Eleni Kotta

Research Associate

Qualifications: PGDiploma Speech and Language Therapy, Msc Child Development, BSc Psychology

Biography

I am a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with a background in Psychology. After completing a BSc in Psychology at City University, I went on to complete an MSc in Child Development at the Institute of Education, University of London. My research project explored the relationship between language development and theory of mind precursors in children with autism.

After obtaining the MSc in Child Development, I worked in a primary specialist school for children with autism in Surrey for two years. I then worked for a charity with pre-school children with special needs and their families in the Sure Start Queens Park area of London. The Portage early intervention programme was used an assessment goal setting tool. I worked closely with families and nurseries promoting the successful transition from home to nursery.

As an SLT student I had placements in a variety of settings including: a language unit attached to a primary mainstream school working with children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI), a mainstream secondary school working with children with language and behavioural difficulties (1:1 and small group work), and a rehabilitation hospital working with people with aphasia and dysphagia.

My experience included working in schools, with children with language and/or cognitive impairments and using cognitive and language assessments.

Currently I am working as a Research Associate in the exciting Enhancing Language and Communication in Secondary Schools (ELCISS) project. My responsibilities include:

• Assessing children using standardised and non-standardised/novel assessments.
• Recording and transcribing assessment results and entering all data.
• Assisting in devising the two intervention programmes: vocabulary enrichment and narrative.
• Assisting in the training of teaching staff about language and communication in typical and atypical development.
• Assisting in the training and support of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) in conducting the two therapy programmes.
• Liaising with school staff, including SENCO?s, LSAs, and Teachers.
• Liaising with parents in order to obtain information regarding their children?s progress.

Professional Membership

• Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Registered Member of the Health Professions Council.

Personal Interests

Travelling, socialising with friends, reading, cooking

Contact details

See here