MEET THE 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!

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.

Rachel joined the team at the start of 2024. She hit the ground running and quickly made her mark with a sellout event within two weeks. Her background in agencies brings creative ideas and a strategic approach to all our marketing and events. Rachel is driven to make a positive impact by hosting accessible events, raising charity project funds and creating campaigns that empower those affected by dyslexia. Her enthusiastic approach, combined with her strong marketing skills, are set to drive the charity even further forwards!

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.

Helen joined Sparks in March 2024, having built up extensive experience within the education system. Helen’s most recent role was as Deputy Head at a local school, where she excelled at supporting children across the year groups. Helen brings passion and fun to all her lessons, as well as a hard-working nature. She is a fantastic advocate for dyslexic learners, having recently taken on the role of lead for the Sparks Ambassador project. Helen is a real team-player and regularly helps to warm the team’s hearts with her fabulous baked delights!

Matt brings valuable experience in leading diverse teams to his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees. He provides leadership to the trustee board and support the development of strategic plans that fulfil the charity’s mission. Alongside his current position on the Legal Senior Leadership Team at Shawbrook Group, Matt contributes his leadership expertise to support our vision of ensuring dyslexic individuals are fully supported.

Matt has first hand insight into the challenges individuals face in employment and enjoys “supporting dyslexic individuals and facilitating their development but it also made me realise that more can be done to support them.

“Sparks has established itself as the leading provider for support in the area which it operates and I would 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!"