Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group

Conference 2008 - Speaker  biographies

Dr Mohnish Suri
Dr Suri is a Consultant in Clinical Genetics at the Nottingham Clinical Genetics Service. Dr Suri is also the author of a book on Clinical Genetics and several peer-reviewed articles.

Prof Chris Oliver
Chris Oliver, BSc, MPhil, PhD, AFBPsS, CPsychol is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Birmingham and trained as a clinical psychologist at Edinburgh University before completing a PhD on self-injurious behaviour in people with intellectual disability at the Institute of Psychiatry, London. He is currently researching behaviour disorders in people with autism spectrum disorder and severe intellectual disability, cognitive and behavioural phenotypes in genetic syndromes, neuropsychological and behavioural assessments for people with severe intellectual disability.

Kevin Mann, Senior Orthotist, The Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Kevin Mann qualified in 1983 and is now a clinical specialist. During the last 12 years he has exclusively dealt with paediatric orthotics and is based 4 days a week at BRHC. His long-term interest is spinal orthotics and is part of the Scoliosis team based at BRHC, which is regarded as the regional centre for non-invasive treatment of Scoliosis. This team has been in existence since the early 1980s and over the years has seen 400+ children with various spinal problems.

Jenny Rathbone, Senior Makaton Teacher
Makaton is a