Malvern Alumnae 100 Profile

MSJ 2010 Leaver

“It’s not fair,” I often cried to my parents, every day after school pursuing arduous homework that was meant to take 10 minutes, but took me 30. I always found throughout my early years of education that my dyslexia was slowly eroding my self-confidence and my ability to do anything right. Little did I know that all of this arduous homework would turn into what I would say is one of the greatest gifts that dyslexia can be transformed into: determination.

I joined St. James’s when I was 10 years old and it was there that I found teachers started to believe and focus on my abilities. I found this most prominently in Music under the direction of Lynne Lindner. Lynne quickly discovered my unknown musical abilities and was placing me into choirs and giving me singing lessons the minute I arrived. She instilled hope and purpose into me and throughout my secondary education gave me ample opportunities to sing solos in cathedrals, musicals, operas and on choir tours across Europe. Music had given me a voice that I was so scared to use before.

My passion for Music and the inspiration of Lynne’s teaching meant that I went onto pursue both Music and Education at university. I was so determined to be ‘that’ teacher who helps children find their voice, increases their self-belief and removes the stigma attached to learning difficulties. I feel very privileged in my current role, Head of Performing Arts at Calder House School, a dyslexic specialist school, where I can do this on a daily basis and help inspire dyslexic pupils to thrive.

What does success look like?

To find meaning in what you do.

What is your best piece of advice?

The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal, physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will stop you. 5-4-3-2-1-GO!