Bahale Mehale
SALT
HCPC registration number: SL044139
Hello, my name is Bahale.
I am a registered Speech and Language Therapist. My journey into the profession began at Stellenbosch University, where I completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy in 2022, followed by a two-year Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy in 2025. I am currently a PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University, where I continue to develop my passion for research and evidence-based practice.
Through my training and early career, I have gained around five years of clinical experience across hospitals, rehabilitation centres and school settings, working with both adults and children. While I value this breadth of experience, my particular passion lies in supporting children to develop the communication skills they need to thrive.
Alongside my clinical work, I have developed a strong interest in research. I have explored areas including paediatric dysphagia and adult aphasia, with my most recent work focusing on the involvement of adults with aphasia in shared decision-making following stroke. This research has deepened my understanding of how communication difficulties affect not only an individual’s ability to communicate, but also their participation in decisions about their own care.
I have a particular interest in the brain and neurological conditions that affect communication, and in how evidence-based assessment and intervention can support recovery and meaningful participation. The Words First value that resonates most with me is using evidence-based assessment and intervention. I believe that grounding our practice in research enables us to provide the highest quality support and achieve the best possible outcomes for the children and families we work with.
Outside of work, I enjoy going to the theatre, travelling, spending time with loved ones and indulging in more desserts than I probably should. Those closest to me would describe me as empathetic, confident and ambitious – qualities that I bring into both my personal and professional life.
