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Meet the Team

 Our mission is to create a nurturing space where the 'whole child' can thrive. 

Specialist Practitioner

Suzanne Rowlands

Suzanne holds a Level 5 Certificate in Dyslexia; Literacy, Support and Intervention.

 

She has experience in supporting pupils from Reception up to Year 8. She strikes the important balance between having fun, feeling relaxed and achieving the next steps in learning.

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Our Team

Fran

Francesca Garsed-Brand

Co Founder & Director of Rising Kites

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Fran is a qualified and experienced Specialist Teacher and Dyslexia Assessor, holding a current Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC) accredited by the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS).

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Fran combines her enthusiasm, flexibility, and creativity to inspire her students, helping them become empowered, confident, lifelong learners. She equips them with a wide range of strategies tailored to support their unique goals and needs.

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With extensive experience as both a specialist teacher and assessor, Fran brings invaluable wisdom and insight to the Rising Kites team. Her background as a former classroom teacher fuels her passion for sharing her expertise with parents, teachers, and support staff. Through workshops and one-to-one consultations, Fran provides practical strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into daily life, both at home and in school, to support students with specific learning difficulties.

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Fran’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of children who require learning support is rooted in her own personal experience of growing up in a neurodiverse family. She believes that when children and young people gain a better understanding of their strengths and challenges and are introduced to creative learning methods, their self-esteem flourishes, leading to greater success and happiness.

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Outside of work, Fran enjoys exploring nature on walks and swims in lakes with her family and their lively spaniel. She also loves experimenting in the kitchen, playing netball, and embracing new learning experiences.

Jo

Joanne Caputo

Co Founder & Director of Rising Kites

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Jo is a qualified and experienced Specialist Teacher and Dyslexia Assessor, holding a current Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC) accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA).

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At Rising Kites, Jo brings a wealth of experience from her years of teaching in both state and independent schools. Her diverse background spans specialist teaching, mentoring across primary and secondary education, and 11+ preparation. She has also held senior management roles in both school and commercial education settings.

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People are at the core of Jo's work. She is deeply committed to providing an outstanding and inclusive service, driven by a passion for helping every student thrive. Jo's mission is to empower those with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties to better understand themselves, discover effective learning strategies, and unlock their full potential, all while finding joy in both life and learning.

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As a parent of children with specific learning difficulties, Jo empathises deeply with families navigating neurodiversity. She understands the challenges within the education system and is dedicated to helping parents advocate for their children by understanding their learning profiles and securing the support they need at school.

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Outside of her professional life, Jo is a busy wife and mother of three, originally from South Africa. She has a love for adventure, enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life, exploring new places, and attending the theatre.

Amanda

Amanda Bower

Therapeutic Practitioner

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Amanda holds a BACP approved diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and CPCAB Level 5 Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Children and Young People, specialising in play therapy. She is also a trained Drawing and Talking practitioner.

 

Amanda's background in pastoral care in schools has given her a strong foundation  to understand children's needs and the effect that their emotions have on their learning.  She has also been a youth mentor within Oxford County Council and a peer supporter for new parents. She is very compassionate, calm and creative which makes her an ideal counsellor for young people.

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Amanda is also a mother, enjoys walking, cycling and connecting with people from all walks of life. She is fond of travelling and playing board games. 

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Suzanne

Suzanne Rowlands

Specialist Practitioner

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Suzanne is a qualified Specialist Practitioner holding a Level 5 Certificate in Dyslexia; Literacy, Support and Intervention.

 

Suzanne has been working within independent and state schools since 2014 supporting pupils from Reception up to Year 8.

 

Suzanne is very enthusiastic within her one-to-one sessions and children appreciate her sense of fun.  Using a multi-sensory approach, she thrives by giving pupils the appropriate strategies and self believe that they can achieve their potential and their love for learning.  She also considers that by creating a relaxed, safe and enjoyable environment this empowers learners to achieve their goals.

 

Suzanne is originally from Wales.  She is a military wife and mother of two daughters.  She loves taking walks within the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside and also enjoys being immersed within a good book.

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Rising Kites are committed to helping every child reach their full potential by understanding their unique learning style. Additionally, they aim to empower parents to advocate effectively for their children within our ever-evolving education system. 

 

At the heart of Rising Kites lies a shared passion for helping children and young people with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties thrive. 

 

All Rising Kites Specialist Teacher Assessors hold current Assessment Practicing Certificates (APCs), conduct specialist teaching sessions and dyslexia assessments. All of our staff members are trained in safeguarding and have undergone an enhanced DBS check.

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