We have a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about what we do. Every individual plays their part, from the specialist teachers and assessors, to the administration team that makes sure that everything runs smoothly. The support provided by our governors, who have all been involved with the Centre for many years, is invaluable.
Let us introduce ourselves, please click each person for more information
Annelize joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre in 2021 as the Head of Centre. She has a background in Education gaining 23 years of experience, 5 of those years of which she held the position of SENCo. She has a passion for supporting children with learning difficulties and believe that all children can thrive if they are given the right support. She completed her Masters in SEN Leadership in 2021. She is the mother of two lovely children, loves travelling and has lived abroad in various countries. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, swimming and yoga.
MA SEN Leadership, AMBDA Dyscalculia, SpLD Dyscalculia (Level 5), APC, SpLD Dyslexia (Level 7), NASENCO, QTS, PGCE, BA
Gitty joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre in 2023 as a specialist assessor with 23 years of experience in both mainstream and specialist education. She has held positions as a teacher, Senco and deputy head teacher. Gitty is passionate about supporting children and helping them believe in themselves through gaining an understanding of how they learn. She completed a Masters in Dyslexia/SpLD. Gitty is a mother of five lovely children & loves to spend time with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, running and playing tennis.
MA SpLD Dyslexia, APC, BSc Honours (Psychology), BA
Sarah joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia team in March 2020 as an assessor. Sarah initially trained as a Pre-School Practitioner and worked in nurseries catering for both the special needs and mainstream sectors. She then spent many years working as an LSA in various Primary Schools. Sarah completed a Masters in Specific Learning Difficulties and has since worked as a Dyslexia Assessor and Specialist Teacher. Sarah loves being a hands-on Grandma as well as walking, reading and sketching
MA Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia), APC, BA (Hons)
Sue has 15 years of experience working as a primary school teacher in both state and private sectors within the local area. Working with younger aged children, she has always been passionate about teaching early reading and spelling skills. This led to her leaving full time teaching to qualify as a Level 5 Dyslexia Specialist Teacher. She also works as a 1-1 support teacher at a local private school and as a professional tutor for trainee primary school teachers. In her free time, she enjoys attending Pilates classes and walking her dog.
SpLD Dyslexia (Level 7), APC, SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5)
Heather is delighted to be joining the team at The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre. Having spent over twenty- five years teaching in schools in Essex and Kent, she recently retired from full-time teaching. As a qualified assessor for dyslexia and dyscalculia, Heather is now able to spend more time with family and friends. She also enjoys theatre and reading in spare moments.
AMBDA Dyscalculia, SpLD Dyscalculia (Level 5), APC, SpLD Dyslexia (Level 7), NASENCO, BEd
Ama has over 30 years of experience working in the education sector, first as a primary school teacher and later as a secondary school teacher and SENCo. Among other duties, in her current role Ama oversees and carries out exam assessments. In her role as SENCo, she is experienced in working with the local authority to plan and implement support strategies for students with additional needs as well as in initiating and overseeing the EHCP application process. Ama has completed a postgraduate diploma in special educational needs, a level-7 postgraduate certificate in Dyslexia and Literacy, as well as a current Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC). Ama is passionate about supporting students with additional needs, particularly between the ages of 10 and 16.
PGC Dyslexia and Literature, APC, PG dip in SEN and Disabilities, CPT3A, BEd
Sarah's first career was in HR and training, before attaining her Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia. She also attained her Level 5 qualification in Teaching Learners with Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties. Sarah has more than ten years experience running interventions supporting children with SpLD, ASD, SEMH, ADHD and other additional needs. Sarah believes that children learn best when they are having fun and works hard to create an environment that supports this. Outside of school, Sarah loves travel (especially to sunny places!) good food, reading, music and exercise.
SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5), SpLD Dyslexia
(Level 7), APC, SpLD Dyscalculia (Level 5), BA (Hons) Design Studies
Elena is a Level 5 dyslexia specialist who has 28 years of experience working with children with SpLD, moderate ASD, Speech and Language problems, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. She has worked in many school settings, successfully engaging her students to enjoy their learning and to develop their own autonomy. She has taught a broad range of ages, in both maths and literacy. In her spare time, she enjoys art and being creative.
OCR SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5) PGCE, BA (Hons) Fine Art
Katiba joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre in 2021 as a teacher and assessor. She is an experienced secondary science teacher (GCSE level) with a level 7 qualification in specialist teacher and assessment for dyslexia. Katiba has a keen interest in developing literacy skills in children and support their transition into secondary education. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her children.
PGC SpLD Dyslexia (Level 7), PGCE, BSc (Hons)
Rachel has been assessing adults (post 16) since 2017. She also provides workplace assessments. She has a background of supporting students within Further Education for six years and supporting adults to achieve NVQ within the workplace for three years. She gained a Level 7 in Language, Literacies and Dyslexia in 2016, which provided her with AMBDA FE/HE status. She was awarded an MSc in Occupational and Organisational Psychology in 2006 and is a member of the British Psychological Society. She is currently completing a Level 5 qualification in Dyscalculia.
