Rhiannon attended the University of Edinburgh, close to her hometown in Fife, Scotland. During this time, she gained a flavor for teaching through volunteering for educational programs, and spending a year as an English language assistant in a high school on the outskirts of Berlin. After graduating with Master of Arts (Honors) in German with French, Rhiannon remained in Edinburgh to complete the Post Graduate Certificate in Education, specializing in foreign languages. Having gained some experience of educational support during her first year of teaching French and German, Rhiannon was offered the opportunity to work as a learning support teacher in Glasgow. Although enthusiastic about languages and culture, she felt this was the area of education she wished to pursue. Rhiannon then went on to complete a post graduate diploma in educational support through the University of Glasgow, specializing in language and communication difficulties.

Through her job as learning support teacher, Rhiannon has worked with primary and secondary school age students, with wide ranging needs across a number of subject areas. Rhiannon implemented a number of support programs for students, covering mathematics, literacy, social skills, foreign languages, study skills, science and points of transition. During her four years as learning support teacher, Rhiannon worked collaboratively with teachers and support assistants, as well as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and health professionals. Rhiannon delivered staff training in individualized education plan writing, and devised a number of whole school resources to respond to major changes in educational support legislation.

After relocating to New York, Rhiannon undertook a number of voluntary projects through the organization “New York Cares”. These included tutoring grade 1- 3 students at an after school club in Hell’s Kitchen, yoga for autistic children in Park Slope, SAT tutoring in Williamsburg and adult education classes in Bushwick. Rhiannon continues to volunteer with projects throughout the city, and even had the opportunity to volunteer at the New York Marathon!

Coming from Scotland, Rhiannon has a love of the outdoors and natural scenery – she enjoys walking and cycling, and has travelled to many of the United State’s national parks since moving here. Rhiannon also enjoys listening to live music of all genres, going to the theatre and cinema.

Rhiannon is dedicated to meeting the needs of all students, and aims to ensure that all students are given equal opportunities for success. Providing support is a highly collaborative process, and Rhiannon makes sure that everyone involved plays a central role, including parents and students. Rhiannon strives to deliver support in the most inclusive way possible, making use of a multitude of opportunities for learning and achievement and, most importantly, the strengths and interests of the individual.

Qualifications

M.A. (Hons) German, University of Edinburgh, UK
Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Support with specialism in communication difficulties, University of Strathclyde, UK