28th April 2024

Hi, I'm Lou!

I thought it was time to introduce myself and tell you why I'm so passionate about helping people with dyslexia unlock reading and writing:

During my 20 years as a primary school teacher, I’d always been drawn to the boys and girls in my class who were labelled ‘naughty’ or ‘lazy’. I worried about the quiet, anxious children and the ones who didn’t want to be at school.

Hearing children refer to themselves as ‘stupid’ or ‘useless’ broke my heart. I knew that, deep down, they wanted to learn; they longed to be able to read and write like their peers. But because they found it so difficult, for some it was easier to be 'disruptive' than to sit and struggle day in, day out.

I was determined to find a way to help them. So I started researching...

I came across Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and got very excited as I realised that it might hold the answer. I studied with a top practitioner, paying particular attention to how the approach applied to children with learning difficulties, and especially dyslexia. I started to blend my teaching skills and experience with this new-found knowledge – and I was stunned by the results.

I watched as these youngsters transformed from children who believed they would never read or write properly into students who were happy, confident readers, many of whom also enjoyed writing. Most importantly, they re-gained their self-esteem – something they’d lost in their belief that they were stupid.

It was so simple and so effective that I trained teachers and teaching assistants as well.

I’ve spent over a decade researching, practising and refining this process, blending 26 years’ teaching experience and Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques into a form that can be shared with educators and parents too – so they have the tools and understanding to be part of their child’s transformational journey.

I love my work. My dyslexic students (diagnosed or suspected and often with ADHD/ ASD) are some of the brightest, most creative humans around. I learn from them every time we meet.

When I'm not working, I love walking with my dog, enjoying my garden, spending time with friends, and anything food related! 

If you'd like to know more about my Unlock Learning process, get invited to free, online workshops, have access to information and resources or just keep up with what's going on - feel free to get in touch or visit my website and join my list.

www.unlock-learning.co.uk