About Me
I have over twenty years of clinical experience in managing complex neurological caseloads across diverse settings, including acute hospital wards, community clinics, nursing homes, clients' own homes and remote working on a range of platforms. My particular expertise lies in supporting adults with conditions arising from stroke, acquired brain injury, brain tumours, and dementia. I specialise in addressing speech disorders, aphasia, dysphagia (swallowing), reading and writing difficulties, cognitive communication disorders, functional neurological disorders and conducting formal Mental Capacity Assessments. I regularly provide education and supervision to other professionals in these clinical areas.
After graduating in Leeds, I started my career in London before returning home to Devon. My career path included a valuable year working in New Zealand, providing unique insights into healthcare delivery outside the NHS. In 2022, I set up as an independent practitioner, bringing my neurological rehabilitation expertise directly to clients in the community.
Throughout my career, I have maintained a commitment to empowering adults to reach their full potential through personalised assessment and therapy.
Computers in therapy Clinical Excellence Network
I am on the CITCEN committee, a national network of speech and language therapists with a special interest in utilising computers in therapy. I take pride helping facilitate biannual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) meetings. Our network is dedicated to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through these regular CPD meetings, we aim to enhance professional skills, share valuable insights, and contribute to the continuous growth of our field.
Research positions
Principle investigator and provider of motivational interviewing on the Confirming the Mechanism of Motivational Interviewing Therapy after Stroke trial (COMMITS). This is a study through the University of Central Lancashire looking at whether receiving a 'talking therapy' can reduce the psychosocial effects of having a stroke.
https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17065351
Assessor on the ‘Singing for People with Aphasia’ feasibility study (SPA). This was a study funded by The Stroke Association looking at whether attendance at a singing group could reduce depression and anxiety post stroke.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33441355/
When not working I loves being outdoors running, walking, and cycling, especially across Dartmoor and along coastal paths. I enjoy cooking, travel, and exploring new places. Balancing an active lifestyle with a warm family life, including my husband, two children and a crazy spaniel.
Samantha Cooper
Speech & Language Therapist
BSc (Hons), MRCSLT, MASLTIP, HCPC Reg