The team at Dare to be Dyslexic are passionate about finding their students’ strengths and igniting their beliefs in themselves.
A bit about Kate and her whānau…
Kate is thrilled you are curious enough to learn more about her. So, getting straight to the point… Kate has clocked up 30 years of experience in the New Zealand education system, from Primary to Intermediate as a classroom teacher, a Senior Management Team member, and a Learning Support Coordinator at a High school. Her experience is vast. She can offer excellent tuition based on your child’s individual needs and strengths.
In recent years, Kate has been mainly involved with neurodiverse learners – working with whānau of dyslexic, autistic, ADHD/ADD students and those with auditory processing issues, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and cerebral palsy. It has been a privilege for Kate to journey with these young people who have incredible minds and skills. She believes they often teach her as much as she teaches them.
She is also a mum to a dyslexic, amazing, and successful son who is completing his Mechanics Apprenticeship and an incredible daughter who is a Secondary School English teacher. Kate was diagnosed in adulthood with mild dyslexia, so from personal experience, she can easily relate to children and families at all levels.
Kate’s Qualifications:
- Masters In Educational Leadership – ACU
- Diploma In Teaching – NZ
- Certificate of Registration NZ Teaching Council
- Nomination for Excellence in Teaching – NEiTA Foundation
- Learning Support Coordinator: Years 7 – 13 High School
- Understanding Autism Disorder Certificate
- Certificate in Effective Teaching Practice in Gifted Education – REACH Education Consultancy
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tātou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
Meet Melissa
We are excited to welcome Melissa Dingwall onto the Dare to be Dyslexic Team!
Melissa’s experience with neurodiverse learners is amazing. Her strengths include working with children with Dyslexia, Literacy needs, ADHD, Autism, and anxiety and learners who are hard of hearing, as well as students that have suffered trauma. Her patience, kindness and incredible knowledge of drawing the best from her learners are key to her success when working with our young people.
Melissa is an innovative and passionate tutor with excellent communication skills, especially when engaging with learners that are facing challenges.
Melissa’s experience with mindfulness and mental/emotional well-being complements the “Dare to be Dyslexic” values perfectly. She has facilitated the Smiling Minds programme AND Lego Therapy Play Workshops. We are lucky to have this wonderful tutor on our team.
Melissa’s Qualifications:
- Teacher Aide MasterClass Certificate
- Certificate in Teacher Aiding Level 4
- Certificate in Assisting Children with Special Needs Level 3
- Certificate in Supporting Literacy and Numeracy Level 3
- Certificate in Guiding Children’s Behaviour Level 3
- Lego Bricks Facilitator Certificate – Bricks for Autism
- New Zealand Nanny Certificate Ara Institute of Canterbury
- Workplace First Aid Certificate
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tātou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
Meet Katrina! Our new Dare to be Dyslexic Team member!
She brings with her a wealth of experience, expertise and a huge dose of kindness!
Katrina is a fabulously experienced teacher with curriculum strengths and additional training in Literacy – Reading, Writing, Comprehension, Phonics, and Handwriting. Her kind and gentle manner is a perfect match for students requiring patience and understanding as they train their brains to learn new strategies.
Katrina’s ability to see the child’s needs and create a teaching plan specifically for their needs complements our evolving student programmes here at Dare to be Dyslexic. Katrina’s creativity, paired with her literacy experience and ability to understand how to meet each student’s need, ensures success not just with literacy but, most importantly, with student self-esteem and positive self-talk.
Katrina is also a talented artist, and we look forward to creating “Dare to be Artistic” workshops – for our budding artists. So watch this space!
Katrina’s Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education – Primary Teacher for 12+ years
- NZ Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching Level 4
- Swim Instructor
- Manager and facilitator of school holiday programmes.
- Certificate in Primary Phonics (presented by Yolanda Soryl)
- Certificate in Handwriting (presented by Barbara Ward)
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tātou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
Testimonial from Mandi Lanceley
Kate is a kind, friendly & vibrant person whom I believe was born to teach. Her positive approach to tutoring my daughter Emma has shone through in every session she has conducted for her. Kate’s relaxed & welcoming learning environment has seen Emma progress immensely at her own pace.
Testimonial from Haylee Partridge (Teacher & SENCO)
Melissa is a very knowledgeable and experienced Teacher Aide. She plans and implements programmes to suit the needs of the students and cares about them a lot. She goes above and beyond to support the needs of all the students she works with. Melissa is always keen to learn new things and better herself for the sake of the students. Melissa has great relationships with all the students she works with and is a valuable member of the staff.
Let’s Learn Together!
I am based in the Hutt Valley and offer customised support for all learners in Literacy from Year 0 to Year 10.