Meet The Team

Sam has been with the charity since its inception, bringing fresh ideas, passion, and a wealth of experience to her role.

She plays a pivotal role in delivering our services. Alongside leading the Dyslexia Sparks team and driving our mission forward, Sam provides diagnostic assessments, specialist tuition, and training for schools and workplaces. She holds a Master's in Professional Practice in Dyslexia and Literacy, together with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

As a dyslexic individual, she understands first-hand the dyslexic challenges that can impact learning, and uses this insight to offer empathy and guidance to those we support.

“Dyslexia Sparks has always been about more than improving reading and spelling. It's about building confidence and empowering people to learn and work in ways that support them to achieve their goals.”

Lauren joined Sparks in April 2024, combining her energetic and bubbly approach to learning with many years of experience of supporting students with special educational needs. Lauren’s Level 5 qualification in Specialist Dyslexia Teaching allows her to use specialist knowledge to develop the skills of dyslexic learners. Lauren fully embraces the Sparks’ values of compassion, care, and professionalism within a fun learning environment, and always does it with a smile on her face!

“Teaching at Sparks is an absolute breath of fresh air. The smaller scale allows me to tailor the learning to each student and really hone in on their individual needs. I feel very lucky to be able to witness their growth, not only academically, but also in areas such as confidence and self-awareness.”

Helen joined Sparks having built up extensive experience within the education system. Her most recent role was as Deputy Head at a local school. With Sparks’ support, Helen achieved her Level 5 qualification in Specialist Dyslexia Teaching and brings passion and fun to all her lessons, as well as a hard-working nature. She is a fantastic advocate for dyslexic learners, and has taken on the role of lead for the Sparks Ambassador project.

“The approach to learning at Sparks is powerfully engaging, with every student discovering things for themselves in lessons, rather than just being instructed. I get the opportunity to teach in a truly personalised way, with time to see what each student needs to build upon.”

Amanda is the first port of call for enquiries to Dyslexia Sparks. An integral part of the support services we provide, Amanda provides clear information and always delivers on her promises. Her conscientious and hard-working nature helps to ensure our charity offers the support that so many individuals need. Amanda joined Team Sparks in 2019 and has made a huge impact to the services we deliver. Definitely a woman to be celebrated!

Matt brings valuable leadership experience to his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Alongside his role as Chair he currently sits on the Legal Leadership Team at Shawbrook Group serving as their Data Protection Officer and also acts as a Trustee for another charity.

He provides leadership to the trustee board in respect of strategic planning helping the charity fulfil its mission.
Matt has first hand insight into the challenges individuals face in employment and enjoys supporting dyslexic individuals and facilitating their development.

“Sparks has established itself as a leading provider for Dyslexic support in East Riding and I welcome the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the organisation.”

Dipti is a highly experienced human resources director, bringing expertise in transforming services and providing strategic perspective, advice, and long-term direction. She balances her commitment as HR Trustee alongside her role as Head of People at Unaric. Dipti's extensive leadership experience enables her to contribute meaningfully to our mission and policies - driving transformation, offering expert guidance, and supporting ongoing development opportunities across the organization.

“Becoming a trustee of Dyslexia Sparks would be profound opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of those with dyslexia. My interest in the charity stems from a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can achieve their full potential.”

As an individual who is dyslexic and who feels fortunate to have received great support throughout his formative years from family and professionals, Duncan joined the Trustee board to support the charity in its mission of helping other dyslexic individuals. Duncan brings his innovative problem-solving skills and experience of working with a range of stakeholders to help grow the charity, with a particular focus on helping the charity develop its strategy for the future.
"I was delighted to join Sparks as a Trustee and play a part in furthering the development of a charity which supports people to overcome the barriers they face being dyslexic. "As someone with dyslexia, I found the learning process difficult, and struggled to engage with during my education. I was fortunate however, to be assessed early and receive great support and engagement - which meant I had the confidence to take on exams and written assignments that may otherwise have felt out of reach. "This drives me as a Trustee - I want to ensure all individuals with dyslexia are supported in the right way and afforded opportunities so they don’t feel like they have to limit their ambitions be that in taking exams or perhaps overcoming other barriers they may face. "I get to work with great people (from Dyslexia Sparks and the other Trustees) and provide my time and knowledge to help shape a charity that has such impact for dyslexic individuals. I find it so humbling to hear of the work the charity delivers and the feedback from clients - so if a little bit of what I do helps on this mission I am very happy indeed!"