We provide high quality, timely intervention tailored to the individual child, their family and their school
The Speech Den, formerly known as Cathy Shilling and Associates was founded in early 2004 by Cathy Shilling, Consultant Speech & Language Therapist. Cathy achieved a BSc degree in Speech and Language Therapy and Pathology from De Montfort University in 1991.
All of the team are fully qualified Speech and Language Therapists and are registered with the with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC); and hold Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and are members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
Cathy Shilling
Cathy created a successful career in the NHS and the British Forces Germany, which offered her the opportunity to develop innovative ideas based on evidence based practice and “real” hands on Speech and Language Therapy. On her return from Germany Cathy worked as a lead Consultant for mainstream school services in Swindon. This was the turning point both personally, (Cathy had two children under 3 years old), and more poignantly professionally. Cathy set up Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s leading Independent Practice. The need for direct intervention for children in pre-school and school was becoming more evident. At this time local services were being reduced and parents and schools were requesting more support.
Over the past 18 years Cathy’s practice has grown and a number of highly experienced Speech & Language Therapists have joined the team.
Cathy specialises in working with children with speech and language difficulties, literacy difficulties, social communication and autistic children and young people. Cathy supports both children and adults with Auditory Processing difficulties. Cathy is the National UK Supervisor for the Johansen Individualised Auditory Stimulation Programme. She provides training both nationally and internationally as well as tailored training for schools and preschools. Cathy works in a number of Local authority and Independent Schools and preschools across Gloucestershire.
Rebecca Burnham
Rebecca is a local Gloucestershire Speech and Language Therapist joined The Speech Den in September 2020.
She qualified as a speech and language therapist in 2018 and has subsequently had a busy career working with children and young people of different ages with a wide range of communication needs.
Rebecca is committed to providing intervention that is collaborative, holistic and tailored to the individuals’ needs.
Rebecca specialises in working with children with speech language and communication needs in mainstream school settings.
Kirsten Daniels
Kirsten trained at the University of Reading and worked for the NHS for 14 years before moving into Independent practice and joining The Speech Den team.
Kirsten has a broad range of experience working with preschool children, children in mainstream schools and children in specialist provisions from 6 months to 16 years.
Kirsten has a lot of experience in working with children with a range of complex communication profiles and also children who present with eating and drinking difficulties.
Laura Willig
Laura trained in London and started her career working with adults with neurological conditions.
Wanting a new challenge Laura moved on to working with adults who had learning disabilities.
Laura moved into working in Further Education Colleges where she specialised in complex needs, dysphagia and AAC.
Laura is a Makaton trained signer and an intervenor for people who are deafblind.
ELLEN ADAMS
Ellen trained at London City University. She has over 10 year’s experience working as a speech and language therapist in inner London within the NHS.
She specialises in supporting children in care and children under 5 with a range of communication differences.
Ellen also has experience in mainstream primary and secondary schools, secondary special schools and further education colleges.
Lois Every
Assistant speech and language therapist.
Lois worked in a primary school for 7 years teaching classes, working with small groups and providing 1:1 support for children with speech, language and communication needs. She really loved the variety of her role and enjoyed working with so many children. During her time at the school, she also achieved her HLTA qualification. In fact Lois is so passionate about supporting children’s communication that earlier this year she self-funded her level 3 diploma in the speech and language UK advanced course with @coursebeetle.
Anna Kathryn Huth
Anna Kathryn qualified as a speech and language therapist in the United States in 2000 and worked until 2016 when she relocated to England with her family.
Anna Kathryn has recently become qualified to practice in England through the HCPC.
Since September 2025, she has been working as a speech and language therapy assistant in a mainstream primary school and a secondary school for autistic students. She has been fortunate to work with such a broad range of students and I have enjoyed both placements very much. In addition to working in the schools, much of my time over the past several months has been spent attending courses to support my re-entry into the practice.
Jules Carmock
Jules has been working as a Children’s Occupational Therapist with the NHS for seven years, after earning his degree at the University of the West of England. His focus is on sensory behaviour and coordination, helping kids navigate their challenges. He aims to keep things straightforward and approachable, building trust with families and children alike.
Jules spent time in youth work and adventure sports coaching, often supporting kids with Down syndrome, learning disabilities, and autism. He learned British Sign Language to better connect with them. That background still shapes how he works today, keeping things grounded and human, with focus on personal progression with lots of activity!