Pratiksha Daya

I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2010 from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville. I have 16 years of professional experience, primarily working within Special Educational Needs (SEN) settings in South Africa. Throughout my career, I have worked in both rural and urban schools, supporting students and families from diverse linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds.

I particularly enjoy working within SEN environments, supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism and other complex diagnoses. I value a collaborative approach, bringing together the expertise of different professionals to understand each student’s individual needs and provide holistic, meaningful support.

I am passionate about working alongside learners and their families to develop strategies that fit naturally into their routines, cultures and home environments. I believe this is key to ensuring that therapy is practical, meaningful and carried over into everyday life.

The Words First value that resonates most with me is interdisciplinary practice. I find great fulfilment in working alongside professionals from different disciplines, sharing knowledge and perspectives to provide the best possible support for our students.

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors and exploring with my family. As a South African, mountains are my favourite place in the world! I also enjoy discovering new places, trying different foods and experiencing new cultures. If you asked my best friend to describe me, I think they would say I’m gentle, calm and kind, with a quick sense of humour.