MY STORY
I support children and their families with a range of speech, language, and communication needs. Whenever possible, I also work closely with school and nursery staff to ensure that they, too, have the training, skills and resources to help children with communication difficulties. As part of my NHS role, I have enjoyed supervising many SLT students and team members. I am always keen to learn from others and to develop new skills.
My greatest joy is seeing those children I support grow into delightful, confident, funny and unique individuals.
I was brought up in Wanstead and originally studied Sociology and Social Policy at Essex University and graduated with a 2:1 BA Hons. I then worked in Marketing until I had my daughter, Annie, in 2000. As a new mum, I knew that I wanted to work with children with special needs. Whilst deciding exactly what to do, I completed several courses in British Sign Language (level 1) and Supporting Children with Special Needs. I then discovered speech and language therapy and knew that it was the profession for me.
In 2007, I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist – I graduated from London City University with a Post Graduate Diploma (Distinction). In 2011, I completed an MSc in Speech and Language Therapy.
My work with the Waltham Forest NHS SLT Children’s service started in 2008. As a newly qualified SLT, I was based in the community team with a role split between the clinic and schools/nurseries. In 2013 I became a Highly Specialist SLT with a lead role in the Waltham Forest school buy-in team, based mainly in mainstream primary schools (ages 3-11 years).
Away from work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, going to the gym, baking, gardening and taking our dog on one of the many great walks near our home in Woodford Green.
I am registered with the following professional bodies:
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Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC);
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Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy (RCSLT);
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Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP).
These registrations ensure that, as a Health Care Professional, I consistently maintain professional standards, adhere to a code of ethics, and have access to supervision, current research and training. These memberships also support my continuing professional development (CPD).
