Join our team
We are a team of enthusiastic speech and language therapists that are always looking for more dedicated paediatric therapists to join our valued team.
Read More...Leighann graduated from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland in 2014. She is currently working in mainstream primary schools and in clinic. She is a licensed I CAN Early TalkBoost tutor and has experience delivering this programme in a number of primary school settings. Leighann enjoys promoting a Universal, Targeted and Specialist approach to communication within her schools. A universal approach to communication involves supporting teaching staff and parents to develop the communication of all children in school through advice, training, raising awareness, sharing resources and ‘Communication Friendly Classrooms’.
Education
BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy - University of Ulster - 2014
I am really passionate about working closely with families and school staff to ensure the best outcomes for each child that I work with.
Leighann Cherry
Professional memberships
Leighann works in accordance to the professional and ethical guidelines set by the HCPC and RCSLT.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Timeline (employment history)
April 2018 to present
SLT for Kids
Q&A
What inspired you to become a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist?
My younger sister accessed Speech and Language Therapy from a very early age to support with her expressive language skills and later with her speech sounds. I recall my Mum helping my sister practice during the week using a range of games and fun resources shared by the therapy team- my sister didn’t have a clue that she was doing ‘work’. My sister smashed all of her goals and it was great to see the impact that this had on her life when she was finally able to communicate successfully. From this, I fell in love with the idea of getting into a career which can really make a difference to peoples lives yet is also a lot of fun!
What additional training do you have?
I am an ICAN Early TalkBoost Licensee and have delivered this training to a number of primary schools. Early TalkBoost is a targeted intervention aimed at 3-4 year old children with delayed language, helping to boost their language skills to help narrow the gap between them and their peers. The programme aims to accelerate children’s progress in language and communication by an average of 6 months, after a nine week intervention.
Is there a speech, language, communication or swallowing condition you enjoy working with the most?
Not really but I do have a bit of a soft spot for Early Years- I love when little ones surprise me with the progress that they have made, it never fails to put a smile on my face. It’s hard to have a bad day when you’re blowing bubbles and talking about your favourite Paw Patrol character (Rubble!).
What do you like doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to bake, which the SLT for Kids team are very happy about! I also really like running and have recently joined an outdoor military fitness class which I am really enjoying at the moment but ask me again when it starts to rain and snow.
What is your favourite thing about being a speech and language therapist with SLT for Kids?
My colleagues! I couldn’t ask for a better team. There has recently been a massive push on mental health and wellbeing within our team which is just so important and has really helped with team cohesion and morale.
