All therapists are registered with the HCPC UK and the RCSLT and have updated safeguarding checks including a current DBS through Words First Ltd and complete regular safeguarding training. In addition to their speech and language degrees and experience, the Words First team are trained in the Words First Approach to literacy and language and have extensive knowledge and understanding of the Reading and Language Circuit Model.
As a team, we share the core values of Words First Ltd and are dedicated to supporting our students to reach their best.Our speech and language therapist In London and Birmingham are all fully qualified. As a company, Words First Ltd is committed to the continuing professional development of the entire Words First Team.
To provide an outstanding service to our students and schools, each therapist is required to be reflective, progressive and open to feedback. These qualities are paramount and the leadership team aim to ensure that every therapist reaches his / her maximum potential by monitoring individual personal development plans, facilitating access to multidisciplinary working , regular performance appraisals, joint SENCO / SaLT observations of therapy sessions, arranging in-house training during half terms, managing on-line journal clubs, encouraging case studies, a dedicated facebook page and regular team building events.
Meet our team of Speech and Language Therapists
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Sarah Thatcher SaLT
Sarah Thatcher SaLTSarah graduated with BSc in Speech Language Pathology (Hons) from the Univeristy of Cape Town in 2019 and completed her Community Service in 2020 in an urban government hospital in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa where she was the only Speech and Language Therapist in the entire hospital.She currently works in both mainstream primary and secondary schools in London and strives to bring fun and energy into every therapy session.In her spare time, Sarah loves cooking and exploring all that London has to offer. -
Tayla SaLTTayla graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2017 with her BSc (Hons) Speech- Language Pathology and completed her community service in the Eastern Cape where she managed a variety of populations.Her main areas of interest include ASD, ADHD, and early childhood intervention.She has a passion for paediatrics and is a certified DIR: Floortime practitioner. As a DIR: Floortime practitioner, Tayla is able to offer families an internationally respected approach to support children on the spectrum. She further believes that through a multi-disciplinary team approach a child’s strengths can be best used to help them reach their utmost potential. -
Joanna Reintges SaLTI have recently moved over to the UK from South Africa. I graduated with a BSc in Speech- Language Pathology from the University of Cape Town. Following this, I worked in a government hospital in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Here, I had the amazing opportunity to work closely with the community and with all age groups. Working with school-aged children has become my passion and I have developed a keen interest in the link between language and literacy difficulties. I always strive to use creativity and fun to create an engaging and warm environment in all my therapy sessions. Coffee and the outdoors and my favourite pastimes. I spend a lot of my time hiking, running and finding new coffee spots.
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Terri Greene SaLTBSc. In Speech and Language Pathology
Terri graduated in 2019 from the University of Cape Town with a degree in Speech and Language Pathology. She then went on to complete her community service year in Kwa-zulu Natal where she was responsible for heading up the Speech and Language Therapy department. She has particular interest and a passion for special needs cases, especially working with children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and augmentative and alternative communication (ACC). She loves working with children and is eager to start working for Words First in June 2021.
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Megan Maguire SaLTB.S.c (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy
Megan recently graduated from The University of Manchester after completing the 3 year undergraduate Speech and Language Therapy degree programme. She is passionate about supporting children who have speech, language and communication difficulties. Before university, she volunteered as a classroom assistant at a school and therapy centre for children and adults with special needs in California.
Megan also recently volunteered as a SaLT assistant, providing Telehealth sessions to children with speech, language and communication needs. During university studies, Megan was particularly interested in learning about Developmental Language Disorder in school-aged children.Megan is excited to start her first role as a newly qualified SaLT with Words First in September 2020.
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Rosalyn Addai SaLTRosalyn obtained a BA Hons degree in English and Lingustics at Kings College University in July 2009 before deciding to train as a Speech and Language Therapist at City University in September 2009. Rosalyn qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in July 2011.
Rosalyn began her career as a Newly Qualified Speech and Language Therapist at Words First Ltd in October 2012 – working primarily in mainstream schools (primary and secondary). In January 2014, Rosalyn decided to undertake an MSc in Speech and Language Therapy whilst working at Words First Ltd and successfully graduated in July 2015.
