Our presenters

Gabi is an AAC Consultant, completing her MSci in Speech and Language Therapy at University of Reading. Prior to joining Ace Centre in 2023, she worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in community paediatric teams. She strives to ensure that individuals have a voice in decision making so that care is client centred and individualised. In addition to working as part of the clinical delivery team, she has also delivered bespoke training on AAC assessments, considerations, selection and implementation.

Katy is a teacher with 17 years teaching experience and holds an MA in Inclusive Education with a specialism in Assistive Technology. She has worked as a Senior AAC Consultant at Ace Centre for the last 5 years, where she specialises in supporting individuals with complex communication and access to technology needs. She is also the Partnerships and Consultancy Manager at Ace Centre, working with organisations to ensure effective implementation for AT/AAC end users.
 
Katy is also the co-author of 'AAC /Aided Language in the Classroom', a book focused on breaking down barriers for learners with complex language and communication needs.

May is a teacher, having worked in both mainstream primary and SEND schools for 10 years, where she taught pupils using a wide range of AAC.  She has been a Senior AAC Consultant at Ace Centre for 5 years, with a keen interest in training and supporting schools in how best to implement assistive technology and AAC to meet the needs of their learners with complex speech, language and communication needs, as well as complex access needs.

May is also the co-author of 'AAC /Aided Language in the Classroom', alongside Katy Leckenby, a book focused on breaking down barriers for learners with complex language and communication needs.

Natasha is an AAC Consultant and has worked at Ace Centre since 2023. Originally from Australia, she is an Occupational Therapist by background, and has called the UK home since 2018.

Natasha enjoys exploring creative, practical ways to make communication accessible in any situation and helping people of all ages find communication solutions that fit their lives, whether that’s a high-tech AAC device, a laminated alphabet chart, or something in between.

Natasha is passionate about the vital role communication plays in shaping connection, independence, and participation within daily meaningful activities (referred to as occupations in the OT world), and sees communication as an essential occupation in its own right.

Rachel is a Speech and Language Therapist and holds an MMedSci in Human Communication Sciences and a BA in Psychology. She has worked as a Senior AAC Consultant at Ace Centre for the last 11 years, where she specialises in supporting individuals with complex communication and access to technology needs. She holds Coaching and Mentoring, and Higher Education Teaching qualifications.

She is also the Acting Training and Learning Manager at Ace Centre, developing ‘Ace Centre Learning’ courses and delivering Accredited training with our HE partners. She is passionate about developing the underlying skills, confidence, and knowledge within teams so they can implement strategies and solutions in responsive, meaningful ways.

Samantha is a Senior AAC Consultant and has worked for Ace Centre for the past ten years. She is an Occupational Therapist by background.

As part of the Ace Centre team, Samantha has co-ordinated the “AAC Policy: A Guide to Developing an Effective AAC Policy in Education Settings” and presented at a number of conferences including Communication Works, Communication Matters and ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association).

Samantha has a particular interest in complex access solutions, using technology to support learning in the classroom (she often has a switch to hand!), and using AAC to support our younger clients to participate in play activities.

Sarah joined Ace Centre as an AAC Consultant in 2023. Originally, Sarah is from New Zealand, where she completed her studies in Speech and Language Therapy. Since graduating, Sarah has worked in Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy services across New Zealand and the UK.

Sarah is passionate about supporting those with complex communication and empowering their communication partners to support their communication. 

Vickki joined Ace Centre in 2023 as an AAC Assistant Practitioner. She previously worked for over a decade in a specialist school and college as a Speech and Language Therapy Technician, where she supported children and young people with a wide range of complex communication and access needs.

Vickki became a Regional Makaton Tutor in 2020 and continues to enjoy sharing her knowledge with families, professionals, and the wider community. She is passionate about accessibility and is committed to helping people communicate in ways that enable connection, interaction, and independence.