Testimonials
"Right4me is the service we have been looking for but could never find. I am the mother of a 28 year old son who has an intellectual disability. I have been a super mum at supporting him through 12 years of education, navigating his way through the maze to employment, climbing the never ending challenge of independent living, seeking many and varied social and sporting activities, mounting the challenge of State and Federal funding BUT when asked by my son to 'help me find a girlfriend, I don't want to be alone for the rest of my life' I was absolutely clueless. I love a Community Notice Board where I found Right4me. I could write pages about the issues and topics that Tess and my son are exploring: relationships and how to be in one - from the grocery store assistant to a life partner; sexual health and contraception; sexual identity (his and others), not to mention all the incidental learning that happens along the way (ie: literacy, IT navigation, conversation skills). Tess put together an amazing profile of my son, she really gets him, because she really listens and respects him. He is not afraid to ask her questions regarding relationships and sexual knowledge. They go to topics and conversations where I am not needed, wanted, nor wish to be, but I know that he very much needs to go there. I am so grateful for Tess and her service and am excited to see my son's confidence grow and become the man he is now, not the 'perpetual child' role that people with an intellectual disability often are assigned."
Jane, parent of 28 year old with intellectual disability, ACT
"I feel totally privileged to have worked alongside Tess in coaching and mentoring roles in Rwanda. Committed, determined, focused, passionate at the same time as gentle, reassuring, relational and encouraging; I recommend her wholeheartedly."
Cathie, Teacher and Special Educational Needs Coordinator, UK
"We are extremely happy with the tutoring and support Tess is providing our son. She is very passionate about supporting and helping children with Autism and ADHD, a testament to which is the phenomenal development we have observed in our 10 year old son over a span of just a few months since Tess took over his coaching. Our son is now motivated to achieve his goals and reach his true potential.
Tess has the patience, understanding and the ability to keep our son engaged, due to which he looks forward to his sessions with Tess every week. Tess has also been particularly successful in altering her sessions and approach to fit our son’ mood and temperament on any given day and always makes her sessions fun and interesting.
Tess is an outstanding tutor and mentor. Apart from helping our son with his studies, she has also provided him with the opportunity to participate in cooking and science experiences. Tess has helped him with organising his morning and afternoon routine.
We would highly recommend Tess for anyone who would need her support and assistance for children with additional needs based on the improved results we have seen in our child at his school and in his behaviour."
Amit, Parent, ACT
"I like Tess because she is super chill, nice, kind, and caring."
David*, Year 9 student with disability, ACT
"Tess is a remarkable professional. She combines astute emotional sensitivity, her passion for inclusion and her joy in working with people with disability in a way that really sets her apart. She is an asset to her field, and such a pleasure to know!"
Jacqui, Psychologist & professional colleague, ACT
"Tess is an outstanding practitioner. She is very experienced, with high levels of empathy and an absolute advocate for children and young adults with disabilities/special educational needs (SEND). Tess is kind, caring, supportive, and very skilled in SEND pedagogy. Highly recommend!"
Catherine, Director of Whole School Learning Support, SEND & Inclusion, International School, Thailand
"Tess is a super approachable, friendly and warm human being that has the ability to connect to all young people, regardless of ability or age. She is able to relate to the kids and form meaningful and impactful relationships! Tess is a wonderful teacher and all round great person."
Darcy, Learning Support Assistant, ACT
"I feel comfortable around you, I can talk to you, I feel like I can trust you. I do all my work for you...and I don't do that for teachers I don't like!"
James*, Year 9 student with disability, ACT
"I had the privilege of working with Tess to help train teachers in Rwanda. Whilst there, her passion and enthusiasm for inclusion really shone through. She spoke with compassion and respect about the students and teachers she worked with. Tess was always ready to listen to anybody's worries and her smile, sense of humour and positivity boosted everyone."
Ellie, Primary Teacher, UK
"Tess loves wholeheartedly and is passionate about the wellbeing and equality of every individual within society. Her warm, funny and unique personality draw you in and constantly makes you feel like there is sunshine around."
