Qualifications

• Pediatric and Adolescent Speech and Language Pathologist
• MSc in Speech and Language Pathology – Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Lebanon
• Trained in Parental Coaching
• Trained in TED therapy, Makaton, PECS, TEACCH, Focus Language Approach

Areas of Expertise

• Speech sound disorder
• Language delay/disorders
• Communication disorders
• Fluency disorders
• Learning difficulties
• Cognitive disorders

Professional Experience

Sandy Nouneh holds a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) from the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, Lebanon (USJ).

Sandy is an expert in supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with various communication, speech, language, fluency, and/or cognitive disorders. She has particularly sought to expand her theorical and practical experience in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other social communication disorders, as well as parental coaching.

Throughout her career, Sandy has had the opportunity to work in different contexts and settings, which include special institutions, mainstream schools and clinical practice. Alongside being a speech and language therapist, Sandy was an instructor in the Department of Speech and Language Pathology at the IUL University in Lebanon, where she was a lecturer on autism and other social communication disorders.

Sandy attributes her professional development to her educational experience, as her graduate program played a pivotal role in preparing her for this position, particularly when she completed her thesis paper. The study included creating, establishing, and leading a controlled parent-driven evaluation and intervention program for Lebanese children with autism with the aim of improving practices and ensuring faster effective outcomes. Her efforts were rewarded when her paper was nominated for publishing in a scientific journal. Following this achievement, Sandy aspires to continue her education by pursuing her doctorate program (PhD) in fields that combine the study of speech and language and neuroscience.

Sandy's career also handed her with tasks of leading educational and counselling training sessions for parents on techniques and strategies that directly promote communication and language with their children and enhance quality of life. She also took part in co-coordinating and co-executing the “Inclusion of Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities” project in 2018 at her past work, during which she was entrusted with leading and managing the setup of a Snoezelen multi-sensory room for all students with different needs.

Sandy takes joy in having been able to launch her private practice in Lebanon, where her mission was to raise awareness, promote a supportive environment, and implement holistic and effective evidence-based approaches with differently abled individuals, and their families and care givers.

Languages

• English
• French
• Arabic