Meet the Volunteers
Dyslexia Cornwall would not exist without volunteers. Our volunteers bring a wealth of skills that allows us to do more for people with dyslexia and their families.
The volunteers are a vital link in raising awareness of our work and helps us to develop strong links with communities across the county.
Stephanie Simpson – Helpline and Outreach Volunteer
I have been volunteering for the Dyslexia Cornwall for many years. I specialise in providing advice and guidance to parents, screenings for children and reading and spelling strategies for individuals or groups.
I have a great depth of knowledge of dyslexia and dyspraxia developed through my specialist training, including a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Education. I have also attained OCR Level 5 and Level 7 in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties.
I live in Falmouth and can see clients at the centre or locally if preferred.
Jo Cornes – Outreach Volunteer
Jo is a fully qualified and experienced dyslexia tutor and assessor – with a specialism in teaching and assessing children in the primary and secondary settings (7-16); including literacy support and early identification in the younger years.
Jo worked for the Miles Dyslexia Centre in North Wales (close to the Snowdonia National Park) for 8 years working as a dyslexia tutor, founder of the Leap into Literacy Club and undertaking dyslexia research into bilingual literacy interventions. During this time, Jo also worked in the Student Support Services within the higher education sector providing specialist advice to students with dyslexia and co-occurring Specific Learning Difficulties.
More recently, Jo has continued working with adults in the Further Education/Higher Education sector, providing specialist study skills support and focusing on her diagnostic dyslexia assessments. Jo loves working with adults and children alike and particularly enjoys the rewarding nature of supporting learners in reaching their academic goals and in fully realising their immense potential.
Louise Conway – Outreach Volunteer
I decided to become a volunteer with Dyslexia Cornwall to try to help those who have Dyslexia. I’m not dyslexic, but I have learned a lot about the subject as my husband and children are.
My experience is relevant to primary school aged children. I’ve advised my children’s school with their whole school approach to teaching dyslexic pupils to promote inclusion, understanding and tackle and stigma kids might be feeling.
I feel privileged to be a very small part of such a talented, dedicated team of specialists with such a huge wealth of experience and knowledge.
Sheelagh Warner – Outreach Volunteer and Assessor
I have been volunteering for the past four years mainly leafleting and sharing my dyslexia/dyspraxia and ADHD knowledge at events in Newquay. I also do adult assessments for Dyslexia Cornwall referred through Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C).
Rachel Tomlinson – Helpline and Outreach Volunteer
Having worked as a secondary school teacher mainly working with both G.C.S.E and ‘A’ Level students, I moved to Cornwall and worked as Cover Teacher in a local secondary school. It was during this time that I encountered many children struggling to access the curriculum.
I completed my OCR Level 5 and Level 7 in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties. This gave me a greater insight and understanding of specific learning difficulties and enabled me to support students both in their studies and assessing them to ensure that they receive the correct support in school/university for DSA/workplace.
I have worked with Dyslexia Cornwall as a helpline advisor for several years and feel that my knowledge and insight has enabled people to gain a better understanding of their difficulties and realise their strengths. I am currently working as an Assessor with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).
Sarah Lane – Helpline Volunteer
I am a fairly recent recruit to volunteering with Dyslexia Cornwall. I am a specialist tutor for children and young people with dyslexia. I have a level 7 certificate in SpLD as well as a PGCE in English. I work with Primary aged children, Secondary up to and including GCSE English Language, and as a Study Skills Support Tutor with Falmouth University. I believe it is possible to teach anyone to read. I live in Townshend and work from home. My side interests are gardening, singing and art.