I have a breadth of teaching experience with ages 4-18 years, working as dyslexia consultant for 15 years +.
I have a strong understanding of the pathways required for these unique thinkers to become independent and successful learners. I regularly work collaboratively with students and their whānau. I easily engage and build strong, trusting relationships with students, parents and teachers, as well as with staff and support agencies. I am a keen problem solver and enjoy finding solutions which create positive change and good outcomes for my students.
I have a depth of understanding of learning differences and extensive experience working with a range of learners and their parents. I have spent the last 25 years working across all levels: with gifted students, twice exceptional students, dyslexic students and students with other associated learning preferences. Secondary school teaching at Southland Boys’ taught me to teach to different modalities. Montessori education taught me how to create a solid foundation and to instil students with a love of learning, community, autonomy and passion. Working in gifted education brought an understanding of the dramatic differences and complications when learning comes easily and you need extension and support in other areas.
At Kenakena Primary School I established the Dyslexia Programme. The program takes between 20 and 30 students each from the school and wider community, especially children who are at risk of not achieving their potential. These students include those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and A.D.H.D. I am passionate about working with these students and am aware of the need for support and advocacy.
We have significant and sustainable success accelerating the reading, self-esteem and general academic progress of our learners. More recently I have undertaken study in autism spectrum, in order to assist autistic individuals to participate more fully in life and the classroom.
Self-esteem and a sense of belonging is paramount. Students enjoy and are motivated by the process of seeing themselves become confident and competent learners. Students who move onto high school are able to advocate for themselves become self-directed and successful.
My experiences have shown me the importance of inclusive teaching practices, and of embracing aspects of students’ identity, culture, expression and language. I understand and value the value of te ao Māori, as well as respecting tikanga and culturally responsive practices. Kenakena is a diverse school, with strong cultural relationships, and this enables our learners to thrive and feel connected to school life and community. One of the unique characteristics of our school program is that a community is created where our diverse learners feel included and valued.
Licensed to provide:
Licensed since: July 1, 2011
Certifications:
Travel: I only work at my own premises
Online services: I only coach in person
Delivery Languages: EnglishEnglish
“I use my tools all the time at home when my sister is annoying me. Before I had my tools I lost my temper with her and had to calm down for ages. Now I have my tools, I use release and I can calm down straight away. I also use my tools to be in focus mode in class. Before, I used to write my ‘s’ the wrong way round every time. When I’m in focus mode, I always write it the right way round.” Logan, year 7
“I use my tools with my friendships. In the past, when a friend did something that upset me, I would have unfriended them forever. Now I take a break, do release and reset my dial, and then re-friend them.” Olive, year 7
“Knowing words and definitions helps, because I used to have no idea what people were saying. I was also worried that people would think I was not smart. I use all my tools together - release, focus, dial. I use my Davis tools ALL the time.” Dante, year 7
“I can read much better. I can understand what words mean, because I’ve got pictures to go with them, and I’m really good at visualising.” Emily, year 7
“I still use my tools - release, hands on shoulders, dial - every time I go into class or a stressful situation like an exam so that I can focus.” Ex-Kenakena student, year 13, who recently won the Top of English prize at Paraparaumu College, and is going on to study screenwriting at university.
