Alexie Better (YOG 2006)

"The lesson I learned from Yarra was to never give up."

Alexie Better arrived at Yarra in Year 8 not knowing a single person. But within days she had made firm friends and felt part of the Yarra community.

She remembers being surrounded by supportive teachers and a home group where she felt safe and included.

“I had a lot of learning challenges when I was younger. I have dyslexia and Yarra helped me through one of the most challenging times of my life. I didn’t know what I had in me back then but Yarra pushed me. I wonder how much of what I’ve achieved today is due to who I am as a person and how much is due to the education I received. If it wasn’t for Yarra, I think my life would be different.” says Alexie.

While she didn’t always look forward to Saturday morning sport, Alexie played volleyball, soccer and netball.

“I played sports I wouldn’t have played and Yarra gave me the opportunity to try things I’d never done before. That has stayed with me. Last year my family and I went indoor skydiving and before that we tried quadbike riding in a rainforest in Bali. Every year I try a new experience.” says Alexie.

Alexie’s favourite subjects included history, psychology and philosophy. Her Dad read a lot of material to her and Alexie used films and sensory resources to help her learn.

Her personal experiences of managing dyslexia and study led Alexie to her career today. She is founder of the Better Multisensory Learning Centre and works with children, teens and adults who have a range of learning challenges including autism, ADHD and dyslexia. Alexie is also a counsellor, autism therapist and developmental educator.

“I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do after Year 12. Mum was a psychologist helping children with autism and she asked me to support her at work and I enjoyed it, so I went down that path,” says Alexei.
She completed a science degree, post-graduate study in neurodevelopment and a Master of Teaching.

“As much as I got support from my parents and teachers, learning was scary and I want to be there for the children I work with. I want to make sure they don’t feel alone. There is so much information out there and I help students and their parents find their path,” says Alexie.

“I love when students come back to me with their results. One student messaged me at 9.30 one evening to tell me she’d got an A. It makes the effort so worthwhile.”

Alexie says a key lesson she learnt at Yarra is that if you fail at something, it’s not the end of the world.

“Find a different path because there is so much out there to experience and pursue.”