AnnaD

Specialisms and Experience

Autism (including high-functioning) ADD/ ADHD Dyslexia Dyspraxia Confidence and self-esteem Memory and processing Fine and/ or gross motor skills Focus and attention Sensory Processing Disorder English Phonics and reading Educational Consultancy PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) SEBD (Social, emotional, behaviour difficulties) Language and communication Global Developmental Delay Non-verbal Social skills.

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that a holistic and systemic approach is crucial for long lasting impact.

I always aim at surrounding the learning and coaching with the pupils' interests, as I know that intrinsic inspiration leads to independence, determination and maximised performance. It also helps with long term memory, consolidation of new learning experiences as well as positive habit formation.

Teaching and coaching can both be teacher|coach led, student led and I am a huge advocate of cross curriculum experiential learning via discovery and by enhancing students’ academic, behavioural, social, executive function and life skills through generalisation in the real world.

I also love using scaffolding techniques as they can easily build up young people's confidence and self esteem when they achieve their SMART targets with small step-by-step mentoring.

Something Sensational About Me

I was born and raised in Athens, Greece, but have studied, worked and lived in London for the last 10 years.

Since I was young I have had an insatiable desire to help others who needed it the most. I started my journey of helping people with self esteem and confidence issues as a result of their complex individual needs and I helped them maximise academic performance, confidence and social skills.

I have worked as the Head of Humanities and Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher in 8 SEN schools in Central London for the last 10 years. During this time I have been collaborating closely with high calibre multidisciplinary teams of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational, Counselling and Clinical Psychologists. I have therefore a solid and rich repertoire of SLT, OT and other resources and activities that I use and differentiate to help students maximise performance according to particular needs.

In 2019 Connections in Mind sponsored my training as an Executive Function Coach. The most incredible outcome all my students have is an increase in their motivation, confidence, self esteem and independence as the result of the work we do together.

In my capacity as a psychologist (MEd, MBPsS) and executive function coach I am helping neurotypical and neurodiverse people go from where they are to where they want to be. I am helping my students enhance their executive functions, such as response inhibition, emotional control, planning, prioritisation, organisation, time management, task initiation, goal directed persistence, metacognition, cognitive flexibility. These are the challenges young people with specific, moderate and severe special needs face and research shows that when you target these, learning and behaviour can be long lasting. Also, boosting and empowering the executive centre of our brain helps with independence and personal efficiency.

These are some of the incredible outcomes I have had with my current clients:

1.Constantine (diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD) entered Law School despite his significant learning and behavioural challenges and believed in himself and his own capabilities.

2.Matteo (diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD) entered the secondary school of their choice, increased his self esteem and confidence based on parents observation. He also received outstanding reports from the headteacher about being the best student in regards to performance, improvement, motivation and independence.

3.Oli (diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and depression) overcame mental and emotional challenges.

I get a lot of genuine brilliant feedback from parents who see results and this is the best feeling for me, these are a few examples:

1.This is what Lise, Business Owner and Entrepreneur, said after coaching her daughter, her son and husband:

'You have been a very positive influence in our life. My children have a renewed motivation, initiative and independence!'

2.This is what Sole, Art Director, said after coaching her son: 'Our son is much more confident and has embraced his high IQ owning up to it, not only by getting better grades at school but also with great results on his Pre-Test Exams. This was also acknowledged by the headmaster on his report. We are extremely happy with the work our son has put into it. He has learnt to focus and be much more responsible and organised, thanks to all your hard work and support and we really appreciate it'.

Studies:
BEd in Education,
MEd in Psychology,
British Psychological Society Accreditation,
Executive Function Coaching Accreditation,
Leadership Certification,
Life Coaching Certification,
Bronze and Silver International Dance Teacher Association Awards in Latin.

Hobbies:

Travelling, tasting food from different cultures, photography, art, philosophy, psychology, reading.

I also love dance. I dance Latin (Bronze & Silver IDTA Award) and Tango Argentino and have taught dance choreographies to students with various special needs (including gross and fine motor difficulties) improve balance, increase confidence and self esteem.

Mission:

I am on a mission to work systemically and holistically helping students maximise performance in all areas and helping families thrive!

SPECIFIC AREAS COVERED

up to 60 mins travel

Location