Our Therapists
Therapists
Cezarina O’Connor
Speech & Language Therapist
Specialist Interests include:
- Neurodiversity Affirming Practice including Gestalt Language Processing
- Social, Emotional and mental health needs (SEMH)
- Dysphagia
I qualified as a Speech & Language Therapist in 2013 from Birmingham City University. Since qualifying, I have worked continuously within special schools and specialist higher education settings.
Currently I have a caseload of clients with varying diagnosis including; autism, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, Down’s syndrome, and complex and profound special educational needs. I also have extensive experience in working with high and low tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), speech sound errors, Auditory processing disorder, receptive end expressive language difficulties, stammering, social communication, and dysphagia.
I provide input towards the development and analysis of Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). I also frequently write reports for tribunals as an expert witness, for cases requiring expert opinion in relation to speech and language therapy for educational provisions and their funding by Local Authorities. This work has required me to work throughout the UK, and attend court hearing as an expert witness.
I provide evidence-based and effective assessment and intervention for all clients; to include target setting and realistic measurable outcomes. It is my strongly held belief that communication should be an integral part of a person’s life, and it is my passion to do all I can to assist and enable those with communication difficulties to overcome them.
Abigail Watling
Speech & Language Therapist
Specialist Interests include:
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
- Complex Needs & Multi-sensory impairment
- Dysphagia
- Literacy support for complex learners
I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2011. Since then I have worked in a broad range of clinical settings including; community services, hospitals, mental health services and educational settings as well as independent services within the client’s home.
I specialise in working with clients with complex diagnoses, supporting with both communication and dysphagia. I strive to empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
Over the past 10 years I have worked to establish an extensive knowledge of assessment and management of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and dysphagia pertinent to a range of client groups; underpinned by a current evidence-based practice.
I have a specific clinical interest in the area of AAC and work hard to continue to stay up to date with this ever-changing fast paced field. I am also a member of a number of clinical excellence networks relating to dysphagia, AAC and complex needs and enjoy completing regular professional development in order to ensure my practice remains up to date and evidence-based.
I have a clear understanding of the educational funding, review and monitoring systems as part of the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plans) process and I have become skilled at carrying out assessments to support families, schools and Local Authorities for EHCP applications and tribunal cases. I work as an expert witness for Speech and Language Therapy related quantum and liability cases.
Savannah Harder
Occupational Therapist
Specialist Interests include:
- Sensory Integration
- Neurodiversity
- Interoception
- Trauma Informed working
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2018 from the University of the South of England in Bristol. Since then, I have worked in paediatrics across both the NHS and private sectors. In recent years, my focus has been on supporting children and young people in special schools, specialist higher education settings, and within their homes. My work includes contributing to the development and analysis of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Before completing my degree, I spent several years working holistically with individuals with high-support-needs autism and complex, profound special educational needs in residential settings. This experience continues to shape my therapeutic approach, which is informed by trauma and polyvagal theory.
I have a particular interest in supporting children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, cerebral palsy, and coordination difficulties. Committed to maintaining an evidence-based and up-to-date practice, I regularly engage in professional development and am currently undertaking postgraduate training in Sensory Integration.
Kerry Bees
Speech & Language Therapist
Specialist Interests include:
- Complex communication difficulties
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2018. Since then I have worked predominantly within specialist education settings. I am extremely passionate about enabling people to reach their communicative potential. Over the years working within education (SEN school and specialist college), I have had experience of working with a range of complex disabilities such as profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), autism and trauma. I have developed a clear understanding of the educational funding, review, and monitoring systems as part of the EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plans) process. I have a keen interest in AAC. I am an advocate for neurodiversity affirming practice and believe that trust is imperative to effective therapy, especially with young people, so I ensure I take time to build a therapeutic relationship. Prior to becoming a speech and language therapist, I worked within the NHS as an administrator. I also volunteered in Cape Town, South Africa for three months.
Our Assistant Practitioners
Aida Garcia Antuna
SLT Assistant Practitioner
Lauren Knight
SLT Assistant Practitioner