What a way to wrap up an amazing day of learning and connecting at Therapy Talks! The ASLTIP Awards have become a beloved highlight of our agenda, a special moment where we shine a spotlight on our incredible members. This year’s ceremony was particularly moving as we had the honour of welcoming Rob and Diane, Sarah’s husband and mum, to collect the inaugural innovation award in her name.
Choosing the winners was no easy task! Every nominee was truly deserving of recognition, nominated by clients, friends, family, and colleagues who wanted to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to the speech and language therapy profession.
Let’s celebrate our fantastic winners!
Start-Up Award: Carissa Jermy!
A huge round of applause for Carissa Jermy, who took home the Start-Up Award this year! Those who nominated her spoke of her unwavering passion for supporting and advocating for families. She’s simply marvellous! Carissa is incredibly dedicated, providing exceptional opportunities for her clients. Her infectiously kind personality and passion for her SLT business truly shine through. She’s done so well, taking the plunge to start her business during a challenging time, and is a real asset to those who need her services.
Congratulations, Carissa!
Carissa receiving her award from Nicola Holmes
Leadership Award: Sarah Barnett!
We’re thrilled to celebrate Sarah Barnett, winner of the Leadership Award! Sarah was recognised for her outstanding work as a local group coordinator. Over 10 years ago, Sarah, along with cherished colleagues, established a local group, and she has been an amazing and positive influence ever since. She chaired the group for many years, even during personally difficult times. Sarah remained calm, positive, and sensitive to everyone. Her knowledge is vast, and she generously shares it in the most supportive way. Her clinical experience and research knowledge are unbelievable, and she shares it all with us. She is a gifted, kind, and talented person and SLT. Congratulations, Sarah!
Team Player Award: Amy Stephens!
We all know that teamwork is at the heart of being an excellent speech therapist, and Amy exemplifies this! Amy has generously given her time and expertise to colleagues and was nominated for offering incredible support to SLTs. A special mention was given for her work with ADHD Speech and Language Therapists. She is always giving her time, knowledge, and skills to others. Congratulations, Amy!
Amy making her way up to receive her award
Maria Farry Award for Outstanding Contribution: Joan Haddick!
We were delighted to present the Maria Farry Award for Outstanding Contribution, named in honour of one of ASLTIP’s founders. This year, the award goes to Joan Haddick! Joan has been a very proactive member of ASLTIP and local groups for nearly 30 years and is currently a Local Group Coordinator for the NI group. She has worked tirelessly to increase membership and welcome new members. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment are exemplary, and she spends countless hours on behalf of her local group. Joan has been incredibly successful at encouraging her local members to present at meetings, helping them gain more confidence. She provides a listening ear and is always ready to seek advice herself. Joan truly embodies the spirit of these awards, our profession, and our organisation.
Congratulations, Joan!
Innovation Award: Remembering Sarah Buckley
Lastly, we remember our dear friend and colleague, Sarah Buckley. At ASLTIP Therapy Talks 2025, we reflected on Sarah’s life and her dedication to speech and language therapy. Her work at ASLTIP will always be remembered. We wanted to honour Sarah’s life and ensure that her impact on the speech and language therapy world continues. Through our conversations as a board and with ASLTIP members, the word innovation kept coming up. Sarah left a huge mark on everyone she met. With her hard working ethos and determination, she always encouraged innovation. Her many achievements include starting her own company, setting up student grants, studying for her Master’s degree, and joining
the ASLTIP board in 2017. We are so proud to honour her memory.
Nominations for all five ASLTIP awards will be open in January 2026 so if you know of
someone who deserves a special thank you, do let us know.
ASLTIP’s membership has been growing rapidly since 1989. We are a support organisation run by our members. The executive board is always grateful for new members and new ideas.
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