Monique Jackson
SALT
HCPC Registration Number: SL040426
Hello, my name is Monique, and I am a Speech and Language Therapist.
I graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, in 2020 with a BA (Hons) in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. After completing my community service year at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, I volunteered with a non-profit organisation in Mpumalanga, where I helped improve access to Speech Therapy and Audiology services within rural communities.
I have experience working with both paediatric and adult populations, although my passion lies in supporting early years development and autistic children. My particular areas of interest include early communication, neurodiversity-affirming practice, social communication, and supporting the adults around children to create communication-rich environments.
My therapeutic approach is child-centred, relationship-based and responsive. I believe in recognising each child as an individual, building meaningful connections and creating supportive environments that encourage long-term learning, development and confidence.
As a Clinical Supervisor at Words First, I support therapists and schools in implementing an interdisciplinary approach to care. I am passionate about mentoring therapists and working collaboratively with families, educators and other professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists and Play Therapists, to provide holistic and individualised support for children.
The Words First values that resonate most strongly with me are being child-centred and embracing interdisciplinary practice. I believe children thrive when the adults around them work together, drawing on their different skills and perspectives to support communication, learning and wellbeing.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places, trying different foods, and spending time with family and friends. If my friends had to describe me, I think they would say I am innovative, collaborative and compassionate — qualities that guide both my professional practice and my personal life.