Dahlia, Classroom Teacher, ACT
"Tess successfully builds relationships with young people to deliver content that other teachers may feel uncomfortable and unable to deliver. In particular, she has developed extensive resources and has a wide range of experience working with young people on the Autism spectrum and with intellectual disabilities on topics relating to developing their understanding of their own bodies, relationships, and sex. Tess confidently differentiates and modifies resources depending upon individual needs."
Elizabeth, Secondary Teacher, ACT
"Tess is a natural at developing strong and trusting relationships with the people she works with. These relationships are founded on respect, clear communication and consistent support. The passion she brings to her work is inspiring!"
Hollie, Secondary Teacher, ACT
"Tess always develops such beautiful relationships with the young people she works with. She has such a caring and patient approach that makes learning feel easy and fun. Definitely recommend."
Erin, Learning Support Assistant, ACT
"I had the pleasure of working with Tess on an international teacher development programme in Rwanda. Her immense dedication to the young people she serves was evident from the very first conversation we engaged in. She is a passionate, dedicated professional who ensures that every student and teacher is looked after and able to grow. She has a unique and wonderful way of connecting with any person and throughout our time in Rwanda this made her an exceptional mentor to the people she coached. She is a true credit to the teaching profession!"
Kimberley, Head of Character & Humanities Teacher, UK secondary school
"My experiences have been positive from the first moment I have worked with Right4me. Tess demonstrates genuine care for her clients, and develops a positive affirming rapport that delivers a positive relationship. Tess’s services, care interactions and sense of belonging with the clients is commendable.
The quality of activities are appropriate and these are worked out with the client and carer, reviewed and modified as required.
Tess is very approachable, professional and knowledgeable in her field and I would highly recommend her.
Alice, Support Coordinator, ACT/NSW
"I like Tess because she's a good teacher and I can talk to her about anything. If I'm feeling down, she knows how to cheer me up."
Olivia*, Year 10 student with disabilities
"A really positive, inspirational role model who seeks to maximise everybody's potential. Clearly passionate, young people are always the centre of everything she does. An ambitious individual who strives to be the best and goes above and beyond. A true asset to anything she participates in."
Scott, Secondary Teacher, UK
Tess was great to work with, enhancing our team with her collaborative approach and sharing her skills and knowledge of SEN that she applied wholeheartedly during our work together. She has a wealth of knowledge around education and is particularly dedicated to supporting children and young adults who have additional needs.
Simone, Inclusive Education Advisor, UK SEN Specialist & former colleague at VSO Rwanda
"Tess is passionate and committed to supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is knowledgeable and experienced in this area and was a wonderful colleague to work with."
Hazel, Disability Consultant and former colleague, VSO Rwanda
"The strength I see from Tess comes from a deep passion of wanting what’s best for her students and their growth in our ever-changing society. Tess’ passion doesn’t end at the classroom door - I’ve seen her take on huge tasks overseas, providing first world education to third world cultures and disadvantaged people. She always endeavours to do her best."
Gary, Secondary Teacher, ACT
"I really like you due to your respect and values to other people so that I have been learning more from you. You are passionate to support people with disabilities and build inclusion. Since you have been mentoring me, I saw you are a good mentor and coach so that I could improve many things."
Uwiringiyimana Pacifique, Special Needs Education Contact Officer, VSO Rwanda
"I've known Tess in a professional capacity for three years as a colleague in a special education school.
Tess relates to young people in a calm and empathetic manner. She emphasises an individualised focus on educational outcomes and social and mental wellbeing."
Bec, Secondary Teacher, ACT
"Tess' ability to work with young adults with challenging behaviours is a credit to her professionalism as a teacher."
Linda, Learning Support Assistant, ACT
"I had the pleasure of recruiting and working with Tess in Rwanda. She is diligent, authentic, creative and displays integrity in all she does."