ABOUT US

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SPEAK AND LISTEN consists of a team language specialists, all-round speech-language therapists and language tutors. We collaborate as both international as well as local, Dutch professionals which allows us to remain up to date with all the latest research and therapy approaches both internationally and in the Netherlands.

Andrea van Zyl (mentor)

The team is led by ANDREA VAN ZYL, a clinical linguist (language specialist) and registered speech-language therapist who specialises in language-based learning difficulties in bi-/multilingual children. This includes developmental language disorders, hearing impairments and dyslexia. Since moving to the Netherlands in 2015 she has worked as an external specialist in the student support team at various international schools. Andrea is also a lecturer in language development and language disorders at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

For any questions please contact her at andrea@speakandlisten.nl

MA Applied Linguistics (Language disorders and multilingualism) , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

B Speech, language and hearing therapy, Stellenbosch University

HPCSA Register no. ST 0011681

Kwaliteitsregister Paramedici no. 99105170391

VKL/ NVLF Membership no. 1007561/ 11259

Mieke du Preez (mentor)

MIEKE DU PREEZ is a registered speech and language therapist with a special interest in language learning difficulties, speech sound disorders, oro-myofunctional disorders and literacy difficulties. Since immigrating to the Netherlands in 2018, she has been providing home-based intervention to children of multilingual families and has worked at various international schools as an external specialist. Mieke enjoys working alongside parents and teachers to help children reach their full potential.

For any questions please contact her at mieke@speakandlisten.nl

B Speech, language and hearing therapy, Stellenbosch University

HPCSA Register no. ST 0010812

Kwaliteitsregister Paramedici no. 99106196791

NVLF Membership no. 1008589

Cara Parfitt

CARA PARFITT is a registered speech-language therapist who is passionate about providing quality care to children and their families. She has had the opportunity to work with a variety of populations in multilingual and multicultural contexts. She predominantly has experience working with young and school-aged children with speech, language and communication difficulties. Cara enjoys working alongside parents to help their children achieve their goals. She has recently moved to the Netherlands, where she hopes to continue making a difference at Speak & Listen.

For any questions please contact her at cara@speakandlisten.nl

B Communication Pathology: Speech-language therapy, University of Pretoria

HPCSA Register no. ST 0015482

Kwaliteitsregister Paramedici no. 99108296391

NVLF Membership no. 1010242

Victoria Grace

VICTORIA GRACE is a registered speech and language pathologist and certified coach to parents of children with language delays. Since immigrating to the Netherlands in 2020, she has had experience working as an external specialist at international schools supporting a number of bi-/multilingual children with communication difficulties. She has also worked in an out-patient clinic setting with younger children and their families focusing predominately on play-based and early intervention strategies. Victoria is a

passionate therapist who is excited to help children and families reach their speech and language goals.

For any questions please contact her at vicky@speakandlisten.nl

B Speech and Language Pathology, University of Cape Town

HPCSA Register no. ST 0016365

Leah Mansfield

LEAH MANSFIELD is a registered speech and language therapist who has recently moved to the Netherlands. Prior to this, Leah has worked as a speech and language therapist in the United Kingdom and has had the opportunity to work and support a variety of multilingual families. Leah has experience working with young and school-aged children with speech, language and communication difficulties in clinic and school settings. Leah is passionate about delivering child-centred therapy and working towards joint therapy goals set with families to ensure children reach their potential.

For any questions please contact her at leah@speakandlisten.nl

BSc Hons Speech and language therapy, University of Manchester

HCPC UK Register no. SL33699

Jennifer Daleman

JENNIFER DALEMAN is a registered speech-language therapist and clinical linguist. She enjoys working with multilingual clients, and collaborating with teachers, caregivers and other professionals to provide client-centred support for children in multilingual contexts. Jennifer also has experience working in teletherapy, with various age groups and diverse communication needs. She is passionate about using a play-based therapy approach, with an interest in speech sound disorders, literacy difficulties, dysfluency and multilingualism. Combining clinical work and research-based practice is fundamental to her work as a speech and language therapist. She is passionate about making therapy fun, goal-orientated and individualised.

For any questions please contact her at jennifer@speakandlisten.nl

European Masters in Clinical Linguistics (EMLC+), University of Groningen

B Speech, language and hearing therapy, Stellenbosch University

HPSCA Register no. ST 0013773

Kristi Bezy

KRISTI BEZY is a registered speech-language pathologist who recently moved to the Netherlands. Prior to relocating, she worked as a paediatric SLP in the public schools and private practice setting in the United States. Kristi has experience with a wide variety of communication disorders. She has worked with a culturally and linguistically diverse population. Kristi is an advocate for neurodiversity affirming care and brings expertise with AAC. She is passionate about helping children to communicate and connect with others.

For any questions please contact her at kristi@speakandlisten.nl

MA Speech Pathology, Ball State University Munchie, Indiana

BSc Speech-pathology and audiology, Ball State University Munchie, Indiana

M.A. CCC-SLP

Emma Smith (clinical intern)

EMMA SMITH is an aspiring clinical linguist currently completing her master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam. Emma has cultivated a rich background in tutoring children from diverse backgrounds and with special needs. Her approach is characterized by patience, empathy, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of supportive education. Emma is eager to bring her unique blend of skills, knowledge, and genuine care to a professional setting, where she can continue to advocate for and support children in overcoming communication barriers. Emma’s ultimate goal is to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to achieve their communication goals.

For any questions please contact her at emma@speakandlisten.nl

“What a child is able to do in collaboration today, he will be able to do independently tomorrow.” - Vygotsky