I have been lucky enough to work at Style Acre since 2008 as a specialist Speech & Language Therapist. Previously I worked in the NHS for 10 years in paediatrics, adult acute and also for the Adult Learning Disability Teams. I quickly knew that my passion was working with people with autism and learning disability.

Compared to other specialisms in SLT, working in this field allows for greater creativity and a much more holistic approach (rather  than a medical approach). I love the enthusiasm of the people we support and employ and the way even the smallest of changes  can make a significant difference in someone’s communication skills. Because the SLT role in learning disability is very diverse, it  also allows me to use continuous learning to inform my practice in many topics.

I am privileged to work alongside so many fantastic colleagues who go above and beyond to make sure Style Acre continues to be the most amazing forward thinking organization. I enjoy being able to collaborate with other colleagues to promote numerous topics such as Active Support, Sensory Processing and Dementia to name but a few.

I am grateful to be able to contribute to the varied training programme we have at Style Acre. This means we can develop the knowledge of people we employ to facilitate the best ways to maximise communication as well as gain confidence in using the huge range of resources and strategies that will allow everyone we support to be able to communicate in the most meaningful ways.

Communication is so much more than just words. It is everyone’s right to be able to let others know what they want, feel, to build connections and develop independence in a way that is most effective for them. I am so proud that I am able to promote the skills and resources for this to happen.