Meet the Team
Find out more about us in our profiles below:
Linda Gilmour
Qualifications: MA Linguistics (University of Edinburgh), MSc Speech and Language Sciences (UCL)
Additional Training: Word Aware, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Makaton, Lego Therapy, Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme
Experience: 5 years NHS work in mainstream primary schools in Inner London and Leeds, followed by 3 years as co-founder and Lead Therapist of Interactions Speech and Language Therapy.
Area of interest: Early Years, Speech Sounds
Linda says: “I love my job because every day is a different and exciting challenge. No two children are the same and I enjoy the everyday puzzle of finding what works for them, and for their parents and teachers.”
Anna Lees
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Clinical Language Sciences (Leeds Metropolitan University)
Experience: 10 years as an NHS SLT in Wakefield and Leeds (schools and clinics). Specialist roles in Language Disorder and developing innovative school based approaches including Communication Friendly Schools. 3 years as co-founder and Lead Therapist of Interactions Speech and Language Therapy.
Additional Training: Word Aware, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Makaton, Lego Therapy, Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme
Area of interest: Language Disorder
Anna says: “Working with children, school staff and parents to empower the child to make progress and be understood is so rewarding to me. I love the variety of the work and the connections we make every day.”
Sophie Abbott
Qualifications: BSc Biological Sciences (University of Warwick); Post-Graduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy (City University, London)
Experience: 12 years NHS work, in services within Inner London, York and Leeds. Current part-time role within NHS as a stammering specialist. 2 years with Interactions Speech and Language Therapy.
Additional Training: Word Aware, Makaton, Lego Therapy, Colourful Semantics and Shape Coding, CERTs, Stammering approaches including Palin PCI and Lidcombe Program
Area of interest: Dysfluency (stammering), KS1 and KS2, language approaches, e.g. use of colour-coding
Sophie says: “I enjoy being a part of the school staff to contribute towards them becoming communication-friendly environments. Being able to form strong relationships with school staff and children, to then see them grow and progress throughout an academic year, is highly satisfying!”
Claire Bull
Qualifications: MClinRes Clinical Research (University of Manchester), BMedSci Human Communication Science (University of Sheffield), PGCert Counselling Skills and Theory (University of Leeds)
Experience: 16 years NHS work in schools, clinics, special schools and specialist dysfluency service.
Additional Training: Word Aware, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Makaton, Intensive Interaction
Area of interest: Dysfluency and mainstream schools
Sophie says: “Speech and Language Therapy gives me the opportunity to meet families and school staff where they are at, and work together to find the best way forward for the child. Every child, parent and member of staff I work with teaches me something new and for that I am very grateful.”