Emma Dean

Research Associate

Qualifications: PGDiploma Speech and Language Therapy, BSc Experimental Psychology

Biography

I finished my training as a speech and Language therapist in 2006. I have been working for this project since the beginning of 2007. It is an exciting project to be involved in. I was particularly drawn to the focus on intervention for secondary school children as this is such an under resourced area.

I also worked with this age group for two terms of my training as a clinical placement, and there is never a dull day. On this placement I worked with a partner running social skills and phonology groups. One of the fun and challenging elements was devising games and activities to work on targets that were appropriate and stimulating for adolescents.

My first degree was in Psychology. This is a subject still close to my heart and I have been particularly interested in the psycho-social measures we have been using on the project. I am hoping to delve a bit further into the relationship between social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and specific language impairment in a future MSc project.

Before my speech therapy training I worked in a variety of settings as a support worked for adults and children with learning disabilities. During my clinical training I also gained experience of working with children with preschool special needs, and adults with neurological impairments.

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

I am quite an active person and enjoy climbing and running amongst other physical activities. I have been learning to play the piano for about a year now, progression is extremely slow but it's a satisfying process. Otherwise I enjoy spending time with friends, reading, watching films and taking advantage of the many things to do in London.

Contact details

See here