Sam Bratby

Sam is a Speech and Language Therapist with SpeechWise. She was inspired to enter the field after studying Human Communication BA (Hons) in her first degree. She worked as a NHS Therapy Assistant in clinics and schools around Stockport covering a wide range of speech, language, and communication therapy before returning to Manchester Metropolitan University where she took placements with children and adults, including a specialist setting focused on swallowing and palliative care. She graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Speech Pathology and Therapy in 2010 and continued to work for the NHS as a Children’s Therapist for 7 more years. Sam joined SpeechWise in 2017 and is passionate about continuing her professional development in evidence based practice to support children, staff and families with a wide range of needs. 

When she’s not working with children or attending training courses, you’ll find Sam illustrating the images for our website or working on her children’s book illustrations in her art studio (a little wooden shed in her garden)! She is also a mum of two and is inspired by their stories every day.

Sam’s top tip for supporting children with their speech, language, and communication is to give them more time than you think. Sometimes, when we’re busy and rushed we forget to wait for children to express themselves. Give them a gap and show them with your face that you’re ready to hear their response – whatever that may be. 

Sam is registered with the HCPC, RCSLT and holds an Enhanced DBS check.