Willow and Read
occupational therapy and dyslexia intervention
To create a world where every learner is understood, every mind is celebrated, and every individual can thrive through a mind-body approach that fosters resilience and honors differences.
Welcome to the Willow and Read Family
Dyslexia
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ADHD
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Handwriting
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Emotional Regulation
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Dyslexia ✧ ADHD ✧ Handwriting ✧ Emotional Regulation ✧
You might be struggling with:
Staying Focused/Starting Tasks
Oganization
Reading – Reading can feel slow, tiring, or confusing, especially when sounding out new words or remembering what was just read.
Writing
Getting Overwhelmed Easily
Needing More Time
Big Feelings
Difficulty Identifying Emotions
We can help! That’s why Willow & Read exists: to bridge the gap between diagnosis and real, meaningful progress. To provide families with support, guidance, and evidence-based intervention.
Nice to meet you,
I’m Dr.Hilary Sauder
I am a doctorate-trained occupational therapist living in Boise, Idaho. I have been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2012.
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Willow & Read was born out of one mother’s quiet, unwavering determination to help her daughter find her voice through the written word.
Five years ago, in the heart of the COVID pandemic, our family made the decision to homeschool our three children. My two older boys adapted easily, but for my daughter—Emmarie—learning to read quickly spiraled into a daily struggle. Despite using a well-regarded phonics curriculum, it became evident that Emmarie’s brain worked differently. Letters and sounds wouldn’t stick. Repetition didn’t yield progress. And while her brothers gained independence in their learning, Emmarie was left frustrated, discouraged, and in tears—barred from games, activities, and confidence because reading got in the way.
When she returned to school the following year, the challenges continued. Teachers told us to be patient—that she wasn’t the lowest in her class and that eventually it would "click." But my mom-gut and my therapist's training said otherwise. After a long year of advocating through her school and our pediatrician, Emmarie was finally diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia.
It was a turning point. And yet, diagnosis wasn’t a solution—it was a doorway to one.
Two years later, we found Take Flight, a structured literacy program that gave Emmarie something she hadn’t experienced since kindergarten: progress. For the first time, she could truly decode words, follow a recipe, play games that required reading, and participate more fully in the life she was meant to live. Watching her confidence return—watching her be able to participate in every day occupations—was transformative. Not just for her, but for me.
I’ve spent the last thirteen years as an occupational therapist, ten of those in school settings, including three years in a rural Alaskan district. Time and time again, I saw students like Emmarie—bright, creative kids falling behind in reading and silently slipping through the cracks. Throughout my career, I saw the story repeats itself: lack of resources and training for children who learn differently.
But 1 in 5 children have dyslexia. 4% of adults and 11% of children have ADHD (which is most likely grossly underdiagnosed). And that’s too many to ignore.
As an OT, I’ve always believed in empowering people—children and adults alike—to live full, independent lives. That’s why Willow & Read exists: to bridge the gap between diagnosis and real, meaningful progress. To provide families with strengths based support, guidance, and evidence-based intervention. To remind struggling clients—and their families—that hope is not lost. That they are not broken.
Willow represents resilience and rootedness. And reading is the gateway to confidence, connection, and opportunity. Willow and Read is about healing through connection, compassion, and meaningful action.
This is more than a business. It’s a calling. It’s a mother’s promise.
And it’s just the beginning.
My Services
Dyslexia Intervention
Occupational Therapy services for children and adults
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Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia is a research-backed reading program created by the experts at Scottish Rite for Children. It’s specially designed to support children, ages 7 and up, who have dyslexia—a learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling.
This program uses a proven, multisensory approach to help kids build strong skills in reading fluency, word recognition, spelling, and understanding what they read.
It’s taught in small groups of 2–6 students, or it can be taught 1:1, by a trained dyslexia specialist. Sessions are 45 minutes, five days per week to one hour three to four days per week.
What makes Take Flight special?
It teaches kids the building blocks of language, including sounds, spelling patterns, and vocabulary.
It gives them lots of practice with reading aloud to boost confidence and fluency.
It helps them learn strategies to understand both stories and nonfiction texts.
