Meet the Expert Literacy Team at Literacy Counts

Leaders in Reading, Writing, Spelling, Phonics and Whole-School Improvement

At Literacy Counts, our team is made up of expert literacy consultants and education specialists with decades of combined experience across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Many of our consultants are former senior leaders, advisers or moderators who have led impactful literacy training and curriculum development projects in schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) across the UK and internationally.

We are passionate about improving outcomes in reading, writing, phonics, spelling and oracy — and our work is rooted in research, classroom practice and measurable school improvement. Whether we’re supporting school leaders with whole-school strategy or delivering CPD to teachers, everything we do is designed to raise standards and empower educators.

Explore the team below to see who’s behind our award-winning resources and bespoke literacy consultancy.

Employee Profiles

Gareth Davies

CEO

Claire Belisari

Head of Consultancy

Jo Garrity

Senior Consultant

Coming Soon

Consultant

Jessica Dolby

Consultant

Louise Robinson

Consultant

Karen Pickles

Consultant

Mari Inns

Customer Engagement Executive

Olivia Monks

Marketing & Social Media Executive

Maddie MacDonald

Marketing & Social Media Assistant

Freya Moody

Customer Engagement Assistant

Yumi Andrews

Finance Administrator

Chengyan Cui

Digital Development Executive

Lisa Miller

Digital Product Development Assistant

Nuala Murphy

Digital Product Development Assistant

Lizzie Ingram

Writer

Jane Smith

Writer

Jenny McGoldrick

Writer

Melissa Buzzard

Writer

Rebecca Davies

Director

About Gareth Davies

Gareth Davies brings extensive expertise in strategic leadership at a national level, with a career dedicated to improving education across the country. He has served as an English Subject Leader and as a Regional Adviser for National Strategies, where his guidance supported countless schools in achieving their goals. As the author of nationally recognised school improvement and intervention publications, Gareth has contributed significantly to advancing educational practices. His leadership has also been instrumental in steering national school improvement projects, ensuring meaningful and lasting impact for pupils and teachers alike.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

The Promise by Nicola Davies and Lura Carlin. It’s a story of transformation and hope which packs an emotional punch. Plant more seeds!

What’s your favourite play?

‘Double, double toil and trouble’… it has to be the Scottish play Macbeth. I love the main characters, its ominous setting and standout moments like the witches’ prophecies, Macbeth’s moral complexity and of course Lady Macbeth’s haunting soliloquies!

About Claire Belisari

Claire Belisari brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked as a National Strategies Consultant, Deputy Headteacher, and English Subject Leader. She has also been a Leading Literacy Teacher, university tutor, and a Ready Steady Literacy Expert Consultant, supporting schools across the country.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Rose Blanche by Ian McEwan. This book is special. When I first discovered it a few years ago, I was immediately struck by its power to tell a difficult story in such a sensitive way. The intricate illustrations and perfectly pitched storytelling reveal a child’s experience of the Holocaust during World War II. I cannot recommend it enough!

What’s your favourite play?

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. I have seen it numerous times (including on film) and am always fascinated by how producers interpret this classic play. It is intense, peppered with humour, and the ending always makes me cry. I could listen to the way Shakespeare plays with language every day!

About Jo Garrity

Jo brings a wealth of experience to her role as Senior Consultant, having previously served as a Deputy Headteacher and leader in multiple areas, including English, assessment, EAL, and SEND. As a qualified Mental Health First Aider and musician, Jo combines her passion for education with a holistic approach to supporting schools and children. She holds National Leadership Qualifications (NPQSL and CLP) and has extensive expertise as a moderator and Ready Steady Literacy Expert Consultant.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. It beautifully illustrates the timeless, unconditional love between parents and children, while also reflecting the cycle of life. Its emotional depth and heartwarming message resonate deeply, reminding me of the special bonds passed down through generations.

What’s your favourite play?

Bombs and Blackberries by Julia Donaldson. Set in Manchester during World War II, this moving story follows the Chivers children as they navigate evacuation and air raids. With its emotional depth, simple staging, and memorable songs, it brings history to life.

About Mel

Coming Soon

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Coming Soon.

What’s your favourite play?

Coming Soon.

