, universities, childcare centers, and private practice. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Temple University and is a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
Dr. Kiepert takes a holistic, individualized approach to intervention, recognizing that successful learning involves much more than academic skills. She considers each child’s unique cognitive, emotional, motivational, and behavioral needs while partnering closely with families to build confidence and lasting skills. As a parent who has navigated learning differences firsthand, Dr. Kiepert brings both professional expertise and personal empathy to her work. She is passionate about helping children receive the right support at the right time so they can thrive.
She is accepting a limited number of new clients and offers a complimentary introductory phone consultation.
You can read her full bio and also learn more about Dr. Kiepert on Psychology Today .
Dyslexia Support
Dr. Kiepert provides individualized intervention services for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade who are struggling with reading and writing, particularly those with dyslexia or at risk for reading disabilities. Using the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, she provides direct, explicit, and systematic instruction in essential literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Educational Testing
A First Foundation provides individualized literacy evaluations to help families better understand their child’s strengths, areas of need, and unique literacy profile. Dr. Kiepert offers comprehensive evaluations, targeted reading assessments, early childhood screenings, and progress monitoring, providing families with clear recommendations and guidance to support their child’s academic success. To schedule and learn more, click here.
Consultation Services
Dr. Kiepert serves as an educational consultant, drawing on more than 15 years of experience in educational leadership, including launching a school from the ground up. She provides professional development for early childhood educators, helps schools and childcare programs establish effective systems and procedures, and offers guidance to individuals interested in opening their own private practices, childcare centers, or schools.
Workshops Offered
Join our workshops designed for educators and parents, focusing on effective dyslexia intervention techniques and literacy strategies. Enhance your skills and support your students.