I am Deirdra Leahy, Registered Speech and Language Therapist, Specialist Dyslexia Teacher and mother of two.

I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Communication Sciences and I qualified with first class honours in 1998.  I received a Masters of Science with distinction from UCL in 2001, while working full time for the NHS in the busy central London boroughs of Camden and Islington. There, I built 15 years life and work experience, leaving only after the birth of my second child. 

I have worked in community clinics, independent and school nurseries, family homes, primary schools, secondary schools, and from my own clinic. I have assessed hundreds of children and young people and been a key professional in specialist diagnostic child development teams. I have trained nursery and school staff in INSETs and supported T.A.s in following individual programmes for learners with complex needs. I have led parent behaviour management courses, and worked alongside individual mums or dads, supporting them to support their struggling child. I have written hundreds of Developmental Reports, detailing a child’s learning profile. 

Supporting young people with language and communication barriers at all stages of education led me naturally into the field of dyslexia where I have specialised for many years. I am a qualified Specialist Dyslexia Teacher and have worked as a Consultant Language and Dyslexia Teacher in a primary school for the past 7 years.