Speech/Language Therapist

Helen White

Dip Tchg; Dip Ed; MNZSTA

Helen is a registered Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and registered teacher; she has an extensive experience of 30 years plus within the fields of Speech-language therapy and education. Helen’s most recent position was as the ‘Director of Advanced Learning and Thinking Skills’ at St Cuthbert’s College, Auckland. During her 30 years in London Helen was the team manager of the Speech and Language Centre in London for 20 years plus, which became a model for other UK local authorities; she trained teachers and associated professionals around England in the language of the classroom and thinking skills. She developed a programme to teach Active Listening Skills and at the request of the Commissioner for London Schools, published the programme in the book “Learning to Listen to Learn” (2005) which sold worldwide. Prior to moving to London  Helen worked for the Ministry of Education as a SLT. Helen’s depth of experience is second to none and has been accessed by both primary and secondary schools. She has taught students and teachers active listening skills, thinking skills including: Hyerle Thinking Maps, Costa’s Habits of Mind, de Bono, 3 Storey Intellect, Blooms Taxonomy, SOLO Taxonomy and Ryan’s Thinkers Keys. Helen has presented numerous workshops, including one at the Specialist Schools Trust, London (2006).

Helen continues to attend regular seminars to advance her understanding of dyslexia, dyspraxia, learning behaviour, psycholinguistic frameworks, neuro-linguistic programming, thinking skills and keeps her professional development updated through attendance at many SLT courses offered through the NZSTA. Helen’s son is in his mid 20s.

Helen’s areas of expertise include:

• Central Auditory Processing Disorder
• Phonological Awareness
• Language delay
• Voice disorders
• Dyspraxia
• Dyslexia
• Autistic spectrum disorder including Asperger’s
• Learning strategies including memory and thinking skills
• Active listening