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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. -
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. -
Steve Smith
Fundraising Coordinator
After a successful career as a motivational speaker and owner of Anthem Engagement, Steve’s life changed when he suffered a stroke in 2021, leaving him with aphasia. His journey to regain speech and mobility inspired him to help others facing similar challenges. In his role as Fundraising Coordinator at Aphasia Support, Steve combines his professional expertise with his personal story to raise awareness, build community connections, and ensure the charity can reach those who need support. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, leading his local Aphasia Cafe support group, and using his 'superpower' to educate and inspire. -
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.
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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.
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Hannah Butters
Consultant Speech & Language Therapist (Calderdale & Kirklees)
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 (Leeds, Harrogate & Bradford)
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 (Barnsley & Wakefield)
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.
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Hannah Gates
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Scarborough)
Hannah began her career as a Speech & language therapist in 2011, working with clients with progressive neurological conditions and stroke. She had a career break in 2017 while her family moved abroad. Since 2023 she has gained further extensive experience in the NHS, working with people who have had a stroke. Hannah is passionate about creating opportunities for people with aphasia to connect, thrive and explore new and familiar ways of communicating. Outside of work Hannah likes spending time with her friends and family, walking her dog; Finty, crocheting and hiking in the North York Moors. -
Catherine Hayes
Session Leader (Healthy Working Life, Leeds)
Catherine has recently started to deliver a support group in Leeds, for people with aphasia of working age, who are currently not in employment. Catherine has over 10 years of NHS experience working in acute and rehabilitation settings, and is passionate about working with people with aphasia to support their activity, participation and wellbeing. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her daughter, watching rugby league, and occasionally... running! -
Emma Haslam
Session Leader (Healthy Working Life, Leeds)
Emma joins the charity to deliver three support groups in Leeds for people with aphasia who are of working age and not currently in employment. Emma has over 10 years of experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS. She is passionate about getting to know people to provide tailored communication support. Emma values the positive impact of group work, fostering connections and mutual support. Emma combines clinical expertise with a warm, person-centred approach, helping people feel confident and understood in their communication. Outside of work, Emma enjoys walking her dog and exploring her creativity through pottery. -
Alison McGrath
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Preston)
Alison is a Speech & Language Therapist with over 20 years’ experience supporting adults with acquired communication difficulties. After nearly two decades in the NHS, she became a clinical lecturer before moving into independent practice in 2023, alongside work in the charity sector. She is passionate about understanding the impact of aphasia on individuals and their families, taking a holistic approach that helps people build confidence and reach their communication potential. Alison has led groups for people with aphasia, creating supportive spaces that encourage connection and meaningful conversation. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, practising yoga, and cooking. -
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. -
Louise Shelley
Aphasia Cafe Session Leader (Northallerton)
Louise is a Speech & Language Therapist with over 10 years’ experience working in acute and community stroke services across South Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. She is passionate about supporting people with aphasia and is committed to combining clinical practice with ongoing research to improve outcomes for those she works with. Louise values getting to know each individual and helping them build confidence in their communication. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, often heading out on family days together.
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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.
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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.
