Hello! I’m Julie Cota

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Owner of Speech Stuff

As an autistic Speech and Language Therapist, I am dedicated to providing neurodiversity affirming support for children and their families.  

My journey began at Newcastle University, where I pursued my studies in Speech and Language Therapy. Since becoming qualified in 2011, I’ve had the privilege of serving communities in both the North East and Yorkshire within the NHS and in education.  

My experience spans across various settings including community outreach, early years programs, and schools. I’ve also collaborated directly with schools, offering tailored support to children while leading staff training initiatives in speech and language development. 

I firmly believe that effective communication is a cornerstone of daily life, and I am committed to ensuring that every child receives the necessary support to thrive. My areas of expertise include early language development, autism, Gestalt Language Development, speech sound difficulties, and selective mutism. In 2020 I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Speech Sound Difficulties and in 2024 I am beginning a PG Cert in Sensory Integration.  

In 2019, I established Speech Stuff, and in August 2022, we proudly opened The Hive, our welcoming clinic space I the heart of Cramlington Village. Since then our team has grown and watching them positively impact numerous families fills me with immense pride. 

Ceitlan Batchelor

Speech and Language Therapist

Ceitlan has over 6 years experience working in the NHS supporting children from early years and school age. She has been part of the Speech Stuff team since 2023.  

Ceitlan delivers fun, creative and child centred sessions and is passionate about empowering parents and families to support their children’s communication skills. She specialises in supporting children with speech sound disorders as well as early language development. 

Julie Gair

Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Julie has been part of the speech stuff team since 2023 and has over 15 years experience, with a range of training covered.  Before working for the NHS, Julie trained as a nursery nurse and then did a BTEC in Speech and Language. 
 
Julie is passionate about supporting children through play based therapy and has attended training in Gestalt Language Processing. Julie also has lots of experience with supporting children with their speech sound development.  

Nicola Cohan

Speech and Language Therapist

Nicola joined the team in 2024 with 11 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults with additional needs in the private sector, education provisions and community NHS. She specialises in Sensory Integration and early language development and is dedicated to supporting children and their families. 

Maureen

Office Administrator

Maureen has over 30 years experience as an administrator.
She’s our office manager, administrator and part-time receptionist.

Toni 

Receptionist and Social Media Wizard

Toni is one of our friendly part time receptionists, working alongside her studies at university.  She welcomes our families and supports us with resources and our Social Media. Toni joined the team in July 2022 just before we opened The Hive.  

Tony

Non-Clinical Director and Learning Resources 

Tony has an extensive background in technology and application development, and a keen interest in producing mixed media and digital creative resources. He has a passion for everything artistic, from drawing and painting to educational applications and resources. He’s been with Speech Stuff since it was only a seed of an idea.