Skills
Currently I work across the East Midlands and Birmingham providing individual therapy for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, learning difficulties and associated speech, language and communication needs.
I have been qualified as a speech and language therapist for over 10 years and specialise in working with people with learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder. I have considerable experience of working with children and young adults, both working closely with a child’s parents and as an integrated member of an education/care team.
Since working for Eg(Training) Ltd. I have also gained experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, acquired / traumatic brain injury and associated speech, language and communication needs, across various settings (residential, educational and within the community), and with a range of other professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
I have experience of using a range of assessment tools, and am trained and experienced in using a variety of therapy approaches, including TalkTools®, Sensory Integration, Intensive Interaction, Makaton, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and other AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems. I also have training and experience in managing challenging behaviours.
I believe that a holistic, team approach is the best way to enable an individual to fulfil their speech, language and communication potential. I am calm and sensitive in my approach and always aim to build a good working relationship with the client and the people around them, providing therapy input that is tailored to them. I work part-time which requires me to be particularly efficient with my time, well organised and an excellent communicator.
Background
Background Prior to joining Eg(Training) Ltd in 2011, I worked within two independent residential specialist schools.
The children and young adults all had some degree of learning difficulties, an autism spectrum disorder, higher level language difficulties and/or social communication difficulties.
My roles at both schools involved working directly with the pupils through individual and small group work, as well as contributing to individual education plans (IEPs), writing annual reports and attending annual Statement of SEN (Special Educational Needs) review meetings, which have since been replaced with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.
I also worked closely with the education and care staff on a day-to-day basis, and regularly delivered in-house training.
Personal
Family life is very important to me. I am lucky to have a very supportive husband and two young boys who always keep me on my toes! We regularly enjoy socialising with family and friends and visiting local places of interest.
When time allows I enjoy eating out, listening to live music, practising Pilates and visiting museums and galleries and the cinema. I am also passionate about animal welfare and environmental issues.
Support
As part of a team of independent speech and language therapists I am able to access regular support in the form of peer supervision, clinical supervision and group supervision.
We also have monthly team meetings and CPD sessions where we share our experiences and discuss a wide range of topics.
Registration
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
- Registered member of Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice.
- DBS checked
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Child Protection Training completed in January 2011
- Safeguarding Awareness Training completed in January 2017
- Health and Safety Training completed in January 2017