About Me
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow." Anthony J. D'Angelo
I’m Roanna, a qualified teacher, SENDCo and SEND specialist, and a Level 7 assessor for dyslexia and dyscalculia, with over 25 years’ experience supporting children and adults with additional needs across primary, secondary, further education and workplace settings.
I provide clear assessments that help individuals understand their learning profile, recognise their strengths and move forward with confidence.
My Story
My passion for supporting others with additional needs is both professional and personal. My younger brother had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy alongside specific learning difficulties, and growing up, I spent many hours supporting his learning. When his secondary school was unable to meet his needs, he was home educated, which had a lasting impact on my understanding of how vital the right support is for children to thrive.
This experience shaped my career and continues to drive my commitment to providing inclusive, compassionate, and high‑quality support that helps individuals understand their strengths and fulfil their potential.
Training And Professional Experience
I am a qualified teacher with experience across both primary and secondary education, preparing pupils for phonics screening, Key Stage 1 and 2 SATs and GCSEs. Alongside classroom teaching, I have worked as a SENDCo for fifteen years. Following completion of the National SENCo Qualification and the NPQSL, I have served on senior leadership teams across a number of schools.
Within this role, I have supported a wide range of learners with additional needs, helped to establish a new school including a specialist Autism base, and I have been employed as a Local Authority Teaching Advisor Lead for Maths and Special Educational Needs across the South West.
To ensure my practice is informed by the latest research and best practice, I have undertaken extensive postgraduate and specialist training focused on specific learning difficulties. I am AMBDA and AMBDAD qualified; I am an OCN accredited Workplace Needs Assessor; and I have APC status with the British Dyslexia Association, where I am an Associate Member. In addition, I am a Professional Member of PATOSS and the Dyscalculia Network. This enables me to carry out high‑quality diagnostic assessments and provide informed, practical recommendations for children, young people and adults.
Philosophy
I believe that everyone should know that they matter and that they are capable of achieving great things. Too often, children and adults lose confidence because of their difficulties rather than being supported to recognise their strengths.
With understanding, perseverance and a multi‑sensory approach to learning, I believe everyone can flourish. Supporting individuals to develop confidence, self‑belief and a positive understanding of how they learn and work is at the heart of Flourishing Minds.
Summary of Qualifications
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BSc Hons in Education Studies, Bath Spa University
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MSc in Computer Science, Cardiff University
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Post Graduate Certificate in Middle Years Teaching Computer Science, Bath Spa University
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Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education Needs, University of South Wales
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National Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinator
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National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
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OCN Work Place Needs Assessor Certificate
Dyslexia And Dyscalculia Qualifications and Accreditations
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Post Graduate Certificate in Specific Leaning Difficulties - Dyscalculia, Edge Hill University
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Post Graduate Certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties - Dyslexia, Bath Spa University
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Teaching and Assessing Learners HE/FE 18 Years+ Edge Hill University
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Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
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Enhances DBS clear certificate
Professional Memberships
Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA and APC)
Full Professional Membership of the Professional Association of Teachers of SPLDs (PATOSS)
Full Professional Membership of the Dyscalculia Network