PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I have worked  as an independent specialist Speech & Language Therapist since May 2015, moving into full-time private practice in November 2019.

From January 2015 to October 2019 I was employed as a Speech & Language Therapist in a special needs school in Trafford. The school provided a safe and stimulating environment for all its students. Working within the formal regulated education setting provided a clear insight into the challenges and opportunities available to young people with additional difficulties..

Prior to coming to Trafford, I had been a full-time specialist Speech & Language Therapist within the Adults and Children’s Learning Disabilities Service of Stockport Foundation Trust. I worked primarily in schools and colleges, carrying out formal assessments, delivering and overseeing individual and group communication programmes, and working in partnership with health providers, educators and families. I had a community caseload supporting adults and children with a range of communication difficulties, and was a clinical lead practitioner for clients with eating & drinking difficulties.

Before 2008 I worked as a Speech & Language Therapist for Ashton Wigan & Leigh Primary Care Trust. This was a split post with two days running clinics for pre-school and primary school aged children and the rest of the week working in the Learning Disabilities Service.

As well as working with younger children, I have extensive experience of working with young people in Key Stages 3 and 4.

I have specialist knowledge of: assessment in all aspects of language, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), autism, phonology, language and general developmental delay, and Total Communication. I provide staff training and treatment programmes, and I regularly liaise with teaching staff and management teams in schools.  I have a working knowledge of Signing and have a postgraduate qualification in Dysphagia. I am a qualified trainer for SIGNALONG.

Areas of Post Graduate Study

Develop Narrative Language: Imaginative Role Play, November 2019

Talk Tools, June 2018

SINGALONG, Foundation Tutor, November 2107

PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display), July 2017

RCSLT Dysphagia, March 2013 to April 2014

Diploma of CPD in Key skills for Managers, University of Bolton, 2010

Courses attended:

Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) The centre for AAC and Autism united Kingdom, 2012

Safeguarding Children and Families where there is Neglect 2010, Tameside Metropolitan Borough

Picture Exchange Communication System 2009

Earlier Life

BSc Business Studies, 1987

Before becoming a qualified Speech & Language Therapist I enjoyed a career in financial services.