In September 2015, Rosalyn worked part-time at Words First Ltd to gain experience in a special school setting with primary, secondary and college students that had been diagnosed with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). In Dec 2016, Rosalyn left Words First Ltd to pursue a career in the NHS where she worked in mainstream primary and secondary schools as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist within the London borough of Ealing before returning to work with Words First Ltd in September 2020. Rosalyn is looking forward to being part of the Words First Team again !
In her spare time, Rosalyn also provides online mentoring and training to newly qualified Speech and Language Therapists who work in various parts of Ghana.
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Anisha Unadkat SaLTAnisha was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2018 with her bachelor’s degree in the field of Education. After working for a few years as a dyslexia tutor, where she supported school-aged children with reading and writing difficulties, she decided to pursue her Master’s (MSc) degree in Speech and Language Therapy at City, University of London. Anisha is passionate about working with children who have a range of speech, language, and communication difficulties. She strives to make a positive impact on one’s everyday life while being committed to honesty, equality, and respect. During her free time, Anisha enjoys traveling, skiing, dancing, eating at new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family. Anisha will be joining the Word First team in August 2020.
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Thashni Govender SaLTBachelor of Communication Pathology (Hons) Speech – Language Pathology
Thashni was born and raised in South Africa, Durban. She graduated from the University of KwaZulu – Natal in 2016 and completed her community service year in rural KZN. During her 3-year experience at a District Hospital, Thashni learnt the significance of family centered intervention and PACT (Parent and Child Therapy).
Being the sole speech therapist in the District, having to cater for a vast range of individual cases and having administered the SaLT Department independently; Thashni realized that her passion for children, in a school setting, overpowered her desire to work at a Hospital.
Words First thus fulfilled her dream 😊Thashni has a special interest in and wishes to pursue her studies in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Her hobbies and most prized accomplishments are having graduated in the Indian Classical dance form – Bharathanatyam and trained in Indian singing.
Thashni believes that her career in Speech and Language Therapy challenges her to improve her intellect, in combination with her humanity and love for others, to perform meaningful work, to make other lives better – and THAT, feeds her soul! 😊 -
Lara Bentley SaLTBSc Speech-Language Pathology (University of Cape Town)
Masters in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (University of Pretoria)After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Cape Town, Lara moved to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa to work in a district and tertiary level hospital for several years. It was in working closely with community-based rehabilitation teams and in conjunction with NGOs and later at a specialized hospital, that she developed her passion for working with children with complex communication needs and their families. In 2018, she pursued her Masters degree in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This further fueled her passion for collaborating with families and other professionals to assist children with a range of speech, language and communication needs to reach their potential.
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Stephanie Yeun SaLTStephanie was born and raised in the bustling city of Hong Kong. She is a multilingual who also speaks Cantonese and Mandarin and is currently learning British Sign Language. After completing her BSc in Psychology from The University of Hong Kong in 2017, Stephanie worked as a Teaching Assistant in a bilingual international school in Hong Kong before moving to London in 2018 to begin her training as a Speech and Language Therapist at University College London.
Stephanie is very excited to start her journey with Words First in August 2020, and to help children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties become confident communicators.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys strolling through beautiful parks, spending quality time with friends and exploring London!
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Kaho Yoshikawa SaLTTwo years after completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I returned to UCL to complete my master’s degree in Speech and Language Sciences. Over the years, I have volunteered for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, worked as a 1:1 teaching assistant in a mainstream school, taught English as a second-language, and have been involved in research related to word-finding difficulties, voice disorders and reading comprehension. With my drive to facilitate and empower children to reach their full potentials, I hope to deliver person-centred therapy that integrates evidence-based research in a fun and engaging way.
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Chevonne Du Plessis SaLTAfter completing my MSc in Speech-Language Pathology in South Africa in 2019, I am now studying Neuroscience and Psychopathology at UCL here in the UK. I have a passion for children and young people with complex communication needs, and this stems from my own personal experience. My younger brother is on the Autism Spectrum, and he was non-verbal until the age of 7 years. Today, as a young adult, he is a fully bilingual verbal communicator. I believe that when we create a supportive, communication-rich environment, every child is able to communicate, and therefore I focus on naturalistic, child-centred therapy to make sessions fun and rewarding to each of my students!
