A school leader with decades of teaching experience has been appointed the executive director of a children’s reading charity.

Martina ‘Tina’ Harris will lead the team at The Reading Clinic, effective September 1, replacing Julie Dunstan, who served as interim director.

Since its founding in 1968, The Reading Clinic has helped almost 1,000 children with dyslexia and related challenges to reach their full potential.

Ms Harris earned a bachelors of education from McGill University and a masters of science from Wheelock College.

She was the head of primary at the Bermuda High School for Girls for 16 years and has run her own tutoring business after retiring from that position.

Highlighting the charity’s positive impact on students, Ms Harris said: “It’s a privilege to be joining a team of respected professionals.

“I am looking forward to building on the strong foundation that has been laid by those executive directors who have come before me, and working in partnership with the board, staff, tutors and volunteers.”

Heather Kitson, the president of the charity’s board of directors, said: “Tina is well respected in our Bermuda community, and it’s a true honour that she has decided to dedicate her time to The Reading Clinic and take up this critically important role.

“I’m very excited and confident about our next chapter under Tina’s leadership and I could not think of a better fit to lead us into the future by building on what we do well.”

A spokeswoman for The Reading Clinic said: “As the new executive director, Ms Harris will provide strategic leadership to the clinic and oversee day-to-day operations, develop and implement programmes and initiatives, foster partnerships and fundraising initiatives and lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.”