Arlene is the Founder and Director of Canterbury Dyslexia Centre. She is a Specialist Teacher and Assessor registered with the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties and the British Psychological Society, Psychological Testing Centre. She has extensive experience supporting children, young people and adults with dyslexia and co-occurring specific learning differences (SpLDs) including ADHD and Autism/ASC.

Arlene returned to education as a mature student, whilst raising her children. On completion of her first degree in Psychology she undertook an Advanced Diploma in Special Educational Needs and subsequently a Masters degree in Education (SEN). Following a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Canterbury Christ Church University, she joined East Court School, a specialist school for children with dyslexia and dyspraxia. Here she worked as a Specialist Teacher and Manager of the Junior Department. During this time, she completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and Literacy, with Dyslexia Action, and gained a Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing, validated by the British Psychological Society. Following her time at East Court Arlene worked as an Inclusion Manager at a local primary school and delivered a range of school INSET. Before setting up Canterbury Dyslexia Centre in 2012 she worked as an Independent Assessor for Ashford Dyslexia Centre, the University of Kent, and Canterbury Christ Church University.

Arlene also helped to establish DEKS (Dyslexia East Kent Support), a local charity group supporting dyslexic individuals and their families. She has been their Chairperson since 2010. For further information on DEKS, please click here.

Alongside her professional experience, Arlene has personal insight into additional neurodivergence following an adult ADHD diagnosis. This has deepened her understanding of the nuanced ways neurodivergence can affect learning and has heightened her passion for supporting children and young people with their emotional regulation, self-esteem, and daily functioning. She has since undertaken training in Emotional Regulation assessment, Cognitive Behavioural Coaching (CBC) for Young People and Adults with ADHD and completed a Drawing & Talking Therapy Foundation course.

Arlene shows an insightful understanding of the complex relationship between learning differences, emotional regulation, sensory processing, behaviour, anxiety, and self-esteem, and takes a holistic, child-centred approach to support.