Melissa lives in Manchester, where she works as a Clinical Scientist specialising in Paediatric Audiology. She supports families across the city, combining scientific expertise with a deep commitment to children’s early development.

Her path into audiology wasn’t straightforward. After studying physiology at university, she realised that the lab wasn’t where she wanted to be. “I studied physiology at university and somewhere between the lab practicals and research projects, I realised I really needed to work with people. I’d always felt drawn to the NHS but didn’t yet know what my place would be within it.”

Everything changed when she secured a place on the Scientist Training Programme, a postgraduate route that included a master’s degree in neurosensory science (Audiology). “From day one, I was hooked. I loved the mixture of science, teamwork and real human connection with patients from all backgrounds.”

Although she worked with both adults and children during her training, one group stood out. “Children brought challenge, fun, and a sense of reward that felt completely unique.”

Melissa has now been in a paediatric-only role for almost four years, working across Manchester’s community clinics with families from a wide range of backgrounds. “I specialise in diagnostic assessments and rehabilitation for children under five with hearing loss. This is a role that continually teaches me something new and requires me to think on my feet.”

Her introduction to Auditory Verbal (AV) therapy happened by chance. “My introduction to AV therapy was a complete twist of fate. I met Sophie in a clinic. She is a Speech and Language Therapist and AV Therapist in advanced training. Over a coffee, I started sharing some frustrations I had about the limits of my role. I desperately wanted to offer families a more holistic, well-rounded service. Sophie told me about AV therapy, and honestly, it was a lightbulb moment.”

Sophie explained to Melissa how AV therapy helps children with hearing technology develop spoken language through listening. “I was instantly drawn in.”

AVUK’s training courses are designed for Speech and Language Therapists, Teachers of the Deaf and Audiologists who want to expand their learning in developing listening and spoken language when working with deaf children.

When Melissa learned about the Advanced course at Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) Sophie was taking, something clicked. “Not long after that conversation, I applied for the Foundation Course. I was incredibly fortunate to receive a full bursary, and my manager also supported me with a weekly study session, which made it all possible.”

She has now completed the Foundation Course and reflects warmly on the experience. “I loved having access to flexible tutorials I could complete in my own time, paired with live online webinars that helped reinforce what I’d learned.”

The best part, she says, was the community. “My fellow trainees were all very supportive. We were all from various professions and working in different parts of the UK (and the world!) and discussed AV therapy from different perspectives. Having an insight into how other professionals view AV therapy and audiology was refreshing and valuable.”

Melissa found sharing video clips of real interactions especially powerful. “Sharing my own and viewing other trainees video clips of parent/child/clinician interaction was the most valuable part of the training for me. I appreciated seeing how we each approached the task in different ways and was inspired on how to think outside the box. Receiving feedback from my peers and our course tutor was very constructive and helped me to become a better self-critic too.”

She also appreciated the structure of the course. “I also really enjoyed the way the course was structured into clear modules, each covering a different theme. It made the whole experience feel organised and easy to follow.” The speech and language sessions stretched her the most, but in the best way. “I learned so much, and those sessions really broadened my understanding,” she added.

One of the biggest surprises for Melissa was how seamlessly AV therapy fits into her practice. “One thing that genuinely surprised me was how easily AV therapy techniques fit into my everyday interactions, often without anyone even realising it’s happening.”

And the most inspiring part? “Watching parents and carers grow in confidence. When families feel empowered and start seeing real progress at home, it’s incredibly special to witness.”

Melissa’s ambitions are clear and full of purpose. “My big goal is for every child under five that uses hearing aids in our department to have access to AV therapy. I’m also keen to work more closely with our Teachers of the Deaf so that our goals and approaches align across services. Ultimately, I want children to start school feeling confident, articulate and ready to learn, communicate and make friends.”

And Melissa’s advice to anyone considering training in the Auditory Verbal therapy approach is enthusiastic. “Do it!! My confidence working with parents and children has improved massively. The skills become second nature surprisingly quickly, and the training is incredibly rewarding. Being part of a supportive, enthusiastic group of professionals all working toward the same goal was one of the best parts of the whole journey.”

Find out more about AVUK’s training course.