Our Team

Principal Speech and Language Therapist

Madeleine Swan

She/Her

Madeleine graduated from City University in 2011 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy (Distinction) and has been working at Unlocking Language since 2015.

As the Clinical Lead for mainstream schools, Madeleine manages a team of therapists, supporting their clinical development and ensuring a high-quality service. She also oversees our company supervision policy. Madeleine specialises in working with students aged 3-11 who attend mainstream schools, providing assessments and interventions for students with speech sound disorders, Developmental Language Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder amongst other diagnoses. She also delivers training and works closely with other members of staff to support the communication development of targeted students.

Madeleine has furthered her knowledge by attending additional training on Makaton, VERVE, Michael Palin PCI and school-aged therapy approaches; Word Aware, Shape Coding, Attention Autism, the evidence base for Developmental Language Disorder and Supervision.

She has experience with a wide range of therapy approaches, including PECS, Intensive Interaction, SCERTS, colorful semantics, and Talkabout.

Her favorite thing about working at UL is ‘My colleagues! I love working with such a supportive, diverse, and talented group of people’.

When she’s not working, you can find Madeleine reading, watching independent films, and doing pen drawing.

Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Emma Hudson

She/Her

Emma started working at Unlocking Language in 2015 after graduating from City University London with a Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy. Prior to this, she studied Psychology (BSc) at the University of Leeds.

She is particularly interested in early years speech and language development and specializes in working with complex needs and ASD in toddlers, as well as primary-aged children with DLD, speech sound disorders, and ASD. As a clinical lead, she also supervises a team of therapists.

Emma’s training includes: Shape-Coding, Word Aware, Lego Therapy, Selective Mutism, Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), Phonological Awareness, Attention Autism and Cued Articulation. She is experienced with a variety of approaches, such as PECS, Parent Child Interaction, Intensive Interaction, Colourful Semantics, Zones of Regulation, Talkabout, and Makaton.

Emma believes in the importance of early assessment and intervention to help support children with speech, language, and communication needs so they can reach their full potential. She collaborates closely with parents to guarantee the use of parent-child interaction techniques in the home to enhance language development.

On working at UL: ‘I like working with a range of different clients and families and helping support them to reach their potential.’

When she’s not working, you can find Emma meeting friends and family, reading, swimming, or traveling to new places.

Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Lydia Chong

She/Her

Lydia completed a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy at the University of Reading and has been working as a therapist since 2016. Her particular professional interests lie in teletherapy and the secondary setting, working with children with ASD and SEMH. She is a member of the Shuri Network – the first NHS and care network of BAME women in digital health.

Lydia focuses on delivering therapy that is fun and functional to clients. She believes in empowering individuals and maximizing their potential. She has experience with various approaches, such as PECS and Makaton.

On working at UL: ‘Everyone is really friendly and helpful with clinical questions.’

When she’s not working, you can find Lydia walking, traveling, or playing the piano or ukulele.

Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Abirami Singalingam

She/Her

Abi undertook her BA at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and she studied for her MA in Pennsylvania, USA. Before moving to London in 2020, she worked for various school districts in Chicago and across Maryland.

Her areas of interest and expertise include working with school-age children and a variety of speech and language difficulties.

Abi is also a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Her favorite thing about working at UL is ‘how everyone is so supportive and what an amazing resource everyone is.’

When she’s not working, you can find Abi reading fantasy books, traveling, and eating Thai and Sri Lankan food

Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Katrina Bradford

She/Her

Katrina studied Speech and Language Therapy at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. She graduated and joined the UL team in 2021. Katrina works with children and young people across a range of settings, including SEN schools focusing on SEMH, and ASD. She also has a professional interest in the Youth Justice System.

Katrina has conducted work for the Scottish Justice System in collaboration with Supporting Offenders With Learning Disabilities (SOLD), where she created visual resources to support people with learning disabilities and/or who are vulnerable at the initial stages of a justice system process. She still volunteers with this organization outside of work.

Her favorite thing about working at UL is ‘the flexibility; meaning that I can gain a range of experience and find the area that I’m most passionate about.’

When she’s not working, you can find Katrina volunteering or spending time with family and friends. Her family has a dog called Levi, who “works” as a therapy dog at a local rehabilitation center.