Most importantly, it’s been shown to make a real difference—many children who complete the program make big strides in their reading skills.
Take Flight is a supportive and empowering path for children with dyslexia, helping them feel more confident and successful both in school and beyond.
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Occupational therapy is about helping people do the things they need and want to do, in ways that work best for their unique minds and bodies. Here at Willow and Read, Rather than focusing on what's "wrong," we focus on what’s possible. It's not just about treating symptoms — it's about empowering each person to move through life with more ease, confidence, and self-understanding. Whether it's helping a child read their first chapter book or guiding a woman to feel strong and grounded in her body again, OT at Willow and Read is about healing through connection, compassion, and meaningful action.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Willow and Read was born from the image of the willow tree — a symbol of quiet strength, resilience, and healing. Just like the individuals we serve, the willow bends with life’s storms but never breaks. Its roots run deep, offering stability and groundedness, while its branches stretch outward, reaching for light — much like the personal journeys of growth, learning, and recovery we walk alongside. In many cultures, the willow represents feminine energy, intuition, and wisdom, echoing our mission to help individuals feel seen, heard, and connected to their bodies. Its canopy offers a soft, sacred space — a haven where healing can happen. Coupled with the word Read, it speaks to our belief in the power of literacy, advocacy, and voice. Together, Willow and Read is a story of becoming: rooted in strength, reaching for potential, and held with compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I received my Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Philadelphia University in 2011. In 2019, I went back and earned my doctorate degree from Thomas Jefferson University, along with an advanced certificate in Neuroscience. My doctorate research explored using culture to mitigate trauma and improve mental health outcomes.
Throughout my career, I have completed countless hours in continuing ed in a variety of topics some of which include the following: feeding, lactation, pelvic floor, The Alert Program, executive functioning, Handwriting Without Tears, interoception, trauma-informed care, and the listening program.
In 2017, After having 4 children and providing pediatric care in people’s homes, I saw the need for physical and social emotion support in the women’s health population. With a passion for helping individuals achieve optimal function and quality of life, I pursued continuing education with Herman and Wallace, The Institute for Birth and Healing, Postpartum Support International, trauma-informed care, Lindsey Vestal and women’s health coaching. These advanced training programs have equipped me with specialized skills to prevent and manage pelvic dysfunction, addressing the unique needs of pregnant individuals and new parents from a whole person perspective.
This summer, I will be embarking on another journey- Starting the process of becoming a Certified Academic Language Therapist. I am excited this will allow me to expand my offerings and bring dyslexia tutoring to my clients.
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I do!
I will be providing online dyslexia intervention in late Fall 2025.
I can provide online Occupational Therapy services in the following states: PA, ID, AK, and CO.
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I do not accept insurance at this time.
At Willow and Read, I’ve chosen a cash-based model so I can focus fully on your unique needs—without being limited by insurance requirements, visit caps, or diagnosis restrictions. Insurance companies often decide what’s “medically necessary,” which doesn’t always reflect what’s truly helpful for individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, or sensory and emotional challenges.
This model allows me to spend more quality time with you and/or your child, create individualized plans, and stay grounded in care that supports the whole person—body, mind, and learning. You set the goals. We move at a pace that honors your child’s development or your bodies needs.
Can I still use my insurance?
Yes! I provide superbills (itemized receipts) that many families use to request out-of-network reimbursement. -
Occupational therapy is about helping people do the things they need and want to do, in ways that work best for their unique minds and bodies. Here at Willow and Read, Rather than focusing on what's "wrong," we focus on what’s possible. It's not just about treating symptoms — it's about empowering each person to move through life with more ease, confidence, and self-understanding. OT at Willow and Read is about healing through connection, compassion, and meaningful action.
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That is the beauty of cash-based practice, therapy can happen anywhere! A park, the grocery store, the green belt, a home, etc.
I see occupational therapy clients in my home office in (West Bench), Boise, Idaho, online, out in the community, or in their home.
I do dyslexia tutoring in my home office, and starting in the November, 2025, I will be offering it online.
Have another question?
Have questions?
Get in touch for a free 15-minute consult.