Empowering Educators to Support Every Learner

The Dyslexia Centre of Excellence is a dedicated initiative founded by Catherine Mulvihill, an experienced educator, dyslexia specialist, and course creator based in Ireland. With over 13 years of classroom experience and a strong academic background, Catherine established this platform to empower teachers with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to support students with dyslexia effectively.

Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Education and most recently completed an MA in Applied Linguistics at Mary Immaculate College (2022/23), where her research explored the knowledge and preparedness of Irish primary school teachers in supporting students with dyslexia. Her findings highlighted the significant need for up-to-date, specialised training for teachers – training that The Dyslexia Centre of Excellence is now proud to deliver.

Drawing on her background in education and research, Catherine designs courses that are practical, evidence-based, and aligned with the evolving needs of today’s classrooms. Her focus is on early identification, inclusive strategies, assistive technologies, and fostering positive learning environments for all students.

At the heart of this work is a belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed – and that by equipping educators, we can unlock the potential of every learner with dyslexia.

Let’s hear it from Catherine

In 2017, after completing my Master’s in Education, I joined one of Ireland’s five designated reading schools. It was there that I deepened my understanding of dyslexia and developed the skills to adapt both the learning environment and teaching methods to meet individual needs. I quickly learned that no two learners with dyslexia are the same. It’s a spectrum, and every student brings their own strengths, challenges, and potential.

That belief – that learning should be personalised and empowering – has guided my work ever since. In 2018, I opened a private after-school reading school in Tralee, Co. Kerry. We offered structured English intervention to small groups and individual primary school children. When the world shifted in 2020, so did we – bringing our classes fully online and expanding our reach across Ireland. To date, we’ve supported over 120 children in their academic journeys and personal growth.

In 2022/23, I completed an MA in Applied Linguistics at Mary Immaculate College, with a particular focus on language acquisition and the needs of second language learners. This further shaped my approach to inclusive, effective teaching.

The Dyslexia Centre of Excellence is the next step in that journey – designed not just for students, but for teachers. I’ve seen first-hand the impact that knowledge, support, and confidence can have on an educator. My goal is to share what I’ve learned with teachers in Ireland and beyond – so they, in turn, can make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.