Join #TeamSparks in the Hull 10K
Calling all runners... Dyslexia Sparks are taking on the Hull 10K to raise money for our charity. Are you ready for a fun filled morning with a little bit of…
MEET THE TEAM
Hull & East Yorkshire's only registered charity for dyslexia.
Meet Our TEAM
In 2016 Jane co-founded the charity and has continued to head up the Dyslexia Sparks team since its creation. Leading the charity towards their shared vision, Jane offers guidance, support and flexibility, allowing each member of the Sparks team to reach their potential within their work and to strive for job satisfaction. With a background in psychology, and previously working as a lecturer at the University of Hull, Jane is passionate about helping people to develop – in all walks of life. Jane shows continued determination in achieving the charity’s mission, and leads a team of dedicated individuals working towards the same objective – to support dyslexic individuals in overcoming any barriers to success and enabling them to make valued contributions to the world around them. Jane considers herself very lucky to be meeting and working with fantastic dyslexic individuals every day!
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!
With the charity from its beginning, Sam brings her ideas and passion to her role every day. As a dyslexic individual, she knows what it can be like to face barriers to your learning, and Sam uses this insightful perspective to offer understanding and guidance to the charity’s beneficiaries. Sam has been a pivotal part of helping Dyslexia Sparks to develop and is fundamental to the services we offer – including diagnostic assessments, specialist tuition, and teacher training. Sam also leads our team of specialist tutors, offering them guidance, support and a listening ear. Sam’s enthusiasm and forward-thinking nature make her a force to be reckoned with!
Joining Team Sparks as the COVID pandemic hit, Laura was truly thrown into the deep end, taking the role of specialist teacher in her stride and proving herself to be a crucial member of the team in delivering specialist tuition in a new way for the charity - online. During her time with Dyslexia Sparks, Laura has continued to bring her positive nature and excellent teaching skills to her role, helping many students to progress with their learning. Laura demonstrates strength and resilience and is an inspirational woman to many around her.
Gaining a Level 5 and Level 7 qualification along the way, Amy always works hard to achieve her goals. In her interactions with children and parents, Amy’s kindness shines through, and she is always willing to go out of her way to help.
Recently taking on the role of Assistive Tech Lead, Amy is now helping to push the charity forward in a new area – showing continued commitment to the charity’s objectives.
Recently taking on the role of Assistive Tech Lead, Amy is now helping to push the charity forward in a new area – showing continued commitment to the charity’s objectives.
Meet Our TRUSTEE BOARD
Back in 2018 I was a worried parent with a child who was really struggling at school. I contacted Dyslexia Sparks on the recommendation of a friend, and my daughter was identified as dyslexic. Since then and with the support of Sparks’ specialist tuition my daughter has grown in confidence and reads for pleasure.
‘As a parent I was so impressed with the journey of effective support we have been given and I wanted to give something back. In the summer of 2021, I applied to become a Trustee for Dyslexia Sparks. Now I feel I can contribute to an amazing organisation and gain skills and experience for myself.
‘As a parent I was so impressed with the journey of effective support we have been given and I wanted to give something back. In the summer of 2021, I applied to become a Trustee for Dyslexia Sparks. Now I feel I can contribute to an amazing organisation and gain skills and experience for myself.
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!"
"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!"
Bernie was inspired to become a Sparks Trustee this year after hearing the special story of one our Sparky Students, Tristan. "He lit something in me and I thought “do you know what, I want to help, having struggled with dyslexia all my life.” I’ve also helped my own child with her struggles and now she’s at university - super proud Mum moment! - so I’d like to try and help other children. 'I love to be able to say that I help the charity and help dyslexic children with their challenges. This gives me joy, satisfaction and a bit of pride if I’m honest - because I was told in school I’d never amount to anything. "I have 50 years of understanding what it’s like to be dyslexic and never having anyone who truly helped, so I really have an understanding of how difficult it can be to be dyslexic without the right support. I am passionate and not afraid to speak up about dyslexia and how important it is to get make sure people are supported in the right way. "I also have an understanding of how hard it is to run a charity, which makes the Trustee role so important in making sure Sparks is able to continue supporting dyslexic individuals today and in the future."
