Mrs. Priyanka Anil Anakkathil

I am a dedicated and experienced Speech and Language Therapist, originally from Kerala, India, and raised in Bangalore. My Indian heritage, along with my fluency in five languages — Malayalam, English, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi — has played an integral role in shaping my approach to inclusive and culturally sensitive therapy.

My journey in speech and language pathology began at the Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing in Bangalore — one of India's leading institutions in the field. During this time, I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, which led to research. With over 15 years of clinical experience across India and the UK, I have worked with both paediatric and adult populations facing a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties. In India, I worked in hospital and community settings, gaining valuable experience in multidisciplinary collaboration and teaching and contributing to outreach initiatives such as Universal Newborn Hearing Screening programmes.

In the UK, I have worked within the NHS, including roles at Grantham and District Hospital, where I gained insight into NHS systems and supported adults with acquired communication and swallowing needs. I later joined Cygnet Healthcare and ASC Healthcare, where I supported individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions. These roles deepened my understanding of person-centered care and the importance of using tools like Talking Mats, Social Stories, and Makaton to support meaningful communication.

At Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, I was proud to contribute to the development of the Cultural Competency Framework for Allied Health Professionals, alongside creating a Cultural Calendar to raise awareness of key cultural and religious observances. These experiences reflect my growing commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in healthcare, ensuring that services are accessible, respectful, and responsive to people from all backgrounds.

Currently, I work as a Children's Speech and Language Therapist in Early Years Team at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where I focus on early intervention and family-centered care for young children with speech, language, and communication needs.

Throughout my career, I have maintained a strong commitment to continuing professional development. I hold certifications in LSVT BIG, Talking Mats, It Takes Two to Talk and Social Stories. My experiences across different healthcare systems and settings have equipped me with a flexible, evidence-based, and compassionate approach to speech and language therapy.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue advocating for inclusive practices in our profession, especially for underserved and culturally diverse communities — and contribute to policy, training, and service development that promotes equity and cultural competence in speech and language therapy.

During my free time, I do a bit of cross stitch, and I make busy books for babies and toddlers.