About

Martha Kovack, MEd, OCT, is the founder, president, and CEO of Sound Readers.

After teaching K-3 and special education in Canadian classrooms, Martha became passionate about finding ways to improve the lives of those who are held back by their struggles with learning to read and spell. She spent the rest of her career studying literacy research and testing out what she was learning in her practice. She eventually became an early literacy specialist with the Ontario early years system, and studied to become certified in Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy approaches to beginning reading instruction.

Martha developed Sound Readers® so that she could share what she has learned with educators and families by providing them with the training and tools (educational games for kids) to make learning to read easier, more efficient, and fun! 

She created and produced the first set of Crazy Cards (phonics games for kids) back in 1998, and after selling thousands of games since, they are still students' (and teachers'!) favourite literacy game!

Martha continues to attend conferences, take courses, study research, and participate in conversations with leading reading researchers around the world to make sure that she stays current with what works.

Martha also teaches English Language Arts for preservice teachers, and early childhood educators.

Martha with her Sound Readers Crazy Cards graphic designer Janet Tonello  (Lakeside Graphics) at the Word on the Street literacy festival in Toronto in 1999. Learn to read for kids.

Martha at one of many many reading conferences throughout the past 20 years. This was the "Reading for the Love of It" conference in Toronto in 2008. Phonics games for kids.

Martha in British Columbia in 2019 while studying for her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education at UBC.

Some of Martha's college students learning to read aloud using good quality children's literature, and engaging students with pretend play. (Winter, 2019)

Martha teaching the Orton-Gillingham approach with her first student Ashley where she received her training and certification at the Scottish Rite Learning Centres (2009). Ashley is now working towards her Bachelor's degree, with intentions of obtaining her Masters and Doctorate! 

Martha with her team at an education conference in Alberta - around 2005/2006.