Meet Karen Melvin

Karen is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist (18+ years in the NHS) working in the Derry/Donegal area. She specialises in working with adults and young people/adolescents with a Learning Disability / Intellectual Disability and / or Autism as well as adults with dementia or other mental health conditions. She is a regional Makaton Tutor and is also highly skilled in the management of dysphagia (difficulties with eating, drinking, swallowing).

She is passionate about kind, sensitive support for people with communication difficulties and has a particular interest in supporting non-speaking individuals with the use of AAC. She is an advocate for improving understanding of each individuals unique communication needs and supports the young people / adults she works with and their families through neuro-affirming care. She can provide bespoke training to other professional groups, schools and parents/carers. Understanding each individuals lived experience is central to her work and approach. She has both HCPC and CORU registration enabling her to support people in their home/work/schoo; environment either side of the Derry/Donegal border as well as offering 1:1 clinic appointments. She is currently a member of RCSLT, IASLT and ASILTIP