SENDcast Spotlight – Welcome Jane Craig & Samantha Buttle

Holding a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology, I have always held a keen interest in people, and in particular in helping people to develop. I began my career as a researcher at Hull University and progressed to a role as Lecturer in the Hull University Business School. After 10 years in higher education, I ventured away from academia and chose to specialise as a dyslexia tutor and assessor. At this point I discovered my real passion in life – helping neurodiverse individuals to find their inner spark and thrive in their environment. In 2016 I co-founded our charity (my 3^rd baby!), Dyslexia Sparks, on a mission to help dyslexic individuals overcome barriers to success, and a vision for a world where dyslexic individuals are celebrated for what they have to offer.

I trained as a dyslexia specialist within my teaching degree. After spending several years in mainstream education, I felt my expertise in dyslexia support wasn’t being used. I eventually left teaching but later found a national dyslexia charity, where I worked for several years.

I then went on to work with Dyslexia Sparks when it launched in 2016. Our charity has grown and diversified into a range of areas beyond teaching and assessments, and I feel we are able to offer a complete wraparound service.

I found out whilst working at the charity, I myself am dyslexic and have spent a long time, providing myself with supportive strategies to get through my day and working life.

I have a real passion for the people we work with and enabling them to reach their potential. It is amazing to see them grow in confidence and improve their self-esteem, enabling them to go on and achieve things they previously thought impossible!
Last year I completed my master’s degree where I had a particular focus on the self esteem and mental wellbeing of those diagnosed with dyslexia. This was a real moment of achievement within my professional life.