About Jessica Dolby

Jessica Dolby brings extensive experience to her role as a consultant, having worked as a Deputy Headteacher and English Subject Lead. She has also served as a Disadvantaged Lead, Attendance and Behaviour Lead, and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC). Jessica has taught in both single and mixed-age class settings, adding valuable versatility to her teaching expertise.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

The Arrival by Shaun Tan. It’s an incredibly emotional story which explores themes of immigration and belonging. A great book for both older children and adults alike.

What’s your favourite play?

The Tempest by William Shakespeare. It’s got humour and magic along with fantastic characters. When I was in secondary school, I played the role of Stephano in the school production, and my love for the play has stuck with me ever since.

About Louise Robinson

Louise Robinson has a strong background as an EYFS Lead, Early Reading and Phonics Lead, and NPQEYL graduate. Her role as a Ready Steady Literacy Expert Consultant allows her to share her expertise in early years education with schools.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. I have fond memories of reading it to my daughters and can still recite it word for word!

What’s your favourite play?

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. The play cleverly encapsulates the topics of class, identity, and social perception. I adore the feisty character of Eliza Doolittle and the witty dialogue.

About Karen Pickles

Karen Pickles brings a wealth of experience as a Lead Moderator and English Subject Leader. She is a Ready Steady Phonics and Ready Steady Spell Consultant, providing invaluable support to schools.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

There’s a Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers. This comical story uses transparent overlays to reveal the ghosts hiding in hilarious ways, making it a delight to read.

What’s your favourite play?

Les Miserables. This musical is a powerful story of love, courage, and redemption, told entirely through song. Its themes are both tragic and hopeful, challenging us to show compassion to others.

About Mari Inns

Mari Inns combines her expertise in website design and functionality with a passion for supporting schools, ensuring every customer feels confident and well-supported. She plays a key role in onboarding new schools and managing memberships, making the process smooth and straightforward.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

I Can Catch a Monster by Bethan Woollvin. Its playful storyline encourages creativity and explores themes of bravery in a fun and whimsical way, with stunning illustrations as always.

What’s your favourite play?

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. I loved doing this as my Year 6 production and have enjoyed watching various adaptations since then! It’s full of comedy, romance, and mix-ups, which always makes for an entertaining read or watch.

About Olivia Monks

Olivia Monks brings her experience as an EYFS and Key Stage 1 teacher to her role as Marketing & Social Media Executive. She is also a former freelance author and a skilled strategist in social media and marketing.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Kitchen Disco by Clare Foges and Al Murphy. I have very fond memories of reading this funny, rhyming book to my Year 1 children—it was a class favourite year after year.

What’s your favourite play?

Hamilton. It’s often a one-woman musical when I’m singing along in the car! Anything written by Lin-Manuel Miranda quickly becomes a favourite.

About Maddie MacDonald

Maddie MacDonald brings a creative edge to her role, with a first-class degree in Photography and expertise in content creation, social media, and marketing strategy.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd. I have great memories of reading this book with my parents as a young child and can still recite the list of rhyming names today.

What’s your favourite play?

Sweeney Todd. I first watched this in a very small outdoor theatre back home in Cornwall called Sterts. Though not as professional as larger shows, the amateur acting and local feel made it even more memorable.

About Freya Moody

Freya Moody has extensive experience as an SEN Practitioner, Language Specialist Graduate, and school support team member. She brings her expertise to supporting schools and engaging with customers.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. I love the repeated mantra throughout the book and how it encourages problem-solving in such a fun and engaging way.

What’s your favourite play?

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley. I thoroughly enjoyed studying this play in school, particularly how it explores sensitive themes and delivers a brilliant twist at the end.

About Yumi Andrews

Yumi Andrews ensures the smooth running of all things finance, from invoicing to reconciling, bringing precision and efficiency to every task. As an ACCA part-qualified professional, Yumi plays a vital role in supporting the team.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson. This delightful story reminds me of my children, with its message about sharing space and learning to appreciate one another.

What’s your favourite play?

Spirited Away (stage adaptation). Watching this play with my children was a wonderful experience, as it’s a story of courage, growth, and standing up for oneself in a magical world of gods.

About Chengyan Cui

Chengyan Cui brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to her role, with an International Masters in Children’s Literature, Media, and Culture providing a strong foundation for her work. Her diverse experience as a librarian, audio editor, and teaching assistant gives her a unique perspective on engaging with educational content.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli and Mariachiara Di Giorgio. The detailed illustrations are rich in humour and subtle emotions, with an unexpected twist that adds a delightful surprise.