Speech and Language Therapist

Abbey Lucas

She/Her

Abbey holds a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy (Clinical) from City, University of London/St George’s, University of London, graduating in July 2025. Through her degree placements, she has developed a range of clinical skills across diverse settings. Before starting her degree, Abbey worked as a PA/Carer for families supporting children with Autism, ADHD, ADD, PDA, Moderate Learning Difficulties, and PTSD.

Her professional passions centre on supporting individuals on the Autism Spectrum within Speech and Language Therapy. She also has a keen interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), having gained extensive experience in her most recent placement supporting adults with learning difficulties. Additionally, Abbey is interested in exploring the Youth Justice System and advocating for individuals through Speech and Language Therapy, and is eager to expand her experience in this area.

Outside of work, Abbey enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her partner. She loves outdoor swimming, visiting cafes and charity shops, going to the cinema, making textiles, taking part in pub quizzes, playing board games, and baking. A travel enthusiast, she enjoys exploring new places—even if just for a weekend.

Speech and Language Therapist

Aimee Gray

She/Her

Aimee studied at The University of Manchester, graduating in 2024 with a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy. During her degree, she gained a wide range of experience across paediatric placements and also worked part-time as a support worker for children and young adults with autism. In addition, Aimee has worked as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant in a mainstream primary school.

Her professional interests lie in supporting children and young adults with autism, particularly those who are non- or pre-verbal. With qualifications in ABC British Sign Language (Levels 1, 2, and 3), she enjoys working with children who incorporate Makaton and Sign Supported English (SSE) in their communication. In the future, she also hopes to develop her practice in the area of dysphagia.

Outside of work, Aimee enjoys going to the gym, playing the piano and saxophone, and exploring new places.

Speech and Language Therapist

Amna Ehsan

She/Her

Amna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. She has trained in Pakistan and has 3 and a half years of experience. Her interests lie in mainstream and pediatric dysphagia, and she has expertise in special needs.

Outside of work, you can find Amna exploring new things, going to the gym, and learning about health and nutrition. She is fluent in both Urdu and English.

Speech and Language Therapist

Clarice Lau

She/Her

Clarice completed her Master’s in Speech and Language Therapy from the Education University of Hong Kong. She has experience working in a multidisciplinary team with Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Teachers and ABA Therapists.

On working at UL: “Following the child’s lead and helping them to achieve their potential through play-based activity.”

Outside of work, Clarice enjoys going to different exhibitions and museums.

Speech and Language Therapist

Dakota Ozor

She/Her

Dakota studied BSc Psychology at Belmont University (2018–2021) before completing her MSc in Language Pathology at Newcastle University (2023–2025). She is a Newly Qualified Therapist, having just finished her exams last month, and is excited to begin her professional career.

Before her master’s, Dakota worked in special education as a Teaching Assistant, an experience she loved and considers a key professional interest. During her placement with CYPS this past summer, she gained valuable experience working on both the neurodevelopmental and mental health pathways with secondary-aged children.

Outside of work, Dakota enjoys baking (her current favourite being banana bread), making candles, chatting with her family overseas via phone or FaceTime, and going on day trips with friends.

Speech and Language Therapist

Ella Findlay

She/Her

Ella completed a BA in English Language and Linguistics at The University of Warwick (2020–2023) and MSc in Speech and Language Therapy at City, University of London/St George’s (2023–2025).

Her main areas of clinical interest include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), autism, and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

Outside of work, Ella enjoys staying active through sports such as going to the gym, running, and pilates classes. She also loves reading in the evenings and experimenting with new baking and cooking recipes.

Speech and Language Therapist

Elly Cheung

She/her

Elly trained in Hong Kong and has 2.5 years of experience in the field.

When she’s not working, you can find Elly being a photographer and watching lots of movies.

Speech and Language Therapist

Elmise Mimbo

She/Her

Elmise got her BSc in Speech and Language Therapy at Manchester Metropolitan University. Elmise then gained three years of experience in the industry.

When she’s not working, you can find Elmise going on hikes, making day trips to different European countries, and doing new activities.

Speech and Language Therapist

Florence Sheridan

She/Her

Florence attended school in Dublin, Ireland, where she received her Junior and Leaving Certificates. Afterwards she went on to study at Leeds Beckett University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy.

