Hi I’m Niki!

Published ELT materials writer,

Experienced EFL teacher trainer,

Educational consultant,

and… an Olympic equestrian.

I’m passionate about ELT and all things equine.

ELT is the industry I love and it’s given me so much, personally and professionally. 

The horses? More about them later!

It started in the EFL classroom

I love teaching! It’s where my career began, in a small English language school in Bahia, Brazil. I was the only instructor, and I quickly fell in love with my job (and with the Portuguese language).

I’ve taught students of all ages and levels, from all over the world. I’ve witnessed those ah-ha moments when learners get it. And seen candidates progress from level to level in my role as speaking examiner.

It’s important for me to be in a classroom on a regular basis and I’m currently teaching EAP at Southern Cross University, Australia. My teaching feeds directly into everything else I do.

Teaching makes my writing, training and consultancy work REAL.

Ready to work together?

Tried and tested ELT materials

Writing materials is where my classroom knowledge really pays off. Because, as I write, I’ve got real students and real teachers firmly in mind.

It all began with a set of Young Learner Guidelines for Portugal. Followed by a four-level primary course book and then, as they say, the rest is history.

Writing educational materials is now my full-time job. I write Teacher’s Guides (my favourite components), Student’s Books, Activity Books, and all those extras! The tests, the games, the worksheets.

The transformation from dirty draft to printed publication is something I’ll never tire of. And seeing my name on the front cover?

Well, if we’re being honest, I get a real kick out of that.

  • Trailblazer 4 Literacy Anthology

  • Cambridge Primary Path level 5

  • Prepare Students Book B1

  • Step by Step, Teachers Guide, Helbling

  • Front cover of a graded reader

    The River Explorer - a graded reader

  • Front cover of First English Words Activity Book 1

    First English Words AB 1

Helping teachers survive AND thrive

As DOS of a small language school in Portugal, I used to run regular catch-up meetings. Fantastic opportunities for informal CPD training sessions.

Then came a project to teach primary children in 100 schools in the Lisbon suburbs. We needed to train experienced English teachers, who’d never worked with kids, in primary methods.

I’ve also been lucky enough to deliver training for Mozambican primary school teachers who suddenly had to include English in their curriculums and also trainings for teachers in South Africa and India.

I’m passionate about teacher development because I believe everyone should be able to deliver their best lessons. I love supporting teachers as they discover new ways to adapt materials, revitalise their practice, and share their ideas.

Better schools, better results

I’ve worked with the big players in the ELT industry, but deep down I’ve always preferred small language schools. I enjoy their uniqueness, and in 2003, together with some friends, I even set up my own language school in a Lisbon suburb.

My Small Language School Consultancy combines my passions for teaching, writing and teacher training.

Having been a school owner, a director of studies and a head teacher, I understand the issues small schools face and I can help resolve them.

And yes, I ride horses

At an Olympic level? Hmmm nope! I just do it for my own enjoyment. But if you know anything about owning these 500+kg beauties, you’ll know that organisation is key. From feeding to exercising, there’s always lots to do.

And yet horses are never in a hurry.

But you are.

You need work delivered on time and I do exactly that. Whilst I live in a region renowned for its chilled, laid-back vibe, that’s not me at all. 

I’m a (big) fan of planning, organising and scheduling.

I’m a team player, even from a distance. Developing the best learning and teaching materials is not a solo pursuit. It’s all about authors, editors, publishers, designers, photo researchers and more, working together to create a product. Count me in.

Working with me, you get full advantage of my three decades (or more!) of ELT experience. Plus, thanks to time zones, my work often lands in your inbox first thing in the morning.

How good is that!