What’s your favourite play?

Thunderstorm by Cao Yu. This classic play reveals the tragedy of human nature through intricate emotional conflicts and gripping storytelling.

About Lisa Miller

Lisa Miller brings her extensive teaching and tutoring experience to her role as Digital Product Development Assistant. She is also a skilled copywriter and English examiner, with a postgraduate qualification in Technology Enhanced Learning.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Well Loved Tales (Ladybird series from the 1970s). These books are filled with beautiful illustrations that are evocative of timeless stories, and my personal favourite is Beauty and the Beast.

What’s your favourite play?

My favourite play is 84 Charing Cross Road. I am a huge lover of books & bookshops, so and this play features both – plus it’s a true story, which makes it all the more interesting.

About Nuala Murphy

Nuala Murphy brings her experience as a KS1 and KS2 teacher to her role as a Product Assistant. She holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, combining her teaching expertise with her passion for creating engaging and inspiring educational resources.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister. I came across this book during my teacher training and loved the sense of adventure and the endless inspiration it gave the children. The elaborate illustrations perfectly capture the awe and magic of the story.

What’s your favourite play?

Life of Pi. I saw this in 2023, and it really stuck with me. The visuals were stunning, and the puppetry made the whole experience feel incredibly vivid and immersive.

About Lizzie Ingram

Lizzie Ingram combines her teaching experience with her talent as a published children’s author. Her extensive background in writing for diverse audiences makes her an invaluable part of the team.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

The Something by Rebecca Cobb. I love how this book encourages children to imagine endless possibilities about what could be hiding down the hole in the garden—it’s a brilliant spark for creative thinking.

What’s your favourite play?

Matilda the Musical by Dennis Kelly (based on the novel by Roald Dahl). The dazzling story comes to life on stage with fantastic songs and lyrics, making it unforgettable.

About Jane Smith

Jane Smith brings a wealth of experience as a Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 teacher, Reading Recovery Intervention Teacher, and leader in Reading, EAL, and interventions.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

Six Dinner Sid by Inga Moore. This heartwarming story of a mischievous cat who cleverly manages to have six owners—and six dinners—has always been a family favourite.

What’s your favourite play?

Blood Brothers by Willy Russell. The themes of fate, family, and social class are compelling, and the music adds a layer of emotional intensity that makes the story unforgettable.

About Jenny McGoldrick

Jenny McGoldrick is an experienced teacher, primarily in Key Stage 2, with a background as an English Lead. Currently, she is the PSHE and Diversity Lead, bringing her passion for inclusive and holistic education to the Literacy Counts team.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

The Lost Happy Endings by Carol Ann Duffy. The sense of mystery and magic, the contrast between the main characters, and the incredible figurative language make this one of my favourites to share with children.

What’s your favourite play?

How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Performed on stage by Key Stage 2 children, the rhyming language, humour, and lovable characters made this production unforgettable for the whole school community.

About Melissa Buzzard

Melissa Buzzard has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Zoology, along with a National Professional Qualification in Leading Literacy. She is an experienced KS2 teacher with prior experience as a TA across all phases. Melissa has also led English and Reading for Pleasure, bringing her passion and expertise to the Literacy Counts team.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. This story is told through the naive viewpoint of Ivan, a gorilla who was captured and orphaned by poachers and is now kept in captivity in a shopping mall. I recommend this book for anyone who loves animals. It’s perfect for reluctant readers, with short chapters packed with incredible depth of language and opportunities for inference.

What’s your favourite play?

Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda. I simply adore the wordplay, like “fits of passion” interchanged with “pits of fashion.” On top of that, the music and choreography are phenomenal.

About Rebecca Davies

Rebecca Davies brings 20 years of teaching experience to her role in the Finance Department, combining her expertise in education with her commitment to supporting schools and children.

What’s your favourite children’s picture book?

The Last Tree Standing. This beautifully illustrated story tackles environmental conservation in a way that’s accessible for younger audiences. Following the journey of the last remaining tree in a forest, it conveys a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the importance of protecting nature.

What’s your favourite play?

Blood Brothers by Willy Russell. This emotional play explores themes of class, fate, and friendship through the story of twins separated at birth and raised in different social classes. Its powerful narrative and tragic ending make it unforgettable.