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Casey SaLTCasey is a South African speech and language therapist, who assists Tier 2 Visa applicants within Words First Ltd. Casey has a passion for creativity, therapeutic flexibility and making authentic connections, both within speech and language therapy, and in her social environments. Her interests lie in literacy development and functional intervention. At the weekend, she can be found going to concerts, strolling through museums, enjoying brunch with friends and dog-watching in the park.
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Emily Baxter SaLTEmily was born and raised on a farm in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. She graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2015 and completed her community service year in 2016. She then spent 2 years on the Mediterranean Sea, working in hospitality to repay student loans and travel. With a strong desire to return to the field of Speech and Language Therapy and to grow professionally, she started her own private practice in South Africa whilst applying to join the WF team in January 2020.
I am a pro-active, hardworking and creative individual. I pride myself on integrity and understand the value of going the extra mile for effective therapy and for patient care.
I like to make the most of my free time to exercise, be outdoors and spend quality time with friends and family. I am a friendly, outgoing person and grab at any opportunity for an adventure
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Aimee Hobbs SaLTBSc Hons Speech Language Pathology
MSc Global Public Health and PolicyAimee joined the Words First team in 2019 after running her own practice in Zimbabwe as a Speech and Language Therapist in early development and primary school education. She studied Speech Language Pathology at the University of Cape Town, before returning to her home in Zimbabwe and working as one of five speech therapists in the country to advocate and raise awareness for speech and language therapy services. During this time, she discovered her love for working with children and supporting families in the early years and primary school, in both school and hospital settings. She completed her master’s degree at QMUL in London in 2018 where she pursued her passion of contributing to health and education for all.
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Kelly Stijkel SaLTBSc (Hons) Speech-Language Pathology (University of Cape Town, South Africa)
MSc Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management (Maastricht University, Netherlands)
Kelly graduated with a four year Speech-Language Pathology honours degree from the University of Cape Town in December 2016. Following this, she worked as a Speech and Language Therapist at a private primary school in Harare, Zimbabwe until accepting an offer to study towards a master’s degree in the Netherlands. In April 2019, Kelly moved to London and started working for Words First Ltd where she initially worked within two secondary schools for children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, complex needs and/or challenging behaviour. Kelly is now working within the primary team, and working with primary school children with a range of speech, language and communication needs.
Kelly is very passionate about working with both primary and secondary aged children, and strives to make therapy sessions as engaging and interactive as possible.
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Talia Rocha SaLTM.Sc Speech and Language Sciences
Talia graduated with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Sciences from UCL two years after completing an undergraduate degree in Linguistics from Lancaster University. She is very passionate about working with children and has worked as a teaching assistant and one-to-one assistant for children in mainstream schools, special educational needs schools, and nurseries. Talia loves to be creative, which helps her to produce fun and motivating therapy sessions for children of all abilities.
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Sara Setti SaLTPGDip/Msc Speech and Language Therapy
Sara has always been interested in languages and the medical profession. After completing her undergraduate degree at SOAS in Arabic and Linguistics, Sara decided Speech and Language Therapy was the best degree which married her two passions. She completed the Postgraduate degree from City of London University in 2017 and went on to work for Words First as her first job which she is enjoying. Sara enjoys working with secondary school aged children and adults found her bio-medical and neurology modules particularly interesting in her degree.
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Indigo Arundell SaLTMSc Speech and Language Sciences
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Indigo graduated with a masters degree in Speech and Language Sciences from University College London (UCL) in 2018, having previously studied Psychology at undergraduate level at the University of Nottingham. Between degrees, she worked for 3 years as a teaching assistant in mainstream primary schools, specialising in supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.
Indigo became particularly interested in the link between language and literacy after choosing to specialise in this area in the final year of her undergraduate degree. Her favourite aspects of her job are being creative when planning sessions, and seeing the progress that children make as a result of SLT input.
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Egypt Payne SaLTB.Sc. Speech and Language Therapy
Egypt will be joining Words First in September 2018. She completed a Speech & Language Therapy degree from the University of Manchester in 2017. Prior to this, Egypt graduated in Biomedical Sciences. She has worked in a specialist school setting for children with specific learning difficulties. It was during this time that she began volunteering and working with children with specific learning difficulties and SLCN needs. Egypt has also worked as a special needs TA and a speech and language therapy assistant. Alongside her SALT degree, Egypt was employed as a specialist support worker for children with Autism for just under 4 years.
