Therapists
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, CSP, HCPC, ACPIN member Head of Physiotherapy – specialist in Neuro PhysiotherapyHannah Turner
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, CSP, HCPC, ACPIN member
Hannah has recently joined the team, having gained a wealth of experience working across a spectrum of specialities. Hannah graduated with a BSc (hons) Physiotherapy degree from Kings College London in 2005 and specialised early on in her career in Neurological Rehabilitation. Hannah has a varied skill set with experience with use of the Bobath concept, CIMT, functional electrical stimulation (FES), individual and group exercises, amputees, casting, spasticity management, talking mats and wheelchair provision. She has worked with patients with various neurological conditions such as Stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, TBI/Brain Injuries, GBS and so on. Hannah has excellent awareness of the current guidelines and ongoing clinical research. Hannah has a lot of experience leading a team, and providing support, as well as training to those from student level through to senior therapy levels. Hannah recently moved from an AHP leadership fellow position, working with key stakeholders to implement and improve services through key projects. Hannah has great empathy and a kind manner with her patients, putting them at the centre of all aspects of care, and working with the team in a holistic manner.
MSc Advanced physiotherapist, MCSPUrvisha Lunagariya
MSc Advanced physiotherapist, MCSP
Urvisha is a qualified specialist physiotherapist. She is a reliable and honest physiotherapist, who believes in punctuality, patient-centred and evidence-based practice. Urvisha completed her post graduate studies in Advanced Physiotherapy practices dealing with various neuromusculoskeletal conditions from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2019. In addition, she currently works with paediatrics and adults treating various neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Furthermore, Urvisha works upon developing and reviewing treatment programmes, assisting patients with joint and spinal problems. Helping patient’s rehabilitation following accidents, injury, and strokes. Liaising with other healthcare personnel to supply and receive relevant information about the background and progress of patients as well as referring patients, who require other specific medical attention. Being legally responsible and accountable. Managing clinical risk. She has excellent facing skill, proficiency in patient assessment, time management and treatment execution. This enables her to work on her own initiatives or as part of a team. Urvisha is at her best whenever given a challenging task and she has adopted the necessary skills to communicate at all levels of the multi-disciplinary team.
Bsc Physiotherapy, MCSP, Paediatric and Neurological PhysiotherapistGiulio Palma
Bsc Physiotherapy, MCSP, Paediatric and Neurological Physiotherapist
Giulio graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy in Italy and after a short spell working in the stroke unit in the national public health system, he moved to France. Here he worked at CMCR in Lyon as specialised paediatric physiotherapist in the neuro and spinal surgery department following babies and children with complex MSK and neuro disorders.
In the past two years, Giulio has worked in various private, educational and NHS settings around the UK and London which have provided him with a range of experience and knowledge in the paediatric field, including cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, neuromuscular conditions and various syndromes. He firmly believes that any child, no matter what their developmental challenges are, can make better use of their potential – physically, mentally and emotionally.
By adopting a personalized and up to date holistic approach, Giulio has helped adult and young patients with both neurological and orthopaedic conditions. He emphasises the connection between mind and body control to facilitate the patients to become active and fully aware during their recovery. He is currently undertaking his MSc in Neurorehabilitation and Neuroscience at Brunel University and he is part of the therapy team at Wimpole Street centre in London.
CMT TherapistCarina Howard
CMT Therapist
Carina trained at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance where she graduated with a first class (Hons) degree. Following this, she completed a master’s at Northern School of Contemporary Dance with Distinction. Carina dances professionally with Mark Bruce Company and Rosie Kay Dance Company, touring in performances across the country.Having trained as a dancer since she was two, Carina has a unique and heightened understanding of how we move and control our bodies. She puts high emphasis on the connection between breath and movement to improve patients’ movement quality and range. In addition to this, Carina believes that using music during the session not only helps to improve patients’ movement abilities, but also gives a fun and enjoyable side to therapy. Carina’s therapy focuses on balance, cognitive movement sequencing, coordination, movement quality and confidence.
BSc and MScNeuropsychology AssistantDeepika Vijayaraj
BA and MA – Neuropsychology Assistant
Deepika completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Hons) at Arden University and then did her master’s degree in Clinical Neuroscience at University College London (UCL). As a continuation of her master’s project, Deepika is currently working alongside her supervisors at UCL to develop and publish an enhanced neuroimaging biomarker to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates who have undergone hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Deepika has previously worked with the Queen Elizabeth Foundation, neurorehabilitation centre. She is a very confident, hardworking individual who is passionate about working with individuals with cognitive difficulties, their families, and carers. She currently uses CBT informed approaches when working with service users and has undergone training in motivational interviewing to help support individuals with brain injury, work towards their goals.
Senior Rehab AssistantLucia Ikweem
Senior Rehab Assistant
Lucia is Senior Rehab Assistant at Ascot Rehabilitation and has been with the company for 3 years.
