I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1996 after completing my BSc (Hons) in Birmingham. I came back to my home county of Essex to start my first post for the NHS in Mid Essex working with children with a range of communication needs. My focus area of work became preschool/ school age complex needs and autism. I moved on to work in Mansfield and also worked in London and Nottingham. Whilst having a family I continued some work as an Independent S&LT and volunteered for two military charities. In 2014 I came back to Essex to work in the Mid and West Essex area for Provide CIC, including work in autism assessment.