Nicole Boyington Grew a Dyslexia Clinic Into Four Centers

When Nicole Boyington bought the Dyslexia Achievement Center in 2021, it had 1 location and 6 independent contractors. Today it has 4 centers, 37 interventionists, and 16 private school contracts. She could not let the service disappear, so she took it on and grew it.

Nicole Boyington is the president and CEO of Dyslexia Achievement Center, a private practice in southeastern Wisconsin that supports students of any age with reading concerns. An occupational therapist of 25 years and a certified structured literacy interventionist, she leads a team trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach. A member of the Entreprenista League, she stepped into ownership almost by invitation.

From occupational therapist to owner

Nicole spent 25 years as an occupational therapist, working across many settings and teaching occupational therapy students in graduate school. Seven years ago she became a certified structured literacy interventionist. When the center's previous owner was ready to retire, she asked Nicole to buy the business. Nicole said yes.

The Orton-Gillingham approach

Every interventionist at the center is trained and certified in Orton-Gillingham, a multisensory, structured, and diagnostic method for teaching people with dyslexia. The work reaches students, parents, families, schools, and teachers at every age and stage.

Growth built on word of mouth

The early marketing plan was simple: word of mouth. Demand outpaced supply, and there were never enough interventionists to see every student who needed help. The high demand carried the center from 1location to 4 and into 16 private school contracts.

Learning the business as she grew

Nicole is candid that she started without a business background. “I have learned most of the business aspects as I have grown,” she says. “I sought out mentors and help from other business owners to learn.” Her advice to founders is the same lesson she lived: “Don’t be afraid to ask someone further along in their journey for advice.”

What's next

Last year the center partnered with a nonprofit to help more families afford its services. The goal now is to expand to more locations, inside and outside Wisconsin, and to become the largest provider of tier 3 reading and math services in private schools.

You can connect with Nicole on LinkedIn and learn more about the work at dyslexiaachievementcenter.com.

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If Nicole's approach to expanding access resonates, the Entreprenista League is a community of women founders who value connection, shared experience, and practical business insight as they grow. Learn more about the Entreprenista League right here.