BS – MScPsych
Psychologist, Neuropsychologist
Researcher
Graphical Cognitive Profiles
Technical Expert Consultant
BPS Member – CPsychol – AFBPsS
OPPV Member
BNA Member
FENS Member
Neuropsychologist LeadDr. Letizia De Mori
BS – MScPsych
Psychologist, Neuropsychologist
Researcher
Graphical Cognitive Profiles
Technical Expert Consultant
BPS Member – CPsychol – AFBPsS
OPPV Member
BNA Member
FENS Member
Neuropsychologist LeadProfessional Background:
2021 – Today’s Master’s Degree: “Applied Neuroscience”. King’s College London – Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (UK).2017- Today’s Research Grant “Neuropsychological and Functional profiles in children and adolescents with Silver Russell Syndrome (SRS), Turner Syndrome (TS) and Congenital Hypothyroidism (IC). Correlations with fMRI – 3T”. The University of Genoa – Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital (Italy).
2015 – 2016 Masters “Learning Disability and School Difficulties”. Centro Studi Erickson Trento (Italy)
2009 – 2011 Master’s Degree: “Clinical Psychology”. Padova University – Psychology Department (Italy).
2006 – 2009 Bachelor’s degree: “Education and Developmental Psychological Science”. Padova University – Psychology Department (Italy).
Work Experience:
Since 2023 NeuroPsychologist Lead at Ascot Rehab (UK).Since 2014 Private Practice. CEO and Director in Italy. The services provided were for psychodiagnosis, cognitive rehabilitation (Learning Disability, ADHD, intellectual Disability, and post-brain damage), method of study, psychological support, parent training, and bereavement management.
Since 2020 Private Practice in the UK (London). Services: psychodiagnosis (IQ, ASD, ADHD, Personality and Emotions Disorders, Learning Difficulties, Dementia), cognitive rehabilitation (Learning Disability, ADHD, intellectual Disability, and post-brain damage), psychological support, parent training, bereavement management, Medical-Legal Expert, Rare Genetic Syndromes Expert.
Expertise and Skills:
Researchers2009 “Role of imitation in the Cognitive, Linguistic and Social Developmental in Twins”. Thesis Bachelor’s Degree in Development and Education Sciences (Padua – Italy).
2011 “Working Memory in Williams Syndrome and typically developing children”. Thesis master’s degree in clinical psychology (Padua – Italy).
2012 Research with more control on Williams Syndrome and typically developing children.
2016 Research on Silver–Russell Syndrome.
2017 Silver – Russell Syndrome and Musical – Training: a possible rehabilitation. Thesis Master in “Learning Disability and School Difficulties”. Erikson Centre (Trento – Italy).
October 2017-Today The University of Genoa (Italy) – Istituto Giannina Gaslini (Pediatric Hospital): “Neuropsychological and Functional profiles in children and adolescents with Silver Russell Syndrome (SRS), Turner’s Syndrome (TS) and Congenital Hypothyroidism (IC). Correlations with fMRI – 3T.
Passions and Interests:
My hobby is collecting Panini stickers from Football Teams.
I like Romantic and Thriller movies.
I like to play and share moments with my children.Achievements and Recognition: One of the articles I published with my Team won the prize as 1 of the 10 most cited articles in the world in 2022.
Patti G., De Mori L., Tortora D., Severino M.S., Calevo M., Russo S., Napoli F., Confalonieri L., Schiavone M., Thiabat H.F., Casalini E., Morana G., Rossi A., Ramenghi L.A., Maghnie M., Di Iorgi N. Cognitive Profiles and Brain Volume are Affected in Patients with Silver Russell Syndrome. The journal of Clinic Endocrinology & Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgz151.
2023 Assessor for Hogrefe UK.
Professional Affiliations:
British Psychological Society – AFBPsS
British Neuroscience Association – BNA Member
Federation of European Neuroscience – FENS
Ordine Psicologhe e Psicologi del Veneto – OPPV (Italy)Future Goals
Continuing research to improve people’s Quality of Life.
BSc (Hons)Senior TherapistVanya Stancheva
BSc (Hons) – Senior Therapist
As a core part of our clinical therapy team, Vanya is a Senior Physiotherapist. She graduated from the University of Ruse in 2004 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and chartered status. Vanya has a wealth of expertise in elderly and Falls prevention, following this she moved onto neurological rehabilitation specialism. Vanya has a varied skill set within Amputee, Taping, advanced technology such as, Mind Motion Go and Lokomat including, Adaptive Tai Chi instructor. Vanya has further competence in Hydrotherapy, group exercises with a variety of complex neuro patients and armeo devices. She has sound knowledge in the management of spasticity and rehabilitation post botulinum toxin injections as well as within functional electronic stimulation (FES). Her aim is to empower and motivate individuals to improve their function, quality of life and achieve their goals.
Tai Chi InstructorCharles Townsend
Tai Chi Instructor
Charles Townsend has been studying Tai Chi for over 30 years and since 2002 he has been teaching classes in different settings and for various groups. For several years he has taught young adults with special needs, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s group, community based sessions for the older adult, and now predominantly at local care homes to encourage the residents to a regular, achievable exercise routine for their general health and fitness. He has also been working with several groups for rehabilitation.The sessions are gauged for each group with the younger and more mobile members practicing traditional Tai Chi; and for the older adult and wheelchair users or individuals with impaired mobility the class is modified to be practiced as a seated routine.