Workplace Assessor Award (Level 4), SpLD Dyscalculia (Level 5), AMBDA Dyscalculia, APC, PGC (Language, Literacies and Dyslexia), MSc, BSc
Alison joined the teaching team in 2017 as a volunteer whilst completing her AMBDA (Associate Member of British Dyslexia Association). After qualifying in 2018, she became a specialist dyslexia teacher, leading the homework club at the centre. She now works on a Saturday to support dyslexic learners from key stages 1-3. Alison has extensive knowledge of Autism and works as a Lead teacher & SENCO outside of the centre. Her broad knowledge of SEN is a benefit to our team of specialists. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking and camping with her family.
MDG, NASENCO, AMBDA, Med Equality and Diversity, QTS, BA (Hons)
Katie initially trained and worked as a children’s nurse before having two children of her own. After working as a teaching assistant in a primary school for more than 6 years, supporting students in KS1 and KS2, she now works full-time in a secondary school as a learning support assistant. A passion to help improve literacy in children and young people has since led her to train as a level 5 dyslexia specialist practitioner. Katie’s hobbies include running, travelling, knitting, and crocheting.
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Undergraduate Diploma of Nursing and Midwifery
Rachel first joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Team in 1998 as a specialist teacher and worked at the Centre until 2007. After leaving the Centre in 2007 she trained and worked as a SENCo in the mainstream primary sector and continued to tutor privately on a part-time basis. Rachel re-joined the Centre in 2022 as a specialist teacher. She has a background as a class teacher, Dyslexia Specialist and SENCo. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, drawing, ceramics and spending time with her family.
As a Level 7 Specialist Teacher/Assessor of Dyslexia, Frankie supports students by carrying out diagnostic dyslexia assessments and providing recommendations and guidance to help families support their children and thrive in their academic settings. Having been a lead teacher in Primary Education for over 12 years, Frankie has since decided to focus her career on supporting children with dyslexia by specialising in this area of SEN. Frankie believes that unlocking children’s potential and providing supportive environments is the catalyst to raising learners who are confident, enthusiastic and most importantly, happy. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and long walks with her dog.
APC, PGD Assessing and Teaching for Literacy and Related Difficulties, QTS, PGCE, BSc Social Psychology
Canda joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre Team as a teacher and assessor in September 2020. She is an experienced qualified teacher and SENCO with a Level 7 Dyslexia Specialist qualification. She has extensive experience in the independent sector and working with other professionals and families. Canda teaches and assesses primary age pupils.
Canda Payne
OCR SpLD Dyslexia (Level 7), SpLD Dyscalculia (Level 5), NASENCO, QTS
Julie completed her Level 5 diploma in teaching learners with specific learning disabilities (dyslexia) in 2022 and joined the Sheila Ferrari team in 2023. As the mother of a son with dyslexia and dyscalculia, she is passionate about providing children with the tools they need to meet their potential at school and beyond.
Julie holds a PGCE and has a background in teaching English to speakers of other languages. She is also an author of English Language books for children and teachers.
SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5)
Claire joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Team in September 2018 as the Deputy Head, teacher and assessor. She previously worked as SENCo in mainstream Secondary Education, and also spent two years in a Special School setting. Claire leads the Centre's team of assessors and is the point of contact for schools requiring assessment for Examination Access Arrangements. Claire enjoys bird watching and spinning (with wool not in the gym!).
PGCert (SEN & Disability), MDG, APC, Adv. Dip. SENCO, QTS
Dawn joined the Centre in 2024. Having previously enjoyed a career in law, she currently works in a primary school providing maths and literacy interventions to small groups and 1-1 across KS1/KS2. Her passion for supporting students and raising her own dyslexic children, led her to completing the Level 5 - Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences and Barriers to Literacy. Understanding the challenges of her students, she believes with tailored support you can learn and achieve. In her spare time, she enjoys dog walking, pilates, and spending time with her family.
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, SpLD and Barriers to Learning, Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, FILEX
Anabel has 15-years' experience of working with children with SEND in local secondary schools. She has a Level 7 Dyslexia Specialist qualification. She is currently the Assistant SENDCo and the Exam Access Arrangements Assessor at a local Secondary school, where she also works 1:1 and in small groups with students with dyslexia. Anabel has a background as a holiday park entertainer and also works as a Children's Party Entertainer. She loves musical theatre and is part of 2 local theatre groups.
SpLD Dyslexia (Level 7), OCR SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5), Level 3 ELKLAN Speech and Language Support, HLTA
Karen Sparkes joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre in September 2024. With over 25 years as a qualified youth and community practitioner she has a passion to see young people develop, thrive and discover their unique gifts.
Raising a family member who is dyslexic propelled Karen to train and successfully complete the Level 5 Teaching Learners with Dyslexia, Specific Learning Differences and Barriers to Literacy.
Karen manages a local dyslexia charity, is a school governor and works as a Learning Support Assistant at a local secondary school.
Karen enjoys theatre, good food, and spending quality time with her family.
