Team
Meet our Team
We always joke that our ideal tutor is just a really smart clown. Our tutors speak "kid" fluently, know how to make the hard stuff fun, and are trained in research verified methods that work for students who have struggled in other settings.
Rehab Shahbal
Founder & CEO, DYStinct Learners
Rehab Shahbal leads DYStinct Learners as its Founder and CEO. A dedicated mother of three, including a child with dyslexia, Rehab is deeply committed to transforming the landscape of educational support. Her personal journey fuels her mission to ensure that specialized, research-driven services are readily accessible to students, parents, and educators dealing with dyslexia and other learning differences. With over 25 years of experience in senior executive roles, Rehab brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic approach to her leadership. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Strategic Management, from the University of Strathclyde.
Sherry Maher, MSc
Head of Learning
Sherry Maher, Head of Learning at DYStinct Learners, holds a Master’s in Psychology and is a certified Dyslexia Specialist and Positive Discipline Parent Educator. With over nine years of educational experience, she specializes in multi-sensory and holistic approaches to special education.
Nazli El Leithy
Learning Intervention Specialist
Nazli is our Learning Intervention Specialist supporting children aged 4-12 years with a range of developmental disabilities and learning difficulties. She holds a MA in Special & Inclusive Education from University College of London and is a Registered Test User in Educational Testing with the British Psychological Society.
Yasmin Emad
Learning Intervention Specialist
Yasmin is a passionate Intervention Specialist with over 8 years of experience supporting students aged 5–13 with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, Autism, and other learning differences. She is currently completing her Level 5 certification in Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties with the British Dyslexia Association. Yasmin uses playful, personalized strategies to build confidence and help every child thrive.
Ashley Harvey
Dyslexia Specialist
Ashley is a specialist in dyslexia and literacy with a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia and Specific Learning Differences. Experienced in Key Stage 1 and 2, she focuses on handwriting, phonics, spelling, and numeracy. Trained in evidence-based programs, Ashley combines professional expertise with personal insight as a dyslexic parent to help children learn confidently.
Aalaa ElMasry
Learning Intervention Specialist
Aalaa is a passionate Learning Intervention Specialist dedicated to children with special educational needs. Inspired by her sister with Down Syndrome, she brings both empathy and expertise to her work. Skilled in evidence-based programs like SRA, Raz-Kids, Seeing Stars, Lindamood-Bell, and Orton-Gillingham, Aalaa supports students aged 6 to 13 in literacy and individualized strategies. She holds a Master’s in Psychology and uses a multi-sensory, engaging approach to help every child thrive.
Nourhan Keshk
Learning Intervention Specialist
Nourhan is a certified SEN teacher with six years of experience and qualifications in TESOL, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Special Educational Needs. She is trained in programs like Raz-Kids, Words Their Way, and Seeing Stars, using structured, multisensory approaches to support learners. With a passion for literacy and numeracy, she helps students from Year 2 to Year 8 build strong academic foundations and renewed confidence in their abilities.
Laura Gowers
Dyslexia Assessor
Laura is a level 7 qualified dyslexia assessor and specialist teacher with 25 years of experience in the UK. She holds postgraduate qualifications in special education, psychometric testing, assessment and access arrangement, specializing in identifying the correct support for each learner.