


About The Literacy Arena
About The Literacy Arena
Empowering students through evidence-based, structured literacy intervention — one child at a time.
The Literacy Arena was established during the pandemic, when the schools had switched to online learning. Children with learning disabilities were extremely affected by school closures, due to lack of support in accessing the curriculum. In an effort to help provide them with necessary tools to make learning easier, The Literacy Arena came into being. Based on the Orton-Gillingham principles of literacy instruction, TLA focuses on the application of structured, cumulative and multisensory techniques to support children with learning difficulties. It makes use of directed discovery or student-led learning, where a structured, methodical and diagnostic approach is used to teach reading, spelling and eventually writing, to students with various learning difficulties and other co-occurring issues. Currently, TLA proudly offers one-on-one as well as small group sessions to help young learners achieve their potential.

Meet Mizna Mustafa
At The Literacy Arena, I provide support as a Structured Reading Interventionist as well as Literacy Coach. My own learning journey began with a Bachelors in Psychology and English Literature; I was always intrigued by the neurological processes involved in learning disabilities and co-occurring issues. I continued on to acquire a Masters in Psychology, followed by my first training from Dyslexia-Action UK (Levels 4 and 5), previously known as the Hornsby Method. Additionally, I obtained Associate level training in the Orton-Gillingham method while living and working in Oakville, ON.
I have a multitude of experience working with children with additional learning needs such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and co-occurring difficulties such as Attention Deficit Disorder, Working Memory issues, Auditory Processing Disorder, and/or cognitive and developmental delays (Down Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay, etc.). Previously, I was based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For more than eight years, I worked at British Curriculum Schools, providing one-on-one literacy instruction in a structured, cumulative, and multisensory manner, to students at the Primary (Years 2-6) as well as Secondary (Years 7-11) school levels.
After moving to Canada, I have continued my passion for supporting children’s learning needs. I currently provide reading and structured literacy intervention to individuals as well as small groups, focusing on various areas of literacy such as phonology, reading, spelling, as well as structured writing. I am fun, with a good sense of humor; I have also been told that I have a very calming presence.
Mission • Vision • Values
What Drives Us
Our work is guided by a clear purpose — every student deserves access to the tools they need to succeed.

Mission
To bridge learning gaps and help students reach their full potential through evidence-based practices in a supportive learning environment.

Vision
To support the learning journey of students of Canada and worldwide, especially those with learning difficulties, equipping them with necessary tools from the science of reading.

Values
Recognizing diversity, individual differences and providing conducive learning opportunities.
Need More Information?
Have questions? Connect with a Literacy Arena expert.
We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to discuss your child’s needs and how we can help.
