The Shore Side Learning Centre grew out of a long-awaited dream to build a trusted home for improving literacy skills and helping families in need of assistance here on the South Shore. With family roots firmly grounded in the area, along with a strong desire to contribute to the community, Shore Side opened in June, 2012.
The Shore Side Learning Centre is owned and operated by Tara Romkey, a ten year veteran of the SpellRead program. With a background in History and English, Tara joined the SpellRead team in March, 2003 as an instructor for the Halifax Learning Centre. Within a year and a half, Tara became the Program Coordinator, organizing and overseeing the everyday running of the clinic. By 2006, Tara became the Director of Instruction, helping to guide all student progress and the professional development of all teachers, as well as working closely with families to ensure that goals were met and success reached. Tara helped to expand a small business into a multi-location clinic, and began working closely with supportive professionals in Halifax, such as speech-language pathologists and doctors, to further strengthen the impact of the program. In September, 2011, Tara was named Site Director of the Tantallon location of the HLC, and continued to work with families, organize the clinic, and return to her passion: teaching. While building the beginnings of the Bridgewater location of SpellRead, she helped to train and develop teachers at Bridgeway Academy and visiting teachers and students from China. In June, 2012, the Shore Side Learning Centre opened in Bridgewater and the long-anticipated goal was achieved.