Meet Emma & Ruth
We help Speech and Language Therapists take the first steps into independent practice - creating businesses that align with their values, offer greater flexibility, and bring joy back to their careers.
Between us, we’ve spent many fulfilling years in the NHS before choosing a different path. Now, having built thriving independent practices of our own, we’re here to guide and support you on your journey.
You don’t have to figure this out alone - we’ve already walked this path and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Why we started The Academy
We know what it’s like to feel stretched by high caseloads, long hours, and little flexibility and to wonder if there’s another way of working. We also know how overwhelming it can feel to think about starting an independent practice on your own.
That’s why we created the SLT Training Academy: to give Speech and Language Therapists a clear, supportive route into independent practice, with the practical tools and encouragement we wish we’d had when we first started!
Reigniting her passion
Meet Emma
Emma qualified in 2005 after completing a Masters in Language Pathology at Newcastle University.
After more than a decade in the NHS, across community clinics, schools, and specialist SEND settings, she realised the lack of flexibility and increasing pressures were draining the joy from her work.
In 2018, Emma stepped into independent practice, bringing with her not just her SLT expertise, but also her business experience from running a successful network marketing venture. Today she specialises in speech sound disorders, AAC, and SEND - and loves the freedom to build her practice around her family.
What’s the best thing about private practice?
Satisfaction and fulfilment in my career and at home! Knowing I can provide the therapy clients need at the time when they need it most, whilst allowing me to be the best mum and wife at home. It doesn't have to be one of the other it can be both!
What was your biggest fear about going independent?
The enormity of doing everything on my own and for myself without a support network
What would you say to an SLT who’s scared to take the leap?
It's really NOT as terrifying as you think, you CAN do this, you just need to take the leap!
In Emma’s Words:
Creating new possibilities
Meet Ruth
Ruth qualified in 2005 with a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy from Ulster University. After 11 years in the NHS, she left to take up a part-time lecturer role before establishing her own practice in 2016, which has since grown into a thriving limited company.
Passionate about “thinking outside the box,” Ruth has combined clinical work with leadership roles, including Chair of ASLTIP (2019–2023) and current NI representative on the RCSLT Board of Trustees. She now provides training, supervision, and team leadership - and is passionate about helping other SLTs see what’s possible when they go independent.
In Ruth’s Words
What’s the best thing about private practice?
Being able to provide therapy to my clients when they need it, but also providing support to parents and education staff in a way that meet them where they are. I also love being able to say "yes" to opportunities and not having to ask someone else's permission.
What was your biggest fear about going independent?
Not being able to pay my bills at the end of each month as I took a huge leap of faith, but also the potential isolation running a business solo, with no prior experience.
What would you say to an SLT who’s scared to take the leap?
Do it! A wise person once told me (my mum) "what you lose on the swings, you'll gain on the roundabouts" and she has been entirely right. My "leap" has led to so many amazing opportunities, to friendships I would never have developed and also a job I wake up each morning & adore.
What we’ve learned…
Why did you move into independent practice?
Because we wanted more freedom to work in a way that truly supported our clients, gave us flexibility in how we worked, and helped us rediscover the joy in being SLTs.
What makes independent practice so rewarding?
The flexibility, the variety, and the chance to shape a caseload that really plays to your strengths and interests.
What do you wish you’d known when you started?
That you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Small, simple steps are enough - and they add up to something bigger than you might ever imagine.
Are you ready to take the first step into independent practice?
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
The SLT Training Academy is designed to guide you from where you are now to running an independent practice that gives you more freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment.