Hayley Best (Director)
I qualified as a speech & language therapist in 2006 and completed a masters in education specifically for autism in 2018. My masters research was completed using video modelling as a tool for teaching imitation skills and Let’s Talk utilise technology within therapy sessions. I have over twelve years’ experience working both in the UK and internationally with children and young adults in community, educational, residential, and medical settings. I have experience in providing second opinion consultations and assessments for legal cases.
I am also the older sibling of a young man with severe learning difficulties, visual impairment, and self-injurious behaviour. I feel it is vital for me to draw upon this lifelong experience of growing up with special educational needs when I am working with children, young people, and their families.
I also practice reiki, yoga and meditation. I value a natural approach to health and educational development and utilise these practices where possible with my clients and their families. I have completed an animal assisted therapy course and have trained my dog to join me working with some clients.
Hendrix
I am Hendrix the therapy dog. I love chicken and tail chasing and balls. I’m good at learning tricks when you have treats in your pocket.
I like working best with children who are learning about listening and following instructions. I don’t talk like my hooman friends, but I do show you what I mean by my body and we do lots of learning about dis by having loads of fun times at the park or in your garden and sometimes I get allowed in your house.
I’m awesome at waking up lazy brothers and sisters by jumping on them! Mum says I am a clever boy coz I can write special cards and post them all by myself to send to my hooman friends after we play together. I smell chickens mmmm chicken snarf, woof, lick.