Sarah delivers hands-on practical workshops and presentations which offer an insight into neurodiversity, with a focus on dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and ADHD. Her workshops include how to identify neurodiversity, implement successful strategies and use appropriate resources with neurodiverse individuals.
Sarah's workshops are personalised and tailored to requirements, as she recognises the importance of collaboration and is sensitive to the unique needs of individuals, groups and organisations.
Sarah's aim is to expand and embed knowledge, understanding and practice around meeting the needs of neurodiverse individuals nationwide. She believes this is essential if we are to 'level the playing field' and have neurodiversity not only acknowledged, but more importantly, celebrated and championed.
Sarah has identified a relatively high proportion of individuals within the aviation world who are visual-spatial thinkers, and who may find traditional textbook learning a challenge. She offers individualised tuition focused on the NZ PPL and CPL Ground Course syllabus to help students master the content and pass their exams.
Sarah holds a current NZ Private Pilot Licence and is passionate about flying and all things aviation.
Sarah has worked in education since 1985 in the UK and New Zealand. She is Speld NZ qualified, and became a Dyslexia Specialist Tutor, joining Kāpiti College in 2008. She has initiated and established neurodiverse friendly practices at Kāpiti College, which have gained nationwide recognition for their effectiveness in producing high levels of academic success.
Sarah is experienced in designing, delivering, monitoring and evaluating tailored professional development. Her methodologies enhance individual potential by improving self-esteem and achievement. She operates as a consultant nationwide.
Sarah has facilitated professional development throughout the country within the education sector, has worked with industry training organisations, and with financial service providers in the private sector. In addition, she has worked for the Dept of Corrections.
Through her work with Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ō Tainui Kāhui Ako, Waikato and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito, Otaki, Sarah’s resources are now available in Te Reo Māori. In addition, they are also available in Tongan through her work with Oamaru Intermediate School.
Sarah’s goal is to enable educators, industry trainers and employers to acknowledge, understand and champion neurodiversity. Her focus is on a holistic, strengths-based approach, thus enabling individuals to achieve the greatest possible success, and positive emotional well-being.
Together with her neurodiverse learners, Sarah has made several advocacy videos, a documentary, and has hosted members of the Education and Science Select Committee.
Notable Accolades
BSc (Hons); Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
Delivery of PLD relating to neurodiversity since 2009.
Advocacy work includes television, radio, newspaper, magazine and online articles, as well as the production of a documentary.
Sarah and her students presented to the Education and Science Select Committee, and subsequently hosted the Committee.
Sarah has spoken at conferences and presented nationwide workshops including:
CAGE and Gifted NZ Symposium - Christchurch 2013
Oral Submissions to the Education and Science Select Committee on provision for Neurodiverse students - Wellington 2015
Response to the Report of the Education and Science Committee. - Wellington 2016
National Centre of Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Symposium - Wellington 2016
NZEI Te Riu Roa Conference - Wellington 2017
Invisible Disabilities Forum - Wellington 2017
Speld NZ Conference - Auckland 2019
Department of Corrections Educator Workshops - Nationwide 2019-2020
Ministry of Education Learning Support Coordinator Induction Forums - Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland 2020
Working in partnership with full Māori immersion kura - 2021-2023
Driving Change Network Conference - Wellington 2022
Ako Panuku Symposium- Auckland 2023