When she’s not working, you can find Florence likes to attend yoga classes, run, knit, cook, and socialize. Above all, she loves returning to Ireland to her parents farm, where she gets taken on gardening and farming projects.

Speech and Language Therapist

Jack John Richards

He/him

Jack got his MSc in Speech and Language Therapy from City University of London. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Birmingham.

When he’s not working, you can find Jack meeting his friends. He has begun solo traveling in his spare time this year. He also enjoys cooking and swimming in the evenings.

Speech and Language Therapist

Jusveen Khurana

She/Her

Jusveen studied at City University of London.

On working at UL: She is particularly interested in DLD and SEMH.

When she’s not working, you can find Jusveen swimming, and her favorite travel destination is Italy.

Speech and Language Therapist

Rebecca Morris

She/her

Rebecca completed an Access to Healthcare course during the COVID-19 pandemic and recently completed a BSc (Hons.) in Speech and Language Therapy at City, University of London.

When she’s not working, you can find Rebecca bouldering, and she enjoys going to the theater and spending time with family and friends.

Speech and Language Therapist

Sinthia Ashrafi Mahak

Sinthia holds a BSc (Hons) in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from Proyash Institute of Special Education and Research (PISER), affiliated with Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). Prior to pursuing a Master’s in Global Public Health at the University of Greenwich in London, she acquired over two years of experience as a Pediatric Speech and Language Therapist at Blue Sky Special School, under the patronage of the Bangladesh Air Force.

When she’s not working, you can find Sinthia enjoying traveling and exploring new places. She has recently developed a passion for cooking and experimenting with different cuisines. She finds relaxation in spending quality time with loved ones or immersing herself in a favourite series or movie.

Speech and Language Therapist

Siobahn Ally

She/Her

Siobhan studied Speech and Language Therapy at Birmingham City University. She works with a wide range of SLCN in primary & secondary school and has a specific interest in stammering and DLD.

On working at UL: Siobhan enjoys the variety of age groups and communication needs she gets to work with. She loves working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and carers to provide the best treatment of care.

When she’s not working, you can find Siobhan painting, drawing, exploring new areas and restaurants with friends and family, bike-riding, or with a good book.

Speech and Language Therapist

Tegan Mortimer

She/her

Tegan graduated with an integrated Master’s of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from the University of Reading.

When she’s not working, you can find Tegan crocheting, as her mum runs a charity in Zimbabwe. She also has a keen interest in tennis and loves following the sport. Additionally, she has a deep appreciation for food and enjoys cooking.

Speech and Language Therapist

Valentina Di Genova

She/her

Valentina graduated with a BSc in Psychology at Oxford Brookes University, furthering her studies with an MSc in Speech and Language Sciences at UCL. Afterwards, she worked as an LSA in a primary school and nursery. Her areas of professional interest are bilingualism and dysphagia.

On working at UL: “I like the variety of clients to work with and the range of settings to work in.”

When she’s not working, you can find Valentina spending time with her friends and family and planning her next holiday.

Speech and Language Therapist

Warda Samawe

She/her

Warda studied at City University of London. She is interested in Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH).

Outside of work, you can find Warda enjoying baking and playing badminton.

Speech and Language Therapist

Zaynab Iqbal

She/Her

Zaynab holds a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy from City, University of London. During her training, she gained hands-on experience through placements in both NHS and school settings, supporting individuals with communication and swallowing needs.

She is keen to work across all areas of Speech and Language Therapy, with experience in mainstream primary and secondary schools as well as in autism and deaf provisions.

Outside of work, Zaynab enjoys going on walks and exploring different parts of London. She also loves discovering new places to eat and learning about different cultures through travel.

Speech and Language Therapist

Cara Hawkins

She/Her

Cara Amy Hawkins studied Speech and Language Therapy at Birmingham City University, graduating in 2022. She has 2.5 years of experience working within the NHS service in Bath as part of the clinic team, alongside a further 9 months of experience running her own business.

Her main areas of professional interest and expertise are stammering and speech sound disorders.

Outside of work, Cara enjoys going to the cinema and theatre, practising pilates, travelling, trying new restaurants, crocheting, playing chess, and reading.

