As part of her commitment to lifelong learning and education, Lisa was elected in 2010 to serve on the Executive Committee of the Association of Dyslexia Specialists in Higher Education (ADSHE), holding the posts of Freelance Office and subsequently Deputy Chair, before holding the post of Chair from 2018 to 2020. Duties involved taking an active role as a member on The Disabled Students Stakeholders Group (DSSG), which advises on and supports the provision of specialist support to disabled students. Lisa later sat on the Board of Directors of ADSHE until 2021 before stepping back to pursue her own studies. She remains dedicated to promoting equity and equality in education for neurodivergent learners. Lisa also continues to inform best practice as an invited member attending various Advisory Panels for the Department for Education.
Lisa currently works as a peripatetic specialist assessor in a number of schools and colleges across Essex and London conducting assessments for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments in examinations. She is a knowledgeable specialist with vast experience and expertise on the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) processes and not only conducts the required psychometric testing for core evidence but also offers invaluable support to Heads of Centre's and SENDCO's with regard to JCQ requirements and guidelines for reasonable adjustments.
About us
Education Matters is a trading name of Lisa Cooper Limited
Company Registration number 10478712
Lisa gained further qualifications, qualifying as a Specialist Mentor in 2015 supporting people with mental health, ADHD and Autism. She also sees clients as a Life Coach and Mentor. Lisa has achieved the Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (Prof. Dip Psy C.) and currently volunteers as a counsellor with an Essex based charity, and as a bereavement support volunteer with CRUSE. Lisa is the epitome of what it is to be a lifelong learner, undertaking advanced counselling practice.
Lisa is neurodivergent and was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia as an adult after leaving school with no formal academic qualifications. In 1990, Lisa became a student of the Open University, completing a BSc in Science alongside raising her children. Lisa qualified as a teacher in 2000 and completed an MA Ed in Inclusion and Diversity (SEND) including obtaining AMBDA status as a diagnostic assessor in 2004. She has also won various awards in recognition of her dedication to lifelong learning, as well as recognition for her own academic achievements. Lisa regularly shares her expertise by presenting workshops and training at conferences across the country as a renowned specialist in her field, as well as being a motivational speaker at events and award presentations. Lisa combines this with researching reasonable adjustments and access arrangements in higher education as part of a Professional Doctorate in Education.
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys cruising the canals on her narrow boat or travelling across Europe in her motor home.
Education Matters is led by Founder and Director
Lisa Cooper, MA Ed in Inclusion and Diversity (SEN), BSc, QTS, AMBDA, Prof. Dip Psy C.
Professional Memberships include:
British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
Professional association of teachers of students with specific learning difficulties (PATOSS)
Association of Dyslexia Specialists in Higher Education (ADSHE)
The University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN)
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Lisa is passionate about education. With over 20 years experience in teaching and specialist assessing she now spends the majority of her time supporting learners on a one to one basis for specific learning differences, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and Autism. Lisa is a keen researcher, reading for a Professional Doctorate in Education.
Lisa is also a qualified counsellor, having trained in various psychotherapeutic approaches, including CBT, humanistic and psychodynamic practices.