Dyslexia Isn’t a Disability—It’s a Different Way of Thinking
Helping bright, creative students in Wellington & Kāpiti overcome reading, writing, and focus barriers through the proven Davis Method
Are you or your child struggling with reading fatigue, 'zoning out,'
or the daily battle with homework?
Decode the struggle and rediscover your child’s brilliance.
Stop the "homework battles" and the pressure of catching up with a narrated guide designed for busy parents and visual-spatial learners.
Discover why your child's 3D mind is a superpower—not a deficit—and how the 5 Keys to the Davis Method can turn frustration into lasting stability.
Listen to your free guide now and start moving at a pace that actually works.
When a bright mind meets a flat page...
Dyslexia often looks like inconsistent 'glitches' in an otherwise brilliant child.
You see their potential, but these common hurdles keep getting in the way.
Do little words trip you up?
Do you find writing your ideas difficult?
Are you clever, but can't remember what you've read, or find it difficult to understand? Is your child falling behind in achieving developmental milestones?
Are you creative, but can't finish things?
Would you like the motivation to achieve real change
in your life?
Does the world feel confusing?
Do you struggle to connect and relate to
people?
What is the Davis Method for Dyslexia and ADHD?
The Davis Method is a non-phonics, visual-spatial approach to learning that
addresses the root cause of learning barriers: disorientation.
Unlike traditional tutoring, we use 3D clay modeling and mental orientation tools to
resolve confusion with symbols and words, turning struggles into creative strengths.
Empowering Visual-Spatial Learners in Wellington & Kāpiti
As a licensed Davis Facilitator and neurodivergent individual, Rachel Barwell offers a unique, strength-based approach for children, teens, and adults facing challenges with dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia.
From her specialized studio in Waikanae, Rachel provides intensive programs for families across the Kāpiti Coast—including Paraparaumu, Raumati, Paekākāriki and Levin—as well as clients traveling from Wellington City,
the Hutt Valley, and Whitby.
Master Your Dyslexic Superpowers with Intensive Davis Programs
Reading Writing Spelling Studying Learning
A 30-hour intensive program focusing on literacy and reading fluency. We resolve the root cause of letter reversals and reading fatigue.
ADHD, Focus and Attention Issues
Practical tools for self-regulation and sustained focus without medication. Ideal for students who struggle with "zoning out" or hyperactivity.
Maths Mastery
Resolving dyscalculia by building solid foundations in mathematical logic. We turn maths anxiety into confidence through 3D visualization.
Young children with reading difficulties
Designed for younger learners (ages 5–7), this program builds the essential mental "scaffolding" required for literacy. We use the Davis® Foundations for Reading kit to provide a solid foundation in symbol mastery and word recognition before frustration sets in.
Dyspraxia Support
Beyond reading, we help individuals who struggle with physical coordination, balance, and "executive function" (organization). By mastering the mental tools for orientation, clients gain better control over their physical movements and daily tasks.
Understanding the Dyslexic Gift
Dyslexia affects between 10–20% of the population, yet it is often misunderstood as a simple lack of effort.
In reality, it is a different way of processing information that can be both challenging and brilliant.
The Struggle:
🔸Frustration in traditional school or workplace settings.
🔸Mental fatigue from "covering up" learning gaps.
🔸Developing exhausting coping strategies that only work temporarily.
The Davis Solution: We view dyslexia as a set of special talents.
By mastering tools to control perceptual confusion, you can:
🔸Perceive text, symbols, and numerals with total clarity.
🔸Experience success in reading, spelling, and comprehension.
🔸Rebuild self-confidence and pursue goals that once felt out of reach.
Meet Rachel Barwell
“I believe every neurodivergent brain has a hidden brilliance waiting to be unlocked.”
Licensed Davis Facilitator & Neurodiversity Specialist
Kia ora and Hello!
I’m Rachel, the founder of Master Dyslexia. With over 30 years of experience in youth and adult education, I have dedicated my career to helping highly intelligent, motivated learners who struggle with reading, spelling, and focus.
My passion is personal. Having navigated my own journey with ADHD and Dyspraxia, I understand the frustration of having a "clever brain" that doesn't always cooperate with traditional systems. This lived experience allows me to connect deeply with my clients, offering a safe, creative, and strength-based environment.
Serving Our Community
It is my privilege to help people of all ages turn learning struggles into life-long mastery.
Based in Waikanae, I proudly support families across the Kāpiti Coast (Paraparaumu, Raumati, Paekākāriki), Levin, and the Greater Wellington region (including Whitby and the Hutt Valley).
Credentials and Expertise
🔸Licensed Davis Dyslexia Facilitator – Specialized in 1:1 neurodivergent mastery.
🔸Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Education (Literacy & Numeracy) – Advanced expertise in how the brain learns.
🔸30+ Years in Education – Facilitating transformation in corporate, community, and Wānanga settings.
🔸Founder of Master Dyslexia – Dedicated to strength-based learning in the Wellington region.
A short video on Dyslexia Explained
Grab a cuppa and watch this 13-minute deep dive into how the Davis Method works,
or scroll down for quick answers to common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I see results?
Most families see a significant shift in confidence and ability during our 30-hour intensive program. Because we address the perceptual "disorientation" that causes reading struggles, the tools can be applied immediately, leading to permanent improvements in literacy, spelling, and focus.
What makes Davis different from traditional tutoring?
Standard tutoring often focuses on "drilling" a student to work harder at their weaknesses. The Davis Method leverages the dyslexic gift—the ability to think in pictures. We don't "fix" the brain; we give the individual the tools to control their focus and master the written word through their natural strengths.
Is the Davis Method only for children?
Not at all. I work with children, teenagers, and adults throughout Wellington and Kāpiti. The Davis tools are effective for any age, helping adults overcome lifelong struggles with reading, organization, and ADHD symptoms in the workplace or higher education.
What makes Davis different from traditional tutoring?
Standard tutoring often focuses on "drilling" a student to work harder at their weaknesses. The Davis Method leverages the dyslexic gift—the ability to think in pictures. We don't "fix" the brain; we give the individual the tools to control their focus and master the written word through their natural strengths.
Does the Davis Method use phonics?
No. Traditional phonics often fails visual-spatial learners because it relies on sound-based repetition. The Davis Method uses 3D clay modeling and visual orientation tools to create mental anchors for "trigger words." This resolves the root cause of confusion rather than just treating the symptoms.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to start?
No, a formal diagnosis is not required. If you or your child are experiencing the classic signs of dyslexia, ADHD, or dyspraxia—such as letter reversals, "zoning out," or coordination struggles—the Davis tools can help regardless of whether you have a medical label.
Ready to see if the Davis Method is right for you or your child?
Master Dyslexia | Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast
Providing specialist Dyslexia mastery and natural ADHD support across the Wellington Region, including the Kāpiti Coast, Levin, the Hutt Valley, and Wellington City
Professional services described as Davis™, including Davis Mastery for Dyslexia®, Davis™ Symbol Mastery, Davis™ Orientation Counseling, Davis™ Mastery for Attention, Davis™ Mastery for Maths, and Davis™ Foundations for Learning Literacy may only be provided by persons who are trained and licensed as Davis Facilitators or Specialists by Davis Dyslexia Association International.