The team at Dare to be Dyslexic are passionate about finding their students’ strengths and igniting their beliefs in themselves.
Meet the team!
Kate, Maureen and Cathy are qualified and experienced teachers whose passion is working with tamariki who see the world through a different lens—combining their love of teaching, literacy knowledge and innate understanding that learners need to feel safe and happy for learning to take place.
They ensure your children receive a complete and targeted education tailored to their specific needs, while having fun in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Maureen Meiklejohn with over 30 years of teaching experience, working with children from a variety of backgrounds, strengths in teaching English as a Second Language, neurodiverse students and a kind and compassionate heart, teamed up with a great sense of humour – Maureen brings fun and joy into her lessons!
Cathy Hegarty has been instrumental in the creation of Dare to be Dyslexic – Private Tuition since its opening in 2022, and recently joined our teaching team.
Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge and literacy experience into each session. Her ability to understand how neurodiverse students learn helps our tamariki thrive! Cathy knows exactly which next step our students need to ensure they always meet their goals. She makes sure her students experience fun and therefore success.
Fiona Vulu is our amazing relief tutor. With over 30 years of experience working with children who find literacy challenging, Fiona is the perfect lady to be our relief tutor. Her strengths in assessments and finding ways to get the best from our tamaiki mean that their sessions are literacy-rich and engaging.
Maureen and Kate
Cathy and Kate
A bit about Kate and her whānau…
Kate Hey, creator and owner of Dare to be Dyslexic
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
- Certificate of Reading Recovery
- 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
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.
Parent Testimonial for Maureen
I just want you to know the school report commented, he is slowing down with writing and has made a big improvement, so thank you so very much for all you and Maureen do.
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 13.