About Us
The name SPELD stands forSPEcific Learning Difficulties
SPELD Victoria Inc (SPELD) is a not-for-profit organisation providing information and services to children and adults with Specific Learning Difficulties and those who care for, teach and work with them.
History
With nearly 44 years of experience, SPELD Victoria's history is indeed rich.....
In March 1968, The National Symposium on Dyslexia was held in Victoria at the Australian College of Speech Therapy. At this time, professionals from across Australia gathered to discuss the hidden problem affecting so many in the community: Specific Learning Difficulties. From this meeting, a Victorian Committee for Dyslexia Children was devised and appointed. This then resulted in the establishment of SPELD Victoria in August 1969
In 2012, SPELD Victoria will continue to work to uphold the values set down all those years ago and to continue to assist those with learning difficulties within our community.
Management
SPELD is overseen by a Board of Governance, whose members include parents, teachers and other interested professionals.
SPELD is supported by teams of dedicated volunteers, donations from the public, memberships and annual grants.
Location
We are located centrally at 494 Brunswick Street, North Fitzroy 3068 (see map below).
The SPELD Victoria Office Team
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Professional Development Manager
Hilary Davidson | Email| 03 9489 4344
Office Manager
Vicky Pappa | Email | 03 9489 4344
The SPELD Board of Governance
President
Mandy Brent–Houghton was first elected to the SPELD Board in 2009 and became President in 2010. Mandy founded Extra Ed, a private speech pathology practice specialising in language and literacy for school age children and their parents. She is the co-author of 2 texts: 'One in Eleven: Practical Strategies for Adolescents with a Language Learning Disability' and 'Working Together: Linking Skills and Curriculum for Adolescents with a Language Learning Disability'. She is currently the chair of the SPELD Victoria Board of Governance and the People and Governance Subcommittee.
Vice –President
Marilyn Bradbury first joined the SPELD Board of Governance in 2006, and became Vice President in 2009. She has been a committed member of SPELD Victoria and Auspeld (2006-9) for many years and has worked tirelessly for changes to individual and school based services for children with learning difficulties. Marilyn has run a successful private tutoring practice and is presently involved in the development of the SPELD policy for dyslexia friendly schools and identifying best practise for whole school literacy programs.
Treasurer
Marg Mulqueen Bush was elected to the Board of Governance in 2009 and became Treasurer soon after. She is the chair of the finance subcommittee. Since her early teaching days, Marg has been concerned for those in her community who struggled to gain adequate literacy levels. She has built her business, ‘LD Learning Differently,’ to support disabled students in her region. Marg initiated and formed the parent support group in the Macedon Ranges region, which has since gained the support of SPELD . She is currently working to encourage and activate both metropolitan and regional Parent Support groups .
Auspeld Representative
Jeni Blake joined the SPELD Victoria Board of Governance in 2006. She has represented the board at Auspeld 2009-2010. Jeni has extensive experience both as a parent and a professional in the area of learning disability and knows from personal experience the value of early intervention. She has worked in the government, independent and Catholic education systems in both primary and secondary education as well as special education. Jeni is currently a DEECD consultant in hearing and vision impairment with a particular interest in identifying learning disability in the special education population.
Board Member
Richard McGough was elected to the Board of Governance in 2011 and will chair the marketing subcommittee. He has held senior management positions in various industry sectors including retail, manufacturing and public utilities, and has extensive experience in marketing, merchandising and business planning disciplines. Richard started his career as a teacher and has retained a keen interest in all levels of education - particularly those which address learning difficulties in children.
Board Member
Kerrie Bradburn was elected to the Board of Governance in 2011 and will chair the risk management subcommittee. She has over 25 years experience working as an Administrator and Executive Assistant in the Corporate and Not-for-Profit sectors. She is also a parent of 2 children with learning difficulties and is passionate about influencing the educational outcomes for all LD children. She is working with Margaret Mulqueen, Marilyn Bradbury and other parents to form a parent support group in the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges area. Kerrie has a keen interest in volunteering for local organisations and enjoys working in the not-for-profit sector.
Educational Psychologists
Janice Beddome
Angela Coughlan
Dr. Daryl Greaves
Trish Pearson
Dr. John Ryan
Jennifer Finemore
Penny Storey
Sara Gook
Professional Development & Learning Team
Daryl Greaves
Pat Minton
Di Ohlsen
Wendy Lowe
Lisa Dinan
Claire Clayton
Information Technology Team
Jo Evans
Yvonne Lynch
Lyn Pedler
Mary Delahunty
Pat Minton
Shelley Adair
Diane Barwood
Publications: Bulletin & Journal Team
Chris Davidson
Dick Weigall
Dr. Daryl Greaves
Chris Davidson is one of the co-founders of SPELD Victoria and a member of the initial steering committee. He has made a significant contribution to SPELD Victoria over many years. He still volunteers his time at SPELD as the co-editor of 'The Australian Journal of Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities' and 'The Bulletin'. Chris was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2009 for his services to special education. A remarkable man, Chris contribution at SPELD is greatly appreciated.
Patrons
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch A.C.; D.B.E.
Professor Keith Houghton Dean of Economics, Australian National University
Other SPELD Supporters
The David Syme Charitable Trust
Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation
Ansvar Insurance - Community Education Program
Department of Planning and Community Development (Vision Australia/SPELD)
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
The Specific Learning Difficulties (SPELD) Association of Victoria
