Issue 4: This is why I built DCE Dyslexia

DCE Dyslexia was founded with one clear goal: to help every individual learn to read. But dyslexia goes far beyond reading alone. It affects confidence, communication, learning, and how people experience the world around them.

After working in mainstream primary schools across a variety of settings - urban, rural, DEIS 1, and more affluent schools - I began specialising in dyslexia in 2018. I first worked in a Reading School in Dublin before opening Dul Chun Cinn and then The Dyslexia Specialist service during Covid. Since then, I have worked with small groups of students each year across Ireland and internationally, providing structured interventions based on the Orton Gillingham approach, which I believe is one of the most effective methods of instruction.

I later completed my second Master’s degree, this time in Applied Linguistics at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. My focus was on language as communication and how the teaching of dyslexia could be adapted for the Irish language and for learners of all languages and backgrounds.

Language learning has always been a personal passion of mine. As someone who probably has dyslexia myself, I understand both the challenges and the value of finding ways to learn that truly work for the individual. Over the years, I have learned several languages through travelling and living abroad. I lived in Argentina and Brazil from 2007–2008, learning Spanish and Portuguese through everyday life and immersion. I also lived in China, where I studied Mandarin while working with the EU on a METP 4 programme. I studied French and Irish in Ireland, attending Adare Girls School, Laurel Hill Coláiste, and Coláiste na bhFiann. One of my favourite places in the world is Baile na nGall in West Kerry.

My love of learning has always gone beyond academics. I believe that education is deeply connected to confidence, communication, and opportunity. Helping children and their families build skills, self-belief, and a sense of possibility is at the centre of everything I do. Through ongoing research, study, and collaboration with educators worldwide, I continue to bring new knowledge and ideas into my courses, presentations, and newsletters. The USA remains at the forefront of dyslexia research, and I greatly value learning from and engaging with educators there.

Accessibility is extremely important to me, which is why I aim to keep costs low and provide free resources and links whenever possible. My team and I will always do our best to support every individual and family who reaches out for help.

We would love for you to become part of our learning community.

By becoming a member, you help us continue creating practical resources, sharing evidence based insights, and providing support for individuals, families, and educators who need it most.

Every membership makes a meaningful difference.

Learn more about membership here: https://dcedyslexia.com/membership/