Skills
I am passionate about giving people choices and finding a communication method that works best. I pride myself on the ability to be creative, think outside the box and come up with new ideas. Working collaboratively with our Speech and Language Therapists, developing ideas and resources and past experience allows me to draw on this skill to great effect.
I am responsible for my own case load, planning and delivering therapy sessions for individuals in Schools, Care Homes or in the clients home environment, I also support Therapists when extra input is needed, delivering planned programmes, resulting in us being able to offer quality therapy which is effective and tailored to the client.
I have supported clients and carers in the effective use of communication with low and hightech Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs), Picture Exchange Communication System (PEC’s) and Makaton. Promoting effective communication for clients has led to developing and delivering training to staff. I have planned and run communication groups, worked with individuals on planned programmes and been responsible for the implementation and overseeing of care plans, including ensuring advice for dysphagia was followed and disseminated.
Background
I qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1978 and worked in the field of Special Educational Needs. I have worked with young children, college students and adults, gaining experience of a wide range of learning disabilities, physical disability, complex medical needs and behavioural difficulties. Subsequently, I joined EG Training in 2015 as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, bringing with me years of experience of a broad spectrum of conditions, training and experience of working as part of a multi disciplinary team.
Prior to joining EG Training I was a key member of a school communication team with varied responsibilities. This included organising access to communication technology clinics, liaising with school staff and Speech and Language Therapists to ensure the smooth running of therapy programmes.
Personal
I enjoy cooking and eating out. I take an interest in many sports, in particular gymnastics and cheerleading, (though my days of somersaulting are over). Pottering in the garden is my preferred activity now and have created my own wildlife sanctuary it seems. A member of the National Trust, I enjoy the countryside and walking when the weather is fine. When it’s not then I can be found dreaming of my next trip to Italy.
Support
I have the support and guidance of the Speech and Language Therapy team here at Eg Training and I feel very fortunate to have a great team behind me. I attend our monthly Continuing Professional Development sessions to maintain a wide knowledge of the SLT world.
Registration
- DBS checked