Candice
Specialist Dyslexia & Learning Support Tutor
About Candice
Candice is a fully qualified LDA Consultant Specialist teacher and qualified primary school teacher with over 16 years of experience working with children and adults with learning difficulties. She holds a Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties from the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre in the UK — one of the most respected dyslexia training institutions in the world.
Candice's initial teacher training covered the systematic synthetic phonics framework Letters and Sounds, and she has since worked extensively with Jolly Phonics and Read Write Inc. She went on to complete specialist training in the Orton-Gillingham approach and has continued to develop her practice in evidence-based instruction across morphology, etymology, reading comprehension, handwriting, structured writing, executive function, numeracy and other areas related to specific learning difficulties.
After many years working across primary, secondary, special and international schools, Candice has developed the skills to liaise effectively between teachers, specialists, parents and students — offering strategies, support and advocacy for every learner she works with. Her sessions are structured and evidence-based, while always being responsive to the individual in front of her.
Candice also integrates AI tools thoughtfully into her teaching practice, and takes time to help students understand how to use these tools responsibly — an increasingly important skill for learners in education and the workplace.
If you require a formal diagnosis — for example for presentation to the VCAA with recommendations for exam accommodations in VCE — you will need to engage the services of an Educational Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist with additional training. Candice is happy to advise on this process.
Qualifications
- OCR Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia), Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre
- OCR Level 5 in Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties with Approved Teacher Status (ATS), British Dyslexia Association
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Early Years and Primary
- RSA Certificate of English Language Teaching
- MA Hons Social Anthropology
Professional Memberships
- Consultant Member, Learning Difficulties Australia (LDA)
- Member, SPELD Victoria
Areas of specialism
- Dyslexia and specific learning difficulties
- Systematic synthetic phonics and structured literacy
- Orton-Gillingham based intervention
- The Writing Revolution — structured writing from sentence to essay level
- Jenny Baker Expressive Writing Method
- Reading comprehension and written expression
- Morphology, etymology and vocabulary development
- Executive function and study skills
- Handwriting and numeracy support
- Responsible use of AI as a learning tool
What families and colleagues say
"Working with Candice at Positive Learners for over 7 years has been a transformative educational haven for our family. Her expertise as a Consultant Specialist teacher has been a game-changer for our children navigating ASD, ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia. Her tailored 1:1 sessions covering literacy, numeracy and executive functions are nothing short of remarkable. Candice's personalised and creative approach, leveraging strengths while addressing challenges, has unlocked new levels of progress for our children."
Dr A. Sutton & Dr D. Sutton, Geelong"Candice has been working with our son for 4.5 years. Her patient and encouraging approach ensures that sessions are always a good experience. What sets Candice apart is her ability to make learning enjoyable and engaging. She has built Oliver's confidence enormously — always ensuring sessions are comfortably in his stretch zone, with plenty of achievable goals, so he always has a sense of success. I wholeheartedly recommend Candice to any parent seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate dyslexia tutor."
Andrew W, Geelong — parent of child with dyslexia, ASD and ADHD"Thank you for all your assistance you have given Anne over the years. We would not be where we are now without you — and Anne able to confidently end Year 12."
Parent of Anne, 17 year old student, Geelong region"What you have done for Paul arises from the combination of your skill, expertise and experience, perseverance, and manner; it has not gone unnoticed. Thank you — I am quite affected by everything you have done for him."
Parent of Paul, 7 year old student, Geelong region"Lachlan was very resistant to the idea of attending tutoring, but right from the first session he enjoyed it. The biggest plus for me has been the massive improvement in his self-esteem and self-confidence. His whole attitude towards reading, writing and spelling has changed. He now believes that he can do it. Candice took the time to figure out his learning strengths and needs, and has a very calm, positive and inclusive approach."
Mel K, parent of Grade 5 student, Geelong region"After our son was diagnosed with dyslexia at 7, finding help was not easy — there are very few people in Geelong trained in this field. Candice started tutoring our son in 2016 and we have not looked back. Our son is more confident in reading and making good progress with his writing. He has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. We cannot speak highly enough of her dedication and passion in helping kids with learning difficulties."
Jeanette, parent of 9 year old student, Geelong region"After 3 months our daughter began to read sentences and had the confidence to attempt to sound out more difficult words. Her class teacher commented on the improvement and said she had jumped 3–4 levels in her reading over the summer holidays. Candice has always been very professional, kind, positive and a wonderful support towards not only our child but towards us too."
Sandra, parent of Prep/Year 1 student, Victoria"I thought you may like to know — Jen finished her degree last year with a distinction. I could see her using all the techniques and strategies you taught her. She achieved a distinction for her thesis which was amazing. I believe she will benefit from your teachings for the rest of her life."
Parent of Jen, adult learner, Geelong region"She has been our expert and the proof of her success is in the SATs results for all the children who had the privilege of working with her. One child in particular with a diagnosis for dyslexia made 2 levels of improvement over the year she worked with Candice."
Jackie Benjamin, Deputy Headteacher, Princess May Primary School"Thank you so very much for all that you have done over the years. Our journey together since primary school has been amazing and without you I wouldn't have achieved what I have. Forever grateful."
Kylie, 15 year old student, Geelong region