Credentials and Experience

This section details my own personal experiences which has shaped my educational and professional life. I believe that to solve specific problems, we need to look at the person as a whole. As an example, the obvious issue could be in English comprehension, but the barriers to learning is affected by mental health problems or confidence to ask for help in class. Regular emotional support to develop coping strategies while tutoring will over time build resilience and confidence and allow the brain to learn effectively.

What differentiates me from other tutors?

In a professional capacity I’ve worked with neurotypical people with similar qualifications as me who think they know what it’s like to be neurodivergent, but don’t consider it when they prepare and deliver classes, and supporting students. I’ve also worked with people who don’t believe in dyslexia and ADHD who feel they shouldn’t need to modify their teaching approaches to help their students because it’s time consuming.

I was diagnosed later in life with dyscalculia and autism, after I’d finished my education. I know what it feels like to be behind with the rest of the class. I needed more time than others to understand concepts, processes etc. as I needed things explained in a different way. I suffered ridicule and bullying by students and teachers and labelled ‘lazy’, ‘unmotivated’, ‘shy’, ‘difficult.’ People need to experience these things first hand. This way, they can fully appreciate the need to nurture neurodivergent students in more innovative ways to turn them into confident learners.

I have worked in Colleges and Universities in Scotland since 2017 as a lecturer and 1:1 specialist tutor. My under- and post-graduate education has focused on youth unemployment, FE/HE education and various barriers that affect educational attainment. I started working as a Social Sciences and Essential Skills lecturer at Scotland’s best performing College in 2017, supporting students with a wide range of physical, psychological and developmental conditions. In 2020, I relocated to Edinburgh and began supporting students on a 1:1 basis for Edinburgh College, Open University, and Napier University. Over time, I have grown my business to support students from both public and private schools across Edinburgh.

Ethos

Education should make people confident and enthusiastic about lifelong learning. People should feel well supported and fully prepared for the next step in their educational journey. I went from being someone who couldn’t wait to finishing school to becoming a mature student who wished they could stay at university forever. Since 2017 I have received amazing feedback from students who say my passion and enthusiasm for learning (and knowing my own challenges) has shown them that they also have the abilities to do well at university.

I use a holistic, person centred approach when building specialist toolkits because no two students are the same. I am more than just a homework buddy. I am here to use a targeted, interdisciplinary approach to support students and parents with emotional, behavioural, and academic issues. Below I have included a list of up to date specialist training I have completed.

Qualifications

Registrations

PVG Member: 1211200385040381