Hello! Ko Ruth Brehaut tooku ingoa. I’m a Speech Language Therapist based in Kirikiriroa Hamilton and I’m a Word Nerd. I’ve always loved words. For me, words are a source of connection, learning, and fun. Sometimes though, words can be really tricky.
The world can be a confusing place when you don’t understand other people’s words. Expressing yourself is difficult if remembering and saying words is hard. Learning new things is made more difficult when words on the page don’t make sense.
As a speech language therapist with over 15 years experience, I help children to understand others, to express themselves, and to develop their reading and writing.
I love making words easier and more fun for children and their grownups.
About Me
I decided to become a Speech Language Therapist (SLT) when I was about 15 years old, sparked by our family’s connection to SLTs. I grew up with disabled whaanau and SLT visits were a regular part of family life. Seeing the barriers my family face gives me an empathy which informs my practice alongside an appreciation of the different ways to be in the world.
My SLT background is in education: helping tamariki, their families, and educators around the Waikato. Alongside this, I held leadership roles in inclusion, early intervention, and speech language therapy at different times. Prior to completing my SLT training, I worked in disability support with both children and adults. As a parent, I’ve also spent a lot of time at our local Playcentre and I’ve enjoyed being part of this community.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy, University of Canterbury
Certificate in Te Ara Reo Māori Levels 1–4, Te Waananga o Aotearoa
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Care, Playcentre Aotearoa
Hanen certification in It takes two to talk, More than words, Learning language and loving it, and ABC and beyond
Services
Assessment and Intervention
My approach is collaborative and grounded in everyday life activities. I build on your child’s strengths and interests so that intervention is fun and meaningful for your child and you.
I can help with speech, language, or literacy difficulties including:
If you are concerned your child is late to talk
If you have difficulty understanding what your child is saying or their speech is unclear
If your child has difficulty understanding what you say
If your child can’t find the right words to use or put them into sentences
If your child is struggling with learning to read
Problem solving connections between communication and ‘behaviour’
Difficulties associated with Autism, Down syndrome, Developmental delays or Learning disabilities
If you are waiting for publicly funded speech language therapy or early intervention services
For School aged children, I also offer the Sounds-Write Programme which is a literacy approach based on the science of reading.
Rates
60 minute session $150
45 minute session $115
30 minute session $80
If required, formal assessment reports can be quoted separately.
I am a mobile therapist and can visit you within 7km of my base in Hamilton. Further than this can be quoted separately.
Please contact me for further information or with any questions.
How it Works:
Book a free discovery call —
Send me an email with your details and I’ll contact you to arrange a phone call to talk through your concerns and priorities. It’s also an opportunity for you to find out more about me and if I’m the right person to support you.
I’ll come and visit you — This could be at your home, your child’s preschool or school, even your child’s favourite park if that’s where they feel happy! I’ll talk with you and your child, play or do some fun activities. This is to get to the heart of what’s happening with your child’s communication. I’ll answer any questions you have, and give you options about next steps.
Together, we’ll come up with a plan that works for your family — I use evidence based approaches so that children thrive in their daily life- not just in therapy sessions.
Professional Development
I’m available to support educators and disability support teams with professional development around speech and language difficulties. This includes individual/small group coaching, as well as larger workshops and trainings. This can include:
Becoming more comfortable teaching and interacting with a child with communication difficulties
Learning about how speech and language skills develop
Oral language development and Te Whaariki
Oral language development in the classroom
How language and literacy are connected
Please contact me for further information or with any questions.
Accessibility
I am a mobile SLT so can see you where you feel most comfortable. Once you have booked an appointment, I will email you any further information you need about my visit.
You can tell me about any specific needs in advance which might include assistive technology or literacy needs, regular breaks, or low sensory options.
I ask that you make a reasonable assessment of your health before our appointment. If you are feeling unwell, we can reschedule. If you would like to wear a mask you are welcome to do so. I will wear a mask for our visit.
This website was developed accessibility in mind but I’m happy to provide any of this information in another form if required. I welcome your feedback.