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Lisa Wright SaLTMSc Speech and Language Therapy
Lisa is an experienced therapist whose special interests lie in primary age children, early years and
vocabulary acquisition. After qualifying from City University with a Post Graduate Diploma, she
worked in specialist primary and secondary schools and during this time carried out a research
project about vocabulary intervention to gain her Masters qualification. She currently works in
schools and at the Kids First Therapy Centre. -
Katie McCann Clinical LeadBSc Hons Speech and Language Therapy
Katie had over 10 years experience of working within the NHS, before joining Words First in March 2018. Katie has worked across a wide range of settings, including homes, preschools, mainstream schools, specialist provisions and within clinics and has experience of working with children with a wide range of additional needs. She believes in increasing a young person’s functional skills so they are able to achieve their potential. Katie has provided training to professionals and parents/carers so they are able to support young people in increasing their communication skills.
Katie works in Words First contracted schools, and at the Kids First Clinic. From September 2018, she will be the Clinical Lead for Primary mainstream and complex needs. In addition to having her own case load, Katie will provide ongoing supervision and support for the therapists in her team, aiming to increase their confidence and expertise, while supplying encouragement and guidance when needed.
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Hannah Forbes SaLTPG. Dip Speech and Language Therapy
Hannah graduated with a postgraduate diploma in Speech and Language Therapy from Queen
Margaret University, Edinburgh in August 2017. Before that, she studied Linguistics and
Hispanic Studies at the University of Aberdeen. During her studies, she really enjoyed working
as a support worker for adults with a variety of learning disabilities, helping out at holiday clubs
for children and studying abroad in Spain and America.In order to gain a bit more experience, she recently spent three months in a large hospital in the
south of India and was challenged by the creativity used in the midst of minimal resources.
While working and on placement for university, she’s seen how simple measures of support can
improve someone’s quality of life and communication skills. She is enthusiastic about helping
children achieve greater confidence in their spoken and written communication. She also loves
languages and hopes to learn Hindi and British Sign Language in the next few years. -
Roz Tomes Clinical LeadRoz Tomes
B.Sc. Psychology and Speech Pathology
After completing her Psychology and Speech Pathology Degree at Manchester Metropolitan
University in 2015, Roz went on to work for the NHS across pre-school, primary, secondary and
SEMH settings. Here she developed her skills in supporting children across a variety of age groups
and needs – promoting their attention and listening, social interaction, understanding, use and
speech sound skill development. -
Amanda Davis DirectorM.Sc (SaLT), M.A (Dyslexia), B.Sc (SaLT Hons)
Amanda is the founder and creator of Words First Ltd, the Reading and Language Circuit Model™ and the Words First Approach™. She completed a BSc (hons) in 2001, MSc in speech and language therapy (with distinction) in 2005 and an MA in dyslexia (with distinction) in 2007. Amanda is currently a PhD candidate researching the relationship between processing speed and reading comprehension. Amanda’s skills in speech and language therapy combined with leadership have resulted in the development of company that has reached thousands of children in schools.
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Sarah Milne Clinical LeadSarah has joined the Words First team as the Clinical Lead for Training and Development. Sarah brings 16yrs of extensive and varied NHS experience to the role. Sarah has a particular interest and specialism in working with students with language and literacy difficulties and for the last 8 years has been working with secondary school students. Prior to joining Words First, Sarah was the manager for the Westminster Mainstream Secondary Schools Team. In this role Sarah led a team of therapists delivering whole school services across the borough of Westminster. This has included training and supporting school staff as well as devising and delivering intervention for students with a range of needs. Sarah has a practical and functional approach to all areas of her work and her flexibility, organisation and communication skills enable her to support the team, train others and provide a high quality, effective and efficient service. Her experience has shown her that by delivering evidence based practise, as part of a supportive team, we can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the people we work with.
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Bethan Mort Clinical LeadBSc Speech and Language Pathology
Secondary School Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, Bethan Mort, has worked in a variety of settings, from clinics to special schools, mainstream schools and homes, picking up lots of experience along my way. Most recently she has been working in Wandsworth setting up the mainstream secondary SLT service which has taught her invaluable lessons in service development and staff management, making sure that she got the best out of the service, the staff and most importantly the students who accessed the service.
