Debra’s Story: Rebuilding Confidence Through Trust, Patience, and Personalised Learning

Mentor Perspective: Progress at Her Own Pace

When I first met Debra in July 2024, she was struggling in nearly every area of daily life. Years of trauma and anxiety had made communication with anyone other than her mother extremely difficult, both verbally and physically. She was unable to go out in the community, use public transport, or even sit in a car without overwhelming fear.

Debra had not been able to complete her education and found independent living skills, organisation, and managing anxiety overwhelming. The family was at breaking point and Nisai was their final hope.

We began gently with one home visit a week: two hours on Fridays and always with her mum present. Whether we were baking, walking, or reviewing online lesson recordings, Debra needed her mother by her side. There was no pressure, just support, patience, and small steps.

Over time, those steps became milestones.

Today, Debra:

Joins me on community visits for two hours each week, without needing her mum present
Has completed 73 assignments this year, many with minimal support
Watches online lessons, sometimes entirely on her own
Has participated in live virtual lessons
Now travels in my car, which is a huge achievement given her former fear
Has started to use anxiety management techniques like grounding, breathing exercises, and sensory awareness
Is learning about budgeting, relationships, and social interaction

We’re still working on building her self-esteem, but every week she grows stronger, more confident, and more independent. The relationship between Debra, her mum Lynne, and myself is one of trust and collaboration and the progress she has made is proof of what is possible when you meet a learner exactly where they are.

Parent Perspective: A Mother’s Gratitude

“Hi, my name is Lynne and I am the proud mother of Debra.

I have always known my daughter is bright, but sadly she was let down in ways no child should ever have to experience. She has always craved knowledge, and for many years, I tried my best to home-school her.

After a long fight for her right to be educated, we were offered a place at Nisai. To be honest, I was very worried about how Debra would be accepted, and how she would respond.

But Nisai has given her something she had missed for a very long time: the joy of learning.

Her mentor, Jesse, has become more than a mentor, she’s like a big sister and best friend. Jesse understands Debra’s unique ways, knows when to push and when to pause. She has given Debra someone new to trust, and that is a gift beyond words.

Because of Nisai, Debra is finding her way again. She’s learning, she’s growing, and for the first time in a long time, she has hope.

I’m so very grateful that you came into her life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Lynne, Debra’s Mum

Why Nisai Works for Learners Like Debra

Debra’s story reflects what makes Nisai’s personalised, online learning and mentoring model so effective for students with anxiety, trauma, or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities):

A flexible pace tailored to the learner’s emotional and cognitive readiness
One-to-one mentoring that builds trust and relationships
Structured but gentle support for life skills and independence
An understanding of the whole family’s needs, not just the learner’s
A safe, non-coercive environment where learners thrive on their own terms

Find out how Nisai supports vulnerable learners or speak to us about personalised education for your child.