James Major
Chief Executive Officer
James has been championing the aphasia community since he joined Aphasia Support in 2017. With a background in community-centred work, he brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to helping people live well with aphasia. Over the years, he has led the charity’s growth, focussed on ensuring every person with aphasia has access to support. Outside of work, James is a big football fan and enjoys family time with his partner and two children.
Amy Robins
Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator
Amy joined Aphasia Support after starting her career in the charity sector and now leads on community engagement and volunteer coordination. She is passionate about connecting with people, ensuring that every client and volunteer feels valued and supported. Her role allows her to bring people together, strengthen community ties, and make sure those affected by aphasia have the support they need. Amy enjoys spending time with her dog Stanley, cheering on Wakefield Trinity at rugby matches, and exploring the outdoors with family and friends.
Steve Fairchild
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Steve joined our charity after making a rewarding career change, swapping sales for support. He is passionate about providing personalised support, building relationships and helping people to communicate with confidence. His role combines compassion and practical skills, ensuring people feel heard and understood. Alongside his work, Steve continues to give time as a volunteer, reflecting his dedication to the community. Outside of work, he enjoys football, live music, travelling and walking his dog, Annie.
Halle Coles
Community Engagement Coordinator (Healthy Working Life, Leeds)
Halle is our Community Engagement Coordinator, supporting clients enrolled on the Healthy Working Life project in Leeds. Working alongside a Speech & Language Therapist, she helps deliver specialist group support to local people of working age living with aphasia. In her spare time, Halle is passionate about empowering women through her networking group, Bath & York Coffee Girls, and has a strong interest in fundraising and community connection. She enjoys spending time with her cat Phoebe, organising local events, going on shopping days out with family and friends, and taking part in a book club.
Sophie Bryan
Fundraising & Communications Manager
Having spent almost a decade working in the charity sector, Sophie joined Aphasia Support with a passion to raise awareness, build strong community relationships and ensure the charity has the resources to reach all the people and families who desperately need support. Her role combines creativity with connection, helping to share stories and inspire change. Outside of work, Sophie enjoys going on adventures with her husband and young son. She loves baking, crafting and volunteering as a trustee for a cause that's close to her heart.
Ashlyn Fairchild
Administrator
Ashlyn gives a warm welcome to our clients and volunteers while also providing vital support behind the scenes. She plays a key role in finance and administration, keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently. With a background in operations and organisation, she brings structure and reliability to her role, ensuring that the team can focus on delivering support to people with aphasia and their loved ones. Outside of work, Ashlyn enjoys walking her dog, going to live music events, and is currently working towards her Level 2 Reiki certificate.
Hannah Butters
Consultant Speech & Language Therapist
Hannah has over ten years of experience specialising in NHS acute hospital settings and private practice for people recovering from stroke. She is passionate about getting to know people, building relationships, and helping them regain confidence and independence in communication. Hannah combines clinical expertise with empathy to support each individual’s journey. Outside of work, she enjoys walking in the Yorkshire countryside, going to the gym, and attending live music events.
Georgina Finlayson
Consultant Speech & Language Therapist
Georgina has nine years of experience in NHS hospital settings, including acute stroke recovery, and independent practice. She is passionate about getting to know people, building relationships, and supporting them through their communication journey with empathy and personalised care. Georgina values hands-on work and practical strategies to help people live well with aphasia. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her Labrador, spending time with her toddler Jack, and horse riding.
Gemma Hoyle
Consultant Speech & Language Therapist
Gemma has worked in a range of Speech and Language Therapy teams across West Yorkshire and brings a wealth of clinical expertise to Aphasia Support. She has a special interest in using technology to enhance communication, helping people with aphasia find innovative ways to express themselves and stay connected. Gemma is passionate about getting to know people, building relationships, and tailoring support to each individual. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her border terrier Arlo, keeping fit, and going to live concerts or musicals.
Dee Webster
Consultant Speech & Language Therapist
Dee has over twenty years of experience in the NHS and academia, including teaching student therapists at the University of Sheffield. She is dedicated to supporting people with aphasia and their families, focusing on personalised care and building strong, meaningful relationships. Her work combines clinical expertise with empathy, helping people regain confidence in communication. Outside of work, Dee lives in Yorkshire with her family, enjoys playing the violin, exploring art, and attending live music events.
Rhona Palmer
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Bradford & Harrogate)
Rhona is a Speech & Language Therapist who recently moved to Yorkshire with her husband. She brings extensive experience working with people with aphasia and their families in both the NHS and the charity sector. She previously worked for Dyscover in Surrey and now leads the Harrogate and Bradford Aphasia Café's, creating a welcoming environment for both clients and volunteers. Rhona is passionate about building relationships and understanding the individual needs of each person she supports. Outside of work, she enjoys music, hopes to join a choir, and loves walking and cycling with her family through the beautiful Dales.
Naomi Saul
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Blackburn)
Naomi is a Speech & Language Therapist with over 30 years’ experience working with adults with acquired communication difficulties. She spent 21 years in the NHS across stroke and neurorehabilitation services in the North West before moving into independent practice in 2016. Naomi is passionate about supporting people with aphasia and their families to manage the long-term impact of communication difficulties. She particularly enjoys running groups, helping people regain confidence, develop their skills, and connect with others in meaningful ways. Outside of work, Naomi enjoys running, hill walking with her Labrador, and watching cricket.
Karen Stromberg
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Leeds, Wakefield & York)
Karen is a Speech & Language Therapist with 25 years of experience across hospital, community, and university settings in Leeds and Wakefield. She is dedicated to helping people with aphasia move forward with their lives, regaining confidence in communication. Karen values getting to know each person she works with - providing tailored, compassionate support. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, doing crafts and pottery, and supporting local environmental initiatives.
Emilie Verroken
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Barnsley)
Emilie has nearly 25 years of experience as a Speech & Language Therapist working in the NHS. In 2014, she helped establish our charity's first Aphasia Café in Barnsley, and is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people with aphasia and their families can connect, share, and support one another. Emilie values every relationships she builds, and the strong sense of community spirit reflected in her role as Session Leader. Outside of work, she enjoys baking bread, cycling, and exploring the outdoors!
Hannah Jones
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Calderdale)
Hannah joined Aphasia Support after graduating in Speech and Language Therapy from the University of Sheffield. During her training, she gained valuable experience working with people with aphasia in the community and at the university’s Aphasia Café - this is where she developed a strong passion for supporting people to overcome communication barriers. She is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment in her role. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys walks in the Peak District, playing the piano, and greeting every dog she meets.
Jen Ryder
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Doncaster)
Jen has been working as a Speech & Language Therapist since 2007, in Rotherham, Sheffield, and New Zealand across a range of settings. She is passionate about supporting people with aphasia to enjoy meaningful conversations and particularly values the connections built within groups. Jen enjoys learning about people’s lives and interests, always welcoming recommendations for TV shows, recipes, and local days out. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor swimming, taking her children on day trips, and helping to run a church youth group.
Alex Moran
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Kirklees)
With her background as a volunteer for Aphasia Support, Alex brings a wealth of experience to her role as Session Leader. She previously lived in France for over a decade, working as an editor and running English conversation groups - experiences she brings to her work connecting with people and fostering communication. Alex is passionate about creating welcoming spaces for clients and volunteers alike. Outside of work, she enjoys musicals, spending time with family and friends, and is challenging herself by learning German.