The Founder

Allow me to introduce myself — I’m Natasha Di Tella.

I thought it would be best to start here, with my journey and why this is all so important to me. So, let’s try to summarise it in a few (lengthy) paragraphs.

Education has always been at my core. But have I struggled along the way? No doubt. As a young child, I constantly questioned the “why.”

“Why am I doing this?”

“Why is this needed?”

“Why do I have to be here?”

Some would argue that’s typical child behaviour — but for me, I knew it felt different. I loved learning, but only when I understood the purpose behind it. Without that, I had no interest. My own education path was never smooth. I spent about 99.9% of the time in my own world, and nobody on this earth could tell Little Miss what to do. My school reports were always the same: “Lacks concentration. Talks too much. Doesn’t sit still.” Sound familiar to anyone else?

I never thought I had a passion. Never thought I had a calling. Never thought I’d be writing this!

My first official teaching experience began in my bedroom. I had my teddies lined up at their desks, and I’d play the part of the sassy teacher, thinking all my students (the teddies) would just do exactly as I said — delusional at its core, I agree! But as I grew older, I discovered a real love for showing others how to do things and witnessing those incredible lightbulb moments. I even used to try teaching my older brother how to do his maths homework — despite not having a clue myself.

As I matured, I began to realise that teaching wasn’t just about standing in front of a class and giving instructions (though my teddy bears would probably disagree). It was about connection. About patience. About truly seeing people and meeting them where they are. I realised I didn’t want to simply teach facts — I wanted to spark curiosity. I wanted learners to feel seen in the way I wish I had been.

There was one turning point — one of those small, seemingly insignificant moments that hits you like a tonne of bricks. I was working in a mainstream primary school at the start of my career. It was guided reading, and I had Harry sat next to me. Harry was a wonderful child — so full of joy — but, like me, a bit of a brain wanderer.

We were reading Matilda, and had just finished the scene where Bruce eats the chocolate cake. I asked Harry what he thought of the book. He looked at me blankly and said,“Miss, all I know is that me and Bruce are very similar — because like Bruce, I also like chocolate cake… and I also hide food.”(At this point, he pulled out a digestive biscuit from his pocket.)

I remember sitting there, smiling, celebrating that tiny win. Harry had made a connection! That moment stuck with me. It reminded me how powerful it can be to have just one person believe in you — and how that belief can change everything.

So why is this all so important to me?

Because I was that distracted, dreamy kid who didn’t always feel understood. Because I know what it’s like to have big ideas but no clue where to channel them. And because I believe every learner deserves to feel inspired, empowered, and excited to grow — not just academically, but personally too.

Now, I see education as a tool for transformation. Not in the shiny, perfect way — but in the messy, imperfect, wonderfully human way. And if I can be even a small part of someone’s journey — helping them discover their spark, find their why, or believe in themselves again — then I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do all along.