Specialist Learning Support and Dyslexia Assessment Hub
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Meet the Team
Our mission is to create a nurturing space where the 'whole child' can thrive.
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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.
INPP and Johansen Practitioner
Katy Oatridge
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INPP Practitioner
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INPP Licentiate
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Johansen provider
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PGCE - Secondary Science Teacher
Katy helps to identify if children’s difficulties are due to retained reflexes. She uses the INPP method, which is an individualised programme of physical exercises. She also supports auditory processing difficulties using the Johansen method.
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.
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.
Katy
Katy Oatridge
INPP Practitioner and Johansen Provider
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After studying Chemistry and then completing her PGCE at Oxford University, Katy taught for 13 years. Whilst teaching, she came upon the INPP method which was being used with students at her school who were struggling either with known learning difficulties, or with issues such as balance, coordination, attention, and underachievement for unknown reasons. She was really impressed with the results so decided to complete the training for the INPP School Intervention Programme.
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Following a move to the Cotswolds, and a career break for the birth of her three children, Katy trained as an INPP Practitioner and has qualified as an INPP Licentiate. She strongly believes that the INPP method can be very successful at removing barriers to learning, caused by retained reflexes. She wants to see children engage in their education and to move forward, rather than be held back by neurodevelopmental issues that may be remedied by an individualised programme of physical exercises. She has also qualified as a Johansen provider, because often auditory processing difficulties can be detected whilst assessing for the INPP programme, and this is an effective programme for remedying these difficulties.
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Katy is based in Shipton-under-Wychwood, however will be able to arrange appointments at the Rising Kites hub in Witney from September 2025. Please contact her by email for more information, or to arrange a consultation: info@reflexreset.co.uk
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See www.reflexreset.co.uk for more information.
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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.