Alma Holden is a passionate Davis Facilitator whose business is Dyslexiahelp4u. She trained in education with a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Teaching, with many years' experience in NZ schools as a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator.
She grew up on, then managed, a semi high country family farm, making rural connections in Otago and advancing her Davis business.
It didn’t take Alma long, in her teaching career, to realize that not all students learn the same way and the systems weren’t designed for the wonderful picture thinking and creative minds of dyslexic thinkers. Mostly they spoke richly about stories and ideas, enthusiastically describing experiences or thoughts and planning aloud or drawing design concepts created from their thoughts.
Trying to get this information written on paper was impossible as letters, words, spelling and symbols were not their natural learning method and even when reading the words, stories didn’t have meaning when they read it due to the inability to transfer it into pictures and understanding. In a moment of self-reflection, Alma realized that testing in the classroom was in fact, about her ability to teach the same lesson several ways, if it meant each student had complete understanding and success due to their way of thinking for schooling and beyond.
Her desire for finding out how to have every person learn, resulted in Alma training in the Davis Methods to specialize in all programs for 5 – 62-year-olds. These include: Dyslexia, Maths, Attention (ADHD), Foundations for Learning Reading (Juniors) and Davis® Learning Strategies. DLS is a classroom-based program which fits easily with the New Zealand school curriculum and allows younger students to learn how to purposefully focus themselves for learning.
New Zealand Davis Specialist Rochelle Booth organizes and presents these hands-on workshops, and as a DLS Mentor Trainer, Alma has trained mentors from these education-based sessions to work within schools in New Zealand and Australia.
Since 2006, Alma has worked with Ron Davis and his well-trained worldwide Dyslexia consultants (who have perfected these programs over 30 years) and she has inspired many individuals with her 1:1 facilitation. She often travels around NZ to work with people who are unable to attend her Alexandra, Central Otago or Timaru, South Canterbury offices. These quiet spaces provide a calm and confidential environment for addressing a struggling individual’s challenges, to allow optimum learning of their specifically targeted goals and the resulting personal empowerment leads to growing confidence and self-esteem.
By following the Davis program structure, the learning difficulty is “unpeeled”, to reveal the root cause of what is obstructing a person’s learning. After identifying this, Alma facilitates people to create meaningful change and succeed for themselves with certainty and confidence. Participants are left feeling unbelievably proud of their achievements when they return to their school or work environment with new skills and self-assurance. Alma has the expertise to deliver your Davis Program.
Licensed to provide:
Licensed since: June 19, 2006
Certifications:
Travel: I am willing to travel to clients
Online services: I only coach in person
Delivery Languages: EnglishEnglish
Davis® Mastery for Dyslexia
Alma Holden changed my daughter and her perspective on education.
Not only has [client name] improved in all aspects of her academic schooling, more importantly she has learnt to own her own learning. She is more focused and aware that it is her responsibility to listen and take charge of her own learning. Alma has given her the skill set to not only tackle a sometimes loud and challenging classroom environment but also a foundation of skills critical for succeeding and contributing in life.
My daughter was brimming with confidence after simply being around Alma. She understood her, connected with her and was sympathetic to her learning struggles. It saddens me to think there are others out there in desperate need of this type of tuition that are falling through the education system.
- Mother of 12-year-old
Davis® Mastery for Math
Our daughter can finally get the numbers the correct way round. We knew she has always had difficulty with Math, but you have shown her the visual and hands on practical Davis way that makes sense and works for her – the Math grid is so helpful…. the school have commented on how much easier it is to help her as she now identifies her difficulties and asks for help. I would highly recommend Alma from Dyslexiahelp4u to people who need help with Math, Dyslexia and other learning needs.
- parent of 12-year-old girl
Davis® Mastery for Attention – ADHD
Thanks for helping me get focused to see what I needed to do. I didn’t know my friends didn’t like me when I was hyper.
- 10 year old
Our son is so much easier to be with and now he listens. We see him using his tools to help in different situations. Your Davis Program has made me realise how much his behaviour was affecting everyone around him – that clay technique for finding order and sequence is so powerful for our family. I used to make excuses for him, but now I understand him. Many many thanks, till our next catch-up…
- Mother of 10-year-old
Davis® Foundations for Learning Reading
Before Alma and the Davis Program we had an extremely anxious, nervous and frustrated child who had a few "gaps" in her learning. She hated school and didn't like crowds or too much noise. After doing a week with Alma on the Davis program she became a lot more confident e.g wanting to climb things in the playground that before she was afraid to go near. She became more affectionate and could handle everyday situations better by using the Davis tools of release, checking her dial, doing koosh exercises and some clay work. She is also a lot happier and isn't afraid to try new things by herself. She now really enjoys school again and we hardly have any moody outbreaks after school or at home. The program has taught us to understand her a lot better also and have more patience with her. We would highly recommend Alma and the Davis program to anyone.
Alma, [client name] would like to add that she thinks what you do is "like magic" and it makes her feel good and she said that she likes being around you because you "understand her" and she loves your visits!! She also said she likes the koosh ball exercises because she really has to focus a lot to be able to do them and she also likes taking them with her to places when she knows it's going to be noisy e.g supermarket or family gathering.
There is so much more Alma that words can't describe.
- Mother of 7-year-old
Davis Learning Strategies
The Davis Learning Strategies have had a huge impact on our school and students. I’ve had the opportunity as a teacher and DLS mentor to observe first-hand how these strategies empower students to self-manage, become independent, confident and successful in their learning journey.
One of the standout features I’ve appreciated has been the self-management tools that students learn. These have significantly improved their focus and energy levels and it also establishes a unified language for students and teachers. The students love to engage in the hands-on use of clay, which fosters a deep understanding of the concepts they’re being taught. As a teacher and DLS mentor, I’ve seen tremendous success and joy in students experiencing those “aha” moments when everything comes together, and their face lights up with their success.
Teachers in the senior classes notice a marked difference in the focus and attitude of the students who have participated in the program in their junior years.
It has been so beneficial to have the support of our Davis facilitator, Alma Holden, to mentor and answer questions and whom we can refer families to for further support if needed.
The Davis program is a game changer for our children.
- Maggie Robertson
Waihao Downs School