Alongside Tai Chi Charles studies Alexander Technique with a colleague for his personal development and exploration of posture and body movement. His aim is to help improve quality of life and independence for everyone by providing a routine that can be developed according to the individual.
Bsc (Hons), HCPC, RCSLTSpeech and Language TherapistHaleema Sultan
Bsc (Hons), HCPC, RCSLT – Speech and Language Therapist
Haleema is a HCPC and RCSLT certified speech and language therapist. Haleema completed her studies in BSc (Hons) Speech and language therapy, graduating from University of London with a first-class honour. Since working at Ascot rehab, Haleema has developed a strong interest in Neurorehabilitation, and supporting people with speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. Haleema strives to place person centred care at the forefront of her work, and advocates strongly for all her patients to ensure their voices are heard.
MCSPNeurological Physiotherapist SpecialistNoel Caspe
MCSP – Neurological Physiotherapist Specialist
A Chartered Physiotherapist with 15+ years of clinical experience in the United Kingdom and overseas in the field of Neurological, Musculo-skeletal, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health Conditions, and Elderly Care. Noel has 5+ years’ experience of working as a Lead Physiotherapist at private companies and years of clinical experience in NHS (Intermediate Setting/ Discharge Planning/ Reablement and Home Phase of Rehabilitation Intervention.Noel has a wealth of experience working as a Disability Analyst/ Clinical Support Lead undertaking a combination of file-work and face to face assessment of claimants in relation to variety of benefits and provides comprehensive report to enable decision makers at DWP to make informed decision regarding benefits claims.
PhD MSc MRCSLTLead Speech and Language TherapistShereen Matar
PhD MSc MRCSLT – Lead Speech and Language Therapist
Dr Shereen Matar is a Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist. She qualified with an MSc in Speech and Language Sciences from University College London in 2015 and recently obtained her PhD in Rehabilitation Medicine from King’s College London. Dr Matar has extensive experience of providing person-centered treatment and supporting adults with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties. Her particular area of interest is meaningful communication in everyday situations which expands beyond the single word. Dr Matar is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and British Aphasiology Society.- BSc Rehabilitation Assistant & Administrator
Noor Mohammed
BSc – Rehabilitation Assistant & Administrator Coming soon…
- BSc Rehabilitation Assistant
Achref Taieb
BSc – Rehabilitation Assistant Coming soon…
- MSc Neuro Physiotherapy,
HCPC and CSP registered
PhysiotherapistRishika Balani
MSc Neuro Physiotherapy,
HCPC and CSP registered
PhysiotherapistMSc Neuro Physiotherapy, HCPC and CSP registered. My journey in the field of physiotherapy began with the successful completion of a four and a half-year Bachelor’s programme in Physiotherapy from the city of Mumbai in India. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a keen interest in research, culminating in the publication of my research paper-“Comparison of immediate effect on application of remote self-myofascial release on posterior chain flexibility in asymptomatic young individuals”. This academic pursuit laid the foundation for my career, fostering a commitment to evidence-based practice in neurorehabilitation. I commenced my professional journey at a neurorehabilitation outpatient clinic where I had the privilege of working with a spectrum of patients with conditions including but not limited to Stroke, Cerebellar Ataxia, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, and Spinal Cord Injury. Furthering my academic pursuits, I commenced and successfully completed a Master’s in Neuro Physiotherapy from University College London (UCL). During this phase, I actively contributed to the Queen Square upper limb programme, collaborating closely with researchers, and aiding in the data collection process for patients coping with chronic stroke.
I have registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and I am proudly affiliated with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). My principles include delivering compassionate care, using evidence-based techniques, and continuously striving for the best outcomes for my patients. I am fueled by a genuine passion for neurorehabilitation and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals on their journey to recovery.
- Bsc rehabilitation Speech-Hearing
MA Sociocultural Linguistics
Speech & Language TherapistAlanoud Alotaibi
Bsc rehabilitation Speech-Hearing
MA Sociocultural Linguistics
Speech & Language TherapistAs a bilingual Speech & Language Therapist specialising in neurological in-patient care for adults, I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Drawing from a diverse educational background, I hold a BSc in Rehabilitation of Speech and Hearing from King Saud University and an MA in Sociocultural Linguistics from Goldsmiths, University of London.
My bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English enhances my ability to connect with a diverse patient demographic, ensuring culturally sensitive and inclusive care. My experience in a dynamic rehabilitation setting has fuelled my passion for neurological cases, highlighting the significant impact of neurological disorders on communication. This exposure has deepened my interest in specialising in this area.
My skills are centred around devising personalised therapy plans, leveraging my unique insights in cross-cultural communication. My dedication extends to blending arts and technology within speech therapy to create fun and impactful learning experiences. I am committed to pioneering in neurorehabilitation techniques, focusing on leveraging cutting-edge technology to develop engaging, personalised therapies that fundamentally enhance patient outcomes in speech and cognitive rehabilitation.