Bethan is a very approachable person, and a strong problem solver – both qualities which will come in handy as clinical lead. She has a keen interest in SEMH and its impact on communication skills, which is her clinical specialism. Bethan also really enjoys developing speech and language therapists and supporting them to be fantastic clinicians and champions of communication skills. -
Nichola Mundy Clinical SupervisorBSc Speech and Language Pathology
Nichola is an experienced speech and language therapist whose special interest lies in early years, primary and stammering. Nichola is Lidcombe trained and is our ‘go to’ person for advice on Stammering. You can find her resource “Top Tips to support children who stammer” under the resources area of this website. Nichola was promoted in Sept 16 to a Level 4 therapist and provides peer support and mentoring to a group of new therapists.
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Mary Thompson SaLTPost Grad Dip, BSc (Hons)
Prior to starting her career in Speech and Language Therapy, Mary completed a degree in Psychology in 2013, which sparked her interest in children’s cognitive development and the impact of cognition on language and literacy attainment. Mary is completing her Post Graduate Certificate in Literacy and Language through Birmingham University and will be qualified to assess and diagnose dyslexia from September 2017.
Mary has a genuine love of working with children of all ages and a keen interest in supporting young people to enhance their communication and well being, enabling them to reach their full potential. Mary works in our mainstream primary team and from September 2017, will be leading the dyslexia work across Words First Ltd (Amanda is very excited about this!!)
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Kathryn Jennings SaLTBSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy
Kathryn graduated with a degree in Speech and Language Therapy from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Since graduating, she has worked in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health centre and in community care, where she worked with children with a diverse range of speech, language and communication difficulties. It was while working as a Learning Support Assistant in a mainstream secondary school that she developed a passion for working in school settings. This also sparked a particular interest in the link between language and literacy.
Kathryn is driven by a passion to help children with language and literacy difficulties to reach their full potential and become confident and independent communicators.
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Bryony Langmaid SaLTBryony Langmaid
BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy
Bryony graduated with a degree in Speech and Language Therapy from City University London. She has worked across London in a range of settings including: a Hearing Impaired Unit, a complex needs school, and many mainstream primary schools. Bryony’s creative nature shows through when she plans intervention and it allows her to deliver interesting, fun and engaging therapy. She has experience working with children and young people with a range of difficulties such as speech sound disorders, language delay and disorder, and social communication difficulties.
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Giulia Bruno Clinical SupervisorB.Sc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy
Giulia qualified in Germany at the University of Potsdam. She has a keen interested in Autism and completed her Dissertation on sentence structures in children with Autism. Giulia works in our primary team with Words First and Kids First, supporting children with spoken, written and social communication difficulties. -
Claire Newby SaLTB.Sc (Hons) Speech and Language Pathology
Claire discovered Speech and Language therapy after an 18 year career in theatre. While training at City University, London, she became fascinated by the way we learn and use language and the science behind the therapy we deliver. Claire enjoys using her set of skills (including Drama) when working with young people and helping them to overcome their difficulties. Claire is excited to be a part of the Words First team.
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Nicola Martin Clinical SupervisorNicola is an experienced speech and language therapist who joined Words First after 13 years in the NHS. Nicola is excited about being part of an evolving and forward-thinking profession and is keen to make a positive difference to the lives of families affected by speech, language and communication difficulties.
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Moira Smith HR / Admin LeadWith the expansion of Words First over the past few years there was a definite need for a dedicated administrator. After a lifetime in the world of newspapers, Moira jumped at the chance to join Words First Ltd three years ago. She now handles most of the day to day admin including invoicing, some of the human resources and anything else needed.
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Emma Ryall Kirst First ManagerEmma is Practice Manager for the Kids First Therapy Centre. Families who attend Kids First will be welcomed by Emma who will talk them through the procedures and processes. She is also an enthusiastic and highly skilled speech and language assistant who is creative, energetic and full of wonderful ideas to make therapy fun and interesting. Through her own experiences with her son, who attends a special school, Emma has developed patience and empathy in everything she does with her students.