Reading Clinic Appoints Tina Harris
The Reading Clinic announced that Martina [Tina] Harris is their Executive Director.
A spokesperson said, “Founded in 1968, Bermuda’s cornerstone charity dedicated to supporting children with learning differences announced the appointment of a new Executive Director, Martina [Tina] Harris today.
“The Reading Clinic provides support to children who have dyslexia and related challenges by providing the help and support they need to reach their full potential. The Clinic has positively impacted the lives of nearly a thousand individuals since inception with many in our community directly crediting their success to the support and dedication of their tutors.
“Tina will assume the role from September 1st and is very well positioned lead the Clinic into its next chapter. As an educator and school leader for over 25 years, Tina brings a wealth of experience to the Clinic.
“She holds a Bachelor of Education specializing in Early Childhood Education from McGill University and holds a Masters of Science with a focus on Mathematics from Wheelock College. She served as the Head of Primary at The Bermuda High School for Girls for 16 years and upon retiring from that position, opened her own business as an educational tutor and coach.
“As the new Executive Director, Tina will provide strategic leadership to the Clinic and will oversee day-to-day operations, develop and implement programs and initiatives, foster partnerships and fundraising initiatives, and lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Tina will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the organization, implementation of its strategic plan, and advance the Clinic’s mission to help children with learning differences to Learn, Soar and Grow.”
Ms Harris said “It’s a privilege to be joining a team of respected professionals. I have had a long association with the Clinic both as a teacher and as Head of Primary and have seen the direct impact that the Clinic has had on its students both academically and on improved self esteem and confidence. I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation that has been laid by those Executive Directors who have come before me, and working in partnership with the Board, staff, tutors and volunteers”.
The spokesperson said, “The new Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors whose newest members include: Dr. Shawnee Basden, clinical psychologist; Erinn Hayward, substance abuse counsellor and supervisor; Jasmine DeSilva JP, SVP Strategic Initiatives and Business Development Artex, Lauren Greenidge, Group Treasurer, Convex Insurance and Tawanna Wedderburn, former CEO of the Bermuda Health Council and current VP of Practice Operations at Argus.”
Heather Kitson, President of the Board of Directors, grand-daughter of the Founder and parent of former student of the Clinic, said “Tina is well respected in our Bermuda community, and it’s a true honour that she has decided to dedicate her time to The Reading Clinic and take up this critically important role. I’m very excited and confident about our next chapter under Tina’s leadership and I could not think of a better fit to lead us into the future by building on what we do well”.
Ms. Kitson expressed her sincere thanks to Dr. Julie Dunstan who has been serving as Interim Executive Director whilst the Clinic completed its search and selection process for a new leader. Ms. Kitson said that “Julie will be working closely with Tina to ensure a smooth handover. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge in educational psychology and will remain as Director of our I-PLAY program. We are thrilled to continue to strengthen our team to better serve our community”.
The Reading Clinic is a registered charity and relies on donations and provides bursaries for those in financial need. For more information about the Clinic or to make a donation please see www.readingclinic.bm.
