As a child, I struggled with speaking, and still do today with fluency and word finding, so I am acutely aware of the impact communication difficulties can have on people. ​ When I started out, Speech and Language Therapy was an exciting, up-and-coming profession with new, ground-breaking ideas. I wanted to be a part of that. I still see the profession through those eyes. I love my work because there is always something new to learn, always something more that we can be doing. I get joy from seeing children achieve things that they thought they could never do.

I am passionate about helping people have better conversations. This is the inspiration behind my current postgraduate research project (PhD), which explores how children with High Functioning Autism go about having conversations with adults. I have a special interest in Autism and social communication, including developing therapy and carrying out diagnostic assessments with my brilliant colleagues. Having worked at a School for the Deaf, I also have a keen interest and specialist knowledge in Hearing Impairment and speech disorders.

I don’t have much spare time between studying and working, but when I am not doing either of those, you will find me on my yoga mat or out walking our very lively rescue beagle, Claude, and there will always be a cup of tea close by!

My family is so important to me. Dave, my long-suffering husband and my two (grown up) children, Natasha and Dominic have been my best cheerleaders throughout my journey as a business owner and entrepreneur. I couldn’t have done it without them.

2020 was my 35th anniversary of working as a Speech and Language Therapist!​

During this time, I have been fortunate to have worked in so many different areas, including both the NHS and in the private sector. I have worked in everywhere you can think of; clinics, hospitals, homes, mainstream and special schools, and with all ages and types of difficulties. I have also had the privilege of serving the profession by sitting on the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ (RCSLT) Professional Development and Standards Board and serving as first Vice-Chair, and subsequently Chair, of the Association for Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP).

All through my career, I have believed in a holistic approach to therapy and The Talking House is the culmination of everything that I have learned about communication. I wanted to use my years of experience to deliver family-focused, research-led best practice. I continue to love my work and I am proud that through my efforts, I have made difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people.

You can email me at: hello@thetalkinghouse.co.uk

Or call me on:

07920041892