Who we are

David McLoughlin Ph.D., AFBPsS, C.Psychol.
David is an educational and occupational psychologist who provides diagnostic assessments to dyslexic people of all ages, including children. He also provides career guidance for adolescents and adults. He is a visiting professor at the University of Buckingham, and has acted as an advisor to the British Dyslexia Association. David is a regular contributor to national and international dyslexia conferences and publications, and is the principal author of ‘Adult Dyslexia: Assessment, Counselling and Training’ (Whurr, 1994) and co-author of ‘The Adult Dyslexic: Interventions and Outcomes’ (Whurr, 2002).

Carol Leather BA Hons, PGCE, DipSpld, AMBDA, APC SpLD
Carol directs the educational and training activities of the Independent Dyslexia Consultants. She has particular expertise in providing advice to dyslexic individuals in the workplace and to their employers and trainers. Carol conducts one-to-one workplace skills sessions and work place assessments and works with students in further and higher education. She does an increasing amount of consultancy work, advising on provision of services, policy and reasonable adjustments. Carol is a contributor to national and international dyslexia conferences and publications, and is co-author of ‘The Adult Dyslexic: Interventions and Outcomes’ (Whurr, 2002).

Bernadette Kirwan Ph.D., PGCE, DipSpLD, Associate Member of The Association for Coaching
Bernadette is trained in language and literature teaching, and in cognitive-behavioural coaching techniques. She specialises in working with adults, providing skill development, IT support and coaching to university students and dyslexic individuals in the workplace, and in providing advice to employers. Bernadette conducts work skills evaluations and trainer assessments. She has a particular interest in people for whom English is a second language, and in dyspraxia.

Rosalind Owens MSc, PGCE, C.Psychol
Rosalind is an educational psychologist who provides assessments and advice for children, their parents and their teachers. In addition to her work with the Independent Dyslexia Consultants, she also visits schools and makes recommendations for intervention in education.

Sylvia Mackewn BA Hons, PGCE, Dip SpLD, AMBDA, APS SpLD
Sylvia works with students in school and further education, and does pro bono work with the Independent Dyslexia Consultants. Sylvia is working on her dissertation for an MA in Special Education.

Alan Martin Ph.D. C.Psychol
Alan is head of a psychology department and works as an associate with the IDC providing diagnostic assessment for adults in Higher Education. Alan works with David and Carol within the Research in Adult Dyslexia (ReAD) centre based at the University of Buckingham. Alan's interests also include other areas of education research such as children's science learning and conceptual change.

Emma Short Ph.D. MSc, AFBPsS, C.Psychol, MAC
A Chartered Health Psychologist, Emma is an experienced teacher, researcher and coach. Her applied coaching work focuses on health and the promotion of self regulation, whilst her work in higher education addresses a broader base. She has been working with the IDC team as an associate, providing diagnostic dyslexia assessments for adults in higher education, after training with David and Carol.

Further tuition and training is provided by visiting staff with specialist expertise in areas such as Information Technology. Please telephone us on 020 7388 8744 for details, alternatively email us info@dyslexia-idc.org