Welcome to an exciting new season!

As we transition from the summer break, we are excited to embark on a new season filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration.

This year promises to be an inspiring journey as we explore the latest advancements in speech and language therapy, connect with experts across Europe, and continue our mission of supporting individuals in achieving their communication goals.

Let’s embrace the upcoming months with enthusiasm and dedication, as we work together to make a lasting impact in our field.

INTRODUCING ESLA GENERAL SECRETARY: ELLIANNA MANTAKA-BRINKMANN

Ellianna completed her Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy in Italy, followed by a Master's degree in England. She has since worked as an SLT in Greece and Germany. Her first language is Greek, but she is also fluent in German, Italian, and English, and offers her SLT services in all four languages.

Currently, Ellianna works with families of very young children, focusing on early intervention and prevention of communication issues through the Hanen programme. She also collaborates with a psychologist in a Kindergarten, running prevention and early intervention groups, as well as seminars for parents. Her primary area of expertise is supporting individuals and families with severe communication difficulties, including non-verbal communication, and implementing various AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) programmes.

Ellianna became a delegate for CPLOL in May 2012, during the Congress in The Hague. Since 2009 and until September 2024, she has been a Board member and Vice President of the Greek SLT association, PAL. Since 2019, she has served ESLA as a member of the Board in the role of General Secretary.

Her personal motto, in Italian, is: Chi va piano va sano e va lontano, which translates to "Those who go slowly, go safely and go far".

Making Waves: Kirby Cutajar

Kirby Cutajar is a Speech and Language Pathologist working in Malta. She mainly works with the paediatric population and she has a special interest in early intervention. Raising awareness about the role of Speech and Language Pathologists is deemed crucial in order to promote improved prognosis and optimal outcomes. Recognising this, Kirby Cutajar has collaborated with Willingness Team Malta to develop blogs and videos which are shared on social media platforms. The aim is to provide parents and caregivers with additional information about the role of the Speech and Language Pathologist while inspiring ideas related to language stimulation through play.

If you are interested in reading Kirby’s blogs visit click here.