I am a qualified teacher with a Level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia. I began my career as a primary school teacher. After a few years of family time, I returned to teaching and spent 16 years working as a specialist teacher in a Dyslexia Base in Hertfordshire. My work at the base gave me experience of working with children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism.
In 2009 I began my Davis training. After the first four days I was hooked. It was mind-blowing and I never looked back. It all made so much sense! I wished I could go back in time and help all those students who I’d struggled to understand! I’d spent years assessing and teaching dyslexic children using conventional methods but Davis was different. It was unique! I left the job I loved to move to part-time work as a primary school SENCo. I could spend time as a Davis facilitator and keep up with any changes in primary education. It also gave me the opportunity to try out some Davis techniques in school. It was immensely rewarding to watch previously struggling pupils discover success and in such a short time.
Most dyslexic programmes are phonic based and often are at odds with the visual talents of dyslexics. Since dyslexic students rely mostly on picture thinking they have difficulty thinking with the sounds of words and it is hard for them to learn to read by breaking words down into a series of sounds. Rather than forcing children to use a method that is inherently difficult for them, Davis methods use a visual and meaningful approach. There are currently 45 Government validated phonics schemes but not a single one of these will help a child who doesn’t think with the sounds of words.
What intrigues me most about the Davis method is the way that plasticine modelling is used to bring meaning to letters and words. It strips away all the unnecessary “clutter” - the failure, frustration and negativity, and has an almost immediate positive effect upon self-esteem. Sitting opposite the child, rapport is quickly established. No fidget toys or equipment are necessary, just a lump of plasticine and a cutter! When pupils start to use the Davis methods which capitalize on their talents, progress is rapid and their self-esteem and confidence grow.
I am passionate about helping children learn to read and I volunteer each week at a local primary school where children love to spend time reading to me or simply talking about their books.
I live with my husband in Moggerhanger, a small village in Bedfordshire approximately 2 miles from the A1 and Sandy railway station. We have two grown up sons and four lively grandchildren.
I work from home but I am happy to travel short distances in order to facilitate Davis programmes.
Licensed to provide:
Licensed since: October 31, 2011
Certifications:
Travel: I am willing to travel to clients
Online services: I only coach in person
Delivery Languages: EnglishEnglish
Can you believe our son got an A* in English Language? Also an A in Drama and an A in Environmental Studies. You were very much a part of our early journey. I always think of you with great affection - you were so kind and helped us so much. [email from the mother of one of my clients, aged 16, whom I worked with when he was 9 years old.]
Our daughter has thoroughly enjoyed the week and has already gained so much from you. I have to say how patient, kind and thorough you are - I can clearly see how much you enjoy delivering the programme and you really are very skilled at it. I will most definitely pass on your details! It has been really lovely to watch her learn and I have also learnt such a lot from listening to you and watching you. [email from the mother of a 13 year-old client of mine, half way through the Davis Maths Programme.]
Since his Davis programme with you our son is calmer, more able to concentrate, easier, more mature and less volatile at home. He has just finished the first Harry Potter book - something I could never imagine him doing a few months ago. He’s lost his fear of writing, last year he would throw himself on the floor if I asked him to write a single word!
The big miracle came when he asked to go to his sister’s school concert - something I just wouldn't have wanted to take him to before - I'd be afraid he'd fidget, get bored, and generally stress me out. But he sat and listened to the whole orchestral concert - 1 hour and 15 minutes! I was thrilled - especially when all the other younger siblings I could see had books and DS's. I allowed myself to feel smug just for a second! [email from the mother one of my client’s aged 8]
I thought that you might like to hear that our son, who you helped 8 years ago, has got his A level results - an A in History, a B in Politics and a B in Economics. He’s going to study History and Politics at university. We are delighted. He appreciates all the help you gave him and acknowledges how much it helped him. [email from the mother of one of my clients aged 16]
I thought you would be interested to know that our son was tested recently to see if he was still entitled to extra time in his exams. He has actually improved so much that he no longer needs extra time! (He is rather gutted but recognises that this is also something to be very pleased about!) The Special Education Needs teacher at the school told me she had never seen a child improve so much. [email from the mother of one of my clients aged 16]