NVQ Level 5 Volunteer Management, SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5), BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work
Vicky has worked as a Primary teacher for over 15 years. She joined The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Team in January 2025, after completing her Level 5 diploma in teaching learners with specific learning difficulties (dyslexia). She enjoys supporting students who struggle with reading, writing and spelling online. She is currently training to be a Level 7 assessor. Vicky enjoys spending time with her family, playing and coaching cricket, and musicals.
SpLD (Level 5), OTS, PGCE, BA Law (Hons)
Julia joined the team in 2023 as a Level 5 specialist teacher in dyslexia. She had previously been a primary school teacher for over 20 years and had enjoyed seeing children become enthused for reading and learning. She retrained to become a dyslexia teacher because she wanted students to flourish and to spark their love of learning. She has a son and daughter with dyslexia and so knows how valuable the right support can be for their education and confidence. Julia enjoys walking her dog in the forest, Parkrun and baking.
SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5), PGCE, BA (Hons)
Andree is a registered Occupational Therapist & Dyslexia Specialist who joined the Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre as a tutor in 2016 having completed the OCR Level 5 in teaching learners with specific learning disabilities (dyslexia). As an occupational therapist, Andree is familiar with supporting children & young people with co-occurring challenges affecting handwriting, attention, sensory processing & motor coordination. In her spare time Andree enjoys fibre crafts, photography & spending time with her family.
OCR SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5)
Dip COT (Occupational Therapy)
Rachael’s first career was in HR. After having 2 children, she followed her passion and taught in a local secondary school for over 10 years. She worked with various local authorities, teaching children with additional needs, including dyslexia, autism, delayed global development & pathological demand avoidance syndrome. Rachael holds a BSc, MSc, QTS, and Level 5 in teaching learners with a specific learning disability. She plans to work towards the Assessment Practising Certificate soon. During her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with her children & extended family.
SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5), FCIPD PGDip Human Resource Management, MSc International Management, PGCE, BSc Human Sciences
Emma has joined the team for the second time. She worked at the Centre from 2007-2009, before leaving to become a SENCO at an independent school. Emma has been a teacher since 1992 and has worked in both state and independent schools. She has gained her level 5 and 7 qualifications in Teaching and Assessing Learners with a Specific Learning Difficulty. She is passionate about teaching and supporting children with learning differences. During her spare time Emma enjoys exercise, especially tennis and swimming and spending time with family and friends.
OCR SpLD Dyslexia (Level 7), APC, OCR SpLD Dyslexia (Level 5), PGCE, BSc (Hons) in Biology/Sociology
I had a 25 year career in HR, gaining my CIPD qualification in 2002. After redundancy in 2014 I started volunteering at our daughters' primary school and I really enjoyed working with the children. By now our own daughter had been assessed at the Centre and diagnosed as Dyslexic. Hannah had been attending the Centre since her diagnosis and on hearing that they were relocating into their own independent area I asked if they needed someone who had excellent communication and admin skills and was a keen team player to answer the phone!
CIPD – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Hannah had a 20-year career in accounting, gaining her AAT qualification. In 2016, she trained as REPs Personal Trainer, as she is a big believer in health and fitness and the positive impact it has on people of all ages. She then took a career break while she had her two wonderful children, and studied to become a counsellor. Alongside working at the Centre, she is a counsellor for young people aged 11-24, providing support and guidance. During her spare time, she enjoys netball and spending quality time with her family.
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, AAT Accounting
Fay recently retired and moved to North Norfolk, after 23 years as Head of the Centre. Her teaching career, as class teacher, SENCo and Dyslexia Specialist, has spanned 50 years. She continues teaching online for The Centre, is a CReSTeD consultant and also the safeguarding Governor at Avon House Preparatory School.
Fay has a son who is an ordained Church of England minister, a daughter who is a
teacher and a 7 year old grandson.
Fay’s main focus is family. Other interests include art, music, theatre, literature, calligraphy and travel.
RSA dip (SpLD), AMBDA, Cert Ed
Over thirty years ago Mrs Rosie Ford was involved in setting up the Waltham Forest Dyslexia Association and met Fay Cookson when they were Secretary and Chair, respectively.
Rosie met Sheila Ferrari over 20 years ago and worked at the Dyslexia Centre until Rosie’s retirement in December 2020.
After training at the Tavistock in London, Rosie continued to work at the Centre as a School Counsellor, an Educational Therapist and a Play Therapist.
Rosie has a dyslexic husband, two grown up dyslexic sons and now has at least one grandchild who has been diagnosed as dyslexic.
Julia was the founding Head of a specialist school for children with dyslexia and associated learning differences, also serving as Head of a mainstream school and a SENDCo.
With her colleague Liz Blackburn, Julia established Dyslexia Matters® to train Specialist Teachers to support learners with dyslexia. Dyslexia Matters has enjoyed a long & successful partnership with our centre, training members of the team.
She has dyslexia herself and is the mother of five children with dyslexia.
Julia’s latest research and training in coaching & motivation has uniquely expanded her expertise.
David is a Chartered Accountant and is a Director of Pawley & Malyon Limited, a firm of Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors. Prior to joining them he worked at two other Firms and qualified with the second of these. He is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. David and his wife, Susan, have three children, who are all working. David has a life-long association with the Ferrari family. He is also a governor at the Avon House Preparatory School.
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