Speech and Language Therapist

Hope McNeill

She/Her

Hope McNeill completed her undergraduate degree in Linguistics at the University of Aberdeen. Also completed her MSc in Speech and Language Therapy at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Her main areas of professional interest are dysphagia and Special Educational Needs (SEN) work.

Outside of work, Hope has been involved in powerlifting for the past 10 years and previously competed during university. These days, she enjoys it mainly for fun and staying active.

Speech and Language Therapist

Amy Knight

She/Her

Amy Knight began her healthcare journey with a one-year Introduction to Health Sciences course at City, University of London in 2021 covering all aspects and areas of healthcare. She then progressed onto the BSc Speech and Language Therapy course at the same university in 2022. Following graduation, Amy worked as a Healthcare Assistant in a children’s hospice, supporting children with complex needs.

Her professional interests include working within schools and the community, inspired by her placements in mainstream primary schools. She is also keen to further develop her skills in dysphagia, feeding, and supporting children with complex needs.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys watching a variety of movies, going on walks with friends, and volunteering as a Scout Leader at her local scout group.

Speech and Language Therapist

Ryan Myers

He/Him

Ryan Myers holds a PhD in Educational Studies with a concentration in Literacy from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University. He is currently completing his third year as a Speech and Language Therapist, having worked primarily in an elementary school setting. Alongside this, Ryan has spent the past two years working part-time in an acute care hospital, supporting adults during weekends and school holidays.

His primary professional interest is literacy, an area supported by his doctoral studies and ongoing professional development. Ryan is passionate about incorporating literature into therapy sessions to support communication and learning outcomes for children. He also has a strong interest in supporting neurodivergent students and has completed several specialist training courses in this area.

Outside of work, Ryan is an avid reader who enjoys exploring a wide variety of books. He is a dedicated Harry Potter fan and rereads the series every year beginning on 1 September, when Harry returns to Hogwarts. He is also a keen Star Wars enthusiast, enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures, and spends time playing strategy and city-building games on his laptop. Some of his favourites include XCOM, XCOM 2, and Hogwarts Legacy, which he has completed with every Hogwarts house—including Hufflepuff twice, his own house.

Speech and Language Therapist

Michelle Myers

She/Her

Michelle Myers earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University. She has spent the past seven years working as a paediatric Speech and Language Therapist in an elementary school setting, supporting children aged 5 to 11 years. Prior to becoming an SLT, Michelle worked for 18 years as a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, giving her extensive experience supporting children with a wide range of communication needs.

Her professional interests include working with children of all ages and supporting those with speech sound disorders and language disorders. Michelle is passionate about incorporating literacy and books into her therapy sessions, making learning both engaging and meaningful for the children she supports.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys reading, crafting, sewing, listening to music, solving word puzzles, playing board games, and travelling. She particularly loves quilting and has recently upgraded her sewing machine to an embroidery machine, which she is excited to explore. Her music taste is varied, although show tunes and film soundtracks frequently feature on her playlists. Alongside her husband, Ryan, she enjoys travelling to discover cathedrals, castles, abbeys, and other historic sites around the world. At home, she is happiest curled up with her cats and a crossword puzzle.

Speech and Language Therapist

Ingrid Torrens

She/her 

Ingrid Torrens holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology, which she completed in Brisbane, Australia.

She works as a remote generalist Speech and Language Therapist, supporting clients across the lifespan. Her main areas of professional interest include early language development, feeding, and neurodevelopmental assessments.

Outside of work, Ingrid enjoys reading, travelling, and practising yoga.

Speech and Language Therapist

Brendan Bannon

He/Him

Brendan Bannon is a BSc Speech and Language Therapy graduate from the University of Greenwich.

His main professional interests are early years speech and language development, particularly working with preschool and nursery-aged children. He also has a strong interest in autism and social communication, and enjoys working closely with children and their families to find practical strategies that support communication in everyday life. He is looking forward to continuing to grow his expertise while learning from the wider team.

Outside of work, Brendan enjoys staying active through cycling, yoga, and swimming. He loves cooking, discovering new music, and spending time with friends and family. He has also recently joined a hiking group, giving him the opportunity to explore new places and usually end the day with a visit to a great pub or restaurant.