Diary of an SLT
Diary of an SLT
Ruth
After 10 years working within the NHS as a speech and language therapist, I left to lecture to the undergrads at Ulster university while starting my independent practice, Let’s Expand Communication. Eight years later, come join me on my mission to provide an unfiltered journey into unknown dimensions of SLT. I’ll have day to day passionate conversations with speech and language therapists, who share their thoughts on all things business, clinical, and professional about their vocation. Thank you for listening. IG: https://www.instagram.com/lec.slt.team IG: https://www.instagram.com/sltruthni
#47: "Talking and Moving with Early Educators"
Ruth is joined by Helen Guntrip, Founder of 'Talk and Move'.Helen talks to Ruth about her journey as an SLT. She fell into the profession after completing a language based degree and taking a job as an SLTA.As you listen you cannot miss the passion Helen has for early intervention, especially when her whole business is now based on working with Early Educators.Helen is open about the challenges she has faced, and how she has responded to each challenge in turn. Follow Helen via her LinkedIn profile and also her instagram pageTo find out more about Talk and Move reach out to Helen via this link
May 11
27 min
#46: "Inclusion, Diversity, Communication and Human Connection Drive my Work
Sunita Shah, founder of Together Let's Communicate [TLC] chats with Ruth about her career journey to date.Having started in a very mixed NHS post post graduation Sunita now runs her independent practice specialising in supporting children and young people with speech, language, social, emotional and communication difficulties. Sunita opens up about why she loves working with teenagers in particular and how she feels called to support them, when they would otherwise have no support in their lives. As well as her practice Sunita likes to bring her heritage into her work, and has written several publications called the "Jai Jais". Her latest publication "Talkology" is due to be released in July! [ watch this space]You can follow Sunita via her LinkedIn profile and find out more about her publication via her TLC website and also her website promoting "The Jai Jai's"
Apr 27
28 min
#45: "Forty years qualified and I still adore what I do!"
I was honoured to be joined by Mary Heritage for episode 45 of the podcast. Mary is well known within the field of Speech and Language due to her vast career journey to date. Throughout this episode Mary's love of the profession shines. She talks about where she started post graduation and how this has mapped out her pathway to date. Now an author and coach to many, she has a carved out opportunities that many of us would dream of achieving. You can also find out more about Mary and her books / practice via the following links:My  coaching practice: Career Pivots & Finding Work Life Balance - Mary Heritage - Coach & MentorAnd to order her books: For publication July 2026: Becoming a Speech and Language Therapist: An Essential Guide for StudentsMentoring for Speech and Language Therapists: Unlocking Professional Development throughout your careerMary's LinkedIn profile Mary Heritage | LinkedIn
Apr 13
29 min
#44: "Inclusive Communication isn't just a physical thing"
In episode 44 I get an opportunity to chat all things communication boards with the Inclusive Communication Solutions Team. Laura, Kelly and Suzanne explain how their joint business venture came about organically in 2024 through conversations in the years leading up. The ladies share their individual backgrounds, working weeks and how their business is going at the moment. They have big dreams for the future and it is lovely to hear how their unique communication boards are starting to pop up around the country.You can follow the team via their instagram profile and on their individual LinkedIn pages: Laura, Suzanne, and KellyIf you would like more information about buying a communication board you can access their website here.
Mar 23
29 min
#43: "Growing my Business one Idea at a Time!"
Nicky West joined Ruth for a chat. Nicky set up New Options Speech and Language Therapy in Hull 12 years ago and as you will here things are going from strength to strength for her. Nicky chats about her journey into SLT at the age of 25, and where the SLT journey has lead her to date. She is a huge advocate for supporting this profession, by sharing her passion with students at secondary level education. She also has a merchandise shop via her website, for all things 'SLT' inspired .You can follow Nicky via LinkedIn and InstagramShe also sells her lovely 'merch' via https://www.new-options.co.uk/category/all-products
Mar 9
40 min
#42: "Being neuroaffirming has become a priority in my practice"
What a lovely episode as Ruth was joined by Ellie Brown, Independent SLT.Ellie is quite new to the world of IP but shares how much this has benefited her young family.Ellie is very passionate about delivering strength-focused, person-centred support, with all methods of communication considered as valid and equal. She is very proud to be a neuroaffirming practitioner, recognising that neurodivergent people have unique strengths, interests and support needs. Listen Ellie chat about her working week and her future plans. You can follow Ellie via LinkedIn and Instagram
Feb 23
20 min
#41: "The Early Years ignite my passion as an SLT"
Sarah Corey, Speech and Language Therapist in NI, joined Ruth for this latest episode of Diary of an SLT. Sarah has literally just left her NHS role to go into full time independent work within her business mid ulster speech therapy, so finds herself juggling this alongside being mummy to her two beautiful children.She talks so openly and honestly about this transition, her passion for early intervention in under 3s and also her future aspirations when she find the time!Sarah also gives insight into an award she won last year in her local area - she was shocked, Ruth was not!You can follow Sarah on instagram and LinkedIn
Feb 9
35 min
#40: "Read, write, ink - I have the best job in the world!"
Ali Battye, SLT / Author / AAC Specialist and GLP advocate spoke with Ruth in this latest episode . Ali shares her love of this profession as it wasn't her initial career pathway, however she has had her full circle moment and is using her love of writing in the 4 books she has published.Ali is constantly finding joy in her work with the schools, families and professional colleagues throughout her week. This is open, honest and wholesome throughout.You can also follow Ali via LinkedIn and instagramLatest book can be accessed via AmazonIf you enjoy this episode why not comment and give Ali some feedback.
Jan 26
26 min
#39: My 'Fuzzy Felt Brain' is a game changer in therapy sessions.
Season 4 kicks off with a wholesome chat between Ruth and Elizabeth McBarnet.Elizabeth explains are choice of career as an SLT and how her love of working with adults grew once she set up her own independent practice. Elizabeth's openness throughout the chat show how every decision as her career progressed allowed her to be the mum her girl's needed as well as giving her the opportunity to continue to be the SLT she wanted.You can follow Elizabeth via her Linkedin profile
Jan 12
27 min
#38: "When I was 6 yrs old Helen Keller inspired me, that led me into this career!"
Kate Reader joined me on this last episode of season 3. Kate oozes love of her career and chatted in detail about her love of all things AAC and as well as the new job she started at AT Therapy in September this year.Kate was also a recipient of an award through Communication Matter which she shares about, as well as her amazing scholarship opportunity coming up in 2026. Have a listen to Kate, you'll not regret giving this half a hour of your time. Follow Kate via at instagram handles as well as https://www.instagram.com/communi_k8/
Dec 8, 2025
33 min
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