Katie McCann

BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy

Hello, my name is Katie!

I have over 10 years’ experience working within the NHS, before joining Words First in March 2018. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of settings, including homes, preschools, mainstream schools, specialist provisions and clinics. This has given me extensive experience supporting children and young people with a diverse range of additional needs.

I am passionate about developing functional communication skills that enable young people to participate more confidently and achieve their potential across a range of environments. I also enjoy working collaboratively with parents, carers and other professionals, providing training and practical strategies to help them support children’s communication development in everyday life.

At Words First, I work across contracted schools and a specialist provision attached to a mainstream school. I am also the Clinical Specialist for Complex Needs and Early Years, supporting the wider team to develop their knowledge and confidence in these areas. Alongside this, I provide ongoing supervision and support to therapists, offering guidance, encouragement and clinical expertise to help them grow in their practice.

One of the books that has had the greatest impact on my life is the biography of Helen Keller, which I first read when I was at primary school. Her story demonstrated to me that challenges should not hold us back and inspired me to pursue a career in Speech and Language Therapy, so that I could help others overcome barriers and reach their potential.