I’m James and I am the Chief Executive Officer for Aphasia Support. I am passionate about the charity sector and how it can support people through times of hardship. Prior to joining Aphasia Support, I worked in community centres and colleges among other places. I have 2 children, Ben and Jack, and 2 cats, Bobby and Arlo. I live in Leeds and in my spare time I volunteer as the Child Welfare Officer at Pudsey Juniors FC.

I’m Sophie and I am the Fundraising and Communications Manager at Aphasia Support. I’ve worked in the charity sector for eight years, and I’m always proud to support causes that are close to my heart. Each and every day I’m inspired by the people I meet, the lived experiences they share, and the strong sense of community spirit that brings people together. Outside of work, you’ll often find me going on adventures with my husband and our little boy. I'm proud to be a trustee for my local clothing bank, and enjoy volunteering to support the village Gala in my hometown.

Hi, I’m Ashlyn and I’m pleased to be back at Aphasia Support. I love what the charity does so it’s good to be part of it again. Outside of work, I love walking and taking our dog out and love watching live bands when I get the chance. I’m also working towards my level 2 Reiki certificate.

I’m Steve and I am a Speech and language Therapy Assistant for Aphasia Support. The last few years have been a complete career change for me and I am loving my time either as a volunteer or staff member at the charity.
Outside of work, I love football and follow West Ham (although I don’t get to watch them very often live). We have a beautiful dog, Annie who keeps me busy and I also love, walking, travelling and live music.

Hi, I'm Gemma and I'm a Speech and Language Therapist. I have worked in a number of Speech Therapy teams across West Yorkshire and have always had a special interest in using technology to support communication. Outside of work, my time is mostly spent walking my border terrier Arlo, catching up with friends and family and keeping fit. I love music, especially going to live concerts or musicals.

Hi, I'm Dee and I have over twenty years’ experience as a Speech and Language Therapist working in the NHS and at the University of Sheffield teaching student Speech and Language Therapists. I love working with people with Aphasia and their families to support them to live well with aphasia. I have 2 boys and live with my family in Yorkshire. In my spare time I enjoy playing the violin and playing in local orchestras, anything arty and love going to gigs to see my favourite bands!

Hi, I'm Georgina. I'm a Speech and Language Therapist and I've been working in an NHS hospital setting for 9 years, including working in the acute phase of stroke recovery and in independent practice. Outside of work, you would find me walking my Labrador or being bossed around my toddler Jack! When I do get time to myself I enjoy horse riding! 

Hi, I’m Hannah. I'm a Speech and Language Therapist with
over 10 years of experience. I have been working in an NHS acute hospital
setting, predominantly working with patients who have suffered from stroke and in independent practice. In my spare time I like to keep fit by going to the gym and walking in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. I enjoy socialising and
going to see live music!

Hi, I'm Emilie and I'm a Speech and Language Therapist with almost 25 years of experience in the NHS and with a special interest in Aphasia.  I work in stroke services and helped to set up the first Aphasia Cafe in Barnsley in 2014. I am passionate about finding different ways to support people living well with Aphasia. I am a real believer in the importance of community and the power of peer support for people with Aphasia and their family. I am a keen bread maker and love being outdoors, especially cycling through the beautiful Peak District!.

Hi, I'm Rhona and have recently moved to beautiful Yorkshire with my husband Gavin. I am a Speech and Language Therapist with many years experience working alongside people with Aphasia and their families, both in the NHS and the charity sector. In recent years I worked for another specialist Aphasia charity called Dyscover in Surrey, and am delighted to bring my experience to leading the Harrogate Aphasia Cafe. Music is my passion, so my next step is to find a choir to join. We love cycling and walking and look forward to getting out and about in the Dales and beyond.

Hi, I’m Karen and I’m a Speech and Language Therapist. I’ve worked in hospital, community and university settings within Leeds and Wakefield for 25 years. I enjoy supporting people with Aphasia, building relationships and helping people to move their lives forward. Outside of work I love to spend time with family, friends and their children. I practice yoga and go to craft, pottery and geology groups. I also run a bike fix scheme for a local environmental charity.

Hi, I’m Alex and I lead the Kirklees and Halifax cafes. I started as a volunteer at Aphasia Support before moving into the role of Session Lead.  I’m back in Yorkshire after over a decade living in France, where I worked as an editor and ran English language conversation groups. I’m a big fan of musicals, love spending time with family and friends, and I’m currently trying (and struggling!) to learn German.