Where learning meets real

understanding

Speech bubble with a purple outline containing the text: "Hi, I'm Kara, the mind behind Kindling Minds!"

“I believe it takes just that one teacher to understand him to make a difference, and that has been you!”

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~ Parent A

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“Miss Hunter is kind, caring, supportive, and I never want her to leave because she is the best teacher ever!”

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~ Child B

“He has never enjoyed school, and the difference in his attitude to school has been amazing and so lovely to see.”

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~ Parent C

My Promise to You!

At Kindling Minds, this isn’t just tutoring. It’s connection, confidence, and kindness, wrapped into one playful, purposeful package.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, or brilliant young learner, here’s what I promise every step of the way:

For Parents & Carers

You’ll receive:

  • Personalised support tailored to your child’s unique learning needs,

  • Open, honest communication and regular check-ins,

  • Practical strategies you can use at home,

  • A safe space where neurodiversity is celebrated, not “managed”,

  • Resources, tools, and advice without judgment.

You are not alone in navigating this journey! I’ll walk alongside you.

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For Children

You’ll feel:

  • Heard, understood, and never rushed,

  • Supported in ways that work for your brain, not against it,

  • Encouraged to explore and express your ideas, your way,

  • Learning can be fun again,

  • Safe to be fully yourself! Stims, quirks and all!

You are brilliant, and we’ll celebrate what makes you different, every session, every step.

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Why Kindling Minds is Different

  1. Led by a neurodivergent teacher who truly gets it,

  2. Sessions are playful, practical, and pressure-free,

  3. Resources are designed with accessibility and joy in mind,

  4. I believe in nurturing the whole child, not just ticking off targets,

  5. I don’t fit children into boxes; I build supports around them.

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Kindling Minds exists because I couldn’t find this kind of support when I needed it! So I created it for others who do.

I struggled in school,

but you don’t have to!

As someone with dyslexia and autism, I know what it feels like to learn differently and to be overlooked in school. It wasn’t until a few exceptional educators believed in me and adapted their approach that I began to truly thrive.

I started Kindling Minds to create the kind of learning space I once needed: one that’s inclusive, compassionate, and tailored to each child’s unique way of thinking. My goal is simple: to support children in a way that makes sense to them, building not just academic skills, but confidence, wellbeing, and self-belief. Because with the right support, every child can shine, not in spite of their differences, but because of them.

My Skills and Expertise

At Kindling Minds, I’ve built my practice around connection, confidence, and kindness. I know from my own experience with dyslexia and autism how important it is to feel understood, and how life-changing the right support can be. That’s why every session is calm, positive, and centred on building a strong, trusting relationship. Fun, laughter, and feeling safe are always part of the process – because when learners feel secure, they thrive.

Supporting Neurodivergent Learners

I specialise in working with learners who think and learn differently – including those with dyslexia, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and processing difficulties. My sessions are always personalised: I use multi-sensory tools, concrete resources, visuals, games, technology, and flexible strategies to see what “clicks” for each learner.

My first-class honours degree in Primary Education gave me a strong academic foundation, and my dissertation, “Dyslexia within Scottish Primary Schools: The efficacy of dyslexia support provision within the First Level”, deepened my expertise in inclusive practice. More importantly, my lived experience means I understand the challenges neurodivergent learners face – and how powerful it is to have someone believe in you.

Building Confidence & Wellbeing

I focus not only on skills, but also on confidence, self-esteem, and independence. Many of my learners come to me feeling anxious or “behind,” and together we break down barriers, celebrate strengths, and make learning feel possible again. Emotional wellbeing is always part of my approach, as I believe education and confidence go hand in hand.

Core Subjects & Study Skills

I deliver tailored support in literacy, numeracy, and wider curriculum areas, always starting from where the learner feels most comfortable. For some, this means breaking maths concepts into small, achievable steps; for others, it’s building literacy through visual organisers, short writing tasks, or using technology like text-to-speech.

I also support learners with executive functioning, study skills, revision, and exam preparation. Sessions are structured to reduce overwhelm – breaking down tasks, teaching practical strategies, and using visual planners and memory aids.

Family & School Collaboration

I know that learning doesn’t stop when the session ends. That’s why I often involve parents, carers, and schools to share strategies, visuals, and routines that support consistency at home and in the classroom. My work also includes creating personalised tools like homework schedules, visual timetables, or calm corner resources.

Autism & Student-Led Learning

When working with autistic learners (including PDA profiles), I value student voice. I give choices, follow interests, and design sessions that empower rather than overwhelm. Every learner deserves to feel heard and respected.

Why Kindling Minds?

What makes Kindling Minds unique is the blend of:

Lived experience as a neurodivergent person

Professional expertise as a qualified teacher

A child-centred, compassionate approach

I don’t believe in “fixing” learners. Instead, I celebrate difference, nurture potential, and create the conditions for every child, young person, or adult to shine in their own way.

Kindling Minds is more than support – it’s a safe space where learning feels good, confidence grows, and every mind matters.

👩🏼‍🎓Focused Research & Expertise

As part of my First Class Honours degree, I conducted in-depth research into dyslexia provision in Scottish primary schools. My dissertation, “Dyslexia within Scottish Primary Schools: The efficacy of dyslexia support provision within the First Level” (Hunter, 2021), explored how effective support strategies are implemented, and the real impact they have on learners.

This research continues to shape my practice today, grounding Kindling Minds in evidence-based approaches that are both practical and neurodiversity-affirming. Parents, teachers, and educators can trust that every resource and session is informed not only by lived experience but also by academic research and professional training.

🔗 Read the full dissertation here