Meet Leanne

Why did you want to become a Speech and Language Therapist?
When I was choosing a career, I knew I wanted to do something where, in partnership with others, I could help to make difference to people’s lives. Speech and Language Therapy has enabled me to do that and provides me with opportunities to learn from the people I work with every day. Communication is vital to everything we do, and there is nothing more rewarding than unlocking a child’s individual potential and allowing them to achieve. Joining families in celebrating their child’s successes along the way makes my day!
What kind of experience do you have?
Since qualifying as a Speech and Language Therapist in July 2008, I have been lucky to have supported lots of children in developing their communication skills. After working for the NHS for almost 7 years, I joined The Talking House in September 2015 and have been part of the fantastic team ever since.
Currently, I work in both mainstream schools, nurseries and specialist provisions, as well as seeing individual clients in clinic for therapy and assessments. I have a wealth of experience of working in a range of settings supporting children with a broad range of complex speech, language and communication difficulties associated with Autism, DLD (developmental language disorder), learning disabilities and hearing impairment. I also have several years of experience of working with children with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. As part of my current role, I work as part of the autism assessment team here at The Talking House.
I am also The Talking House’s Clinical Lead for schools and work closely with the team to continuously develop our service delivery.
What are you particularly passionate about?
My particular areas of interest are Autism and the approaches, strategies and techniques associated with supporting children with complex communication difficulties. I am very passionate about early intervention and its critical role in enabling each child to communicate to the best of their ability.
What are your hobbies and interesting facts about you?
I spend most of my spare time running after an energetic toddler! I love anything outdoors, music festivals and gigs as well as lifting weights at the gym. I also love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit some amazing places. My favourite biscuit is most definitely shortbread…with a cup of tea!
Qualifications:
Clinical Language Sciences (Speech & Language Therapy), BSc Hons (2:1), Leeds Metropolitan University
Memberships:
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy (RCSLT): RC0026349
Health and Care Professions in the UK (HCPC): SL27292
Postgraduate Training:
Makaton Sign Foundation Course
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Paediatric Eating and Drinking Course (Sheffield Children’s NHS)
ELKLAN licenced tutor
Introduction and Application to the SCERTS Model (Autism Independent UK)
The Mary Seacole Programme (NHS Leadership Academy)
ADOS 2 (Hogrefe)
Sensory Integration workshop: An overview of and new approaches to children with neurodevelopmental disorders