I am a Speech and Language Therapist and CBT therapist (DCO for SEND). I have worked in NHS children’s services for ten years. I have worked in a variety of settings, including schools, a care home for young adults with brain injury, and community children’s therapies clinics. I currently work as a Deputy Designated Clinical Officer for Special Educational Needs and Disability in Bedfordshire and Luton.
I have worked with a range of children with speech, language and communication needs whilst working as a children’s community speech and language therapist. More recently, I have worked in a variety of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Due to my dual training in speech therapy and CBT, I also provided adapted CBT for children with language difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism. I have provided training and specialist consultations to parents, colleagues (including speech therapists and child and adolescent mental health practitioners) about the link between communication and mental health, with the aim of enhancing supportive environments, relationships and access to services.
I value learning, so it is especially meaningful that I can support children and young people in their development and journey towards their aspirations. I have been fortunate to have unique learning opportunities such as the recruit to train scheme which enabled me to gain experience in CAMHS and gain a qualification in CBT. I hope to support our workforce to have opportunities to develop too. It is a pleasure to help to shape workforce development and clinical leadership nationally.