CONTACT ME
To make an appointment, or ask a question.
E mail: frances@outofthebox.net.nz
Phone: (09) 5756124
My background and experience:
I have 23 years’ experience of working with children. My professional journey started at Exeter University in the UK – where I trained in Education; gaining a BA Honours and Post Grad. Honours. There I was lucky enough to be a student of the prestigious Ted Wragg.
Coming out to New Zealand, from the UK in my early twenties, I worked as a teacher, lecturer and then Adviser for the Ministry of Education. I specialised in training teachers in the Arts and Multiple Intelligences.
In the world of Education I have written over 16 books for teachers in: multiple intelligences, dyslexia, the arts, multi-sensory learning and writing.
I am also a writer myself and have eight children’s books published. The Max Stone series, where the main character has dyslexia, is edited by Joy Cowley. McGraw Hill, the first publishers of this series, stated: ‘There is something Dahlian about Frances’ writing style.’ Writing and the arts are passions of mine: passions that I try to inspire children with too.
Six years ago I took my passion for working with children in a new direction – counselling. I trained in Narrative Therapy with David Epston; whom continues to be my supervisor. My work blends the compassion and paradigm shifts that Narrative Therapy offers with my creative and educational experience. I am currently writing: Once upon a Narrative, making sense of issues through story.
I continue to write books and my Out of the Box practice is continually evolving in exciting, cutting edge ways. I also develop programmes for teachers to use with my colleague, Sarah McMurray. Sarah and I work under the name of, Bright As A Button. We offer an exciting range of workshops and resources for teachers and parents, in the area of children that struggle with reading and writing. To find out more, visit: www.brightasabutton.com
TESTIMONIALS:
Parent: ‘Frances has been a complete gift for our family. We are so lucky to have found her. Her unique way of working means my son, Ben, who has quite severe autism, has been able to be taught by Frances and behavioural issues have been worked through in counselling. I am less stressed, our family life is less chaotic and Ben is happier. I can never thank Frances enough for what she has done.’ Jane and Alf.
Teacher: ‘After Frances’s workshop on literacy for ECE teachers I had to shake her hand as I have never met anyone so inspirational or been to a workshop that is so energising and motivating.’
Brenda*
( Details of the ECE workshop and other testimonials can be found at: www.brightasabutton.com)
