Meet members of our team
Raj, Advanced Speech and Language Therapist
Describe your job in 3 words Inspiring, collaborative, transformative
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now? I’m working with a student using a high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device (an iPad with symbol software which generates speech for the student). The therapy has helped the student to communicate so much! He is far happier is school now. He can join in, answer questions in class, talk to his peers and show his sense of humour.
What’s the best thing about being part of your team? I feel very lucky to be surrounded by so many inspirational colleagues who, collectively, have incredible depth of knowledge and expertise. I am constantly learning from them and using new approaches in my work.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? So many things! A musician, a footballer, a cricket player, a basketball player, an architect, an archaeologist, a journalist, an actor, a director, an artist, an entrepreneur, a skateboarder… My dad described me as a “jack of all trades”.
Who would you most like to swap places with for the day? Donald Glover – a man of many talents across so many areas, such as music, comedy, acting, writing and fashion (and he comes across as such a decent human being too!).
Tell us something we don’t know about your job The role of Speech and Language Therapists is constantly evolving. What I do now is quite different from what I did a few years ago due to the ever-growing evidence base and literature. Our recent focus on equality, diversity and inclusion and on neurodiversity has challenged my perspectives and changed how I approach my work.
Nicole, Highly Specialist Neonatal Occupational Therapist
Describe your job in three words Always something new
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now? So many things! I’m so fortunate to be working with families, their babies, and the larger multidisciplinary team on the neonatal intensive care units and in the community. As our neonatal team is new, we have the exciting role of sharing more about our work, improving the care we provide to babies and rolling out nurses training and awareness days. Learning together has been incredibly exciting and something I know will never stop in this line of work.
What’s the best thing about being part of your team? Having people to bounce ideas off and brainstorm solutions together.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A dolphin trainer… nappies appear to have replaced the fish!
Who would you most like to swap places with for the day? A professional luxury beach reviewer… someone who specialises in all things sun and sand.
Tell us something we don’t know about your job Occupational Therapy is not only for children and young people with disabilities or difficulties. Our role with preterm infants and babies with complex medical needs often involves helping families to support their babies’ stress, follow their cues and to truly enjoy their babies during daily activities. No baby or family’s needs are ever the same, so our approach often changes too.
Joe, Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Describe your job in three words Collaborative, supportive, creative
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now? Supporting a young person to use his high tech AAC communication device. His progress has been really fast and it’s been amazing to watch his confidence grow.
What’s the best thing about being part of your team? The sharing of knowledge and openness to ideas to improve the service and each other as individuals.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A hobbit! Although as a non-magical 6-foot 5 adult I am going to have to let that dream go
Who would you most like to swap places with for the day? A bird of some kind. Flying looks fun.
Tell us something we don’t know about your job As Therapy Assistant Practitioner I’m doing an apprenticeship and supporting young people with occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. This is great because I get to experience both before deciding which to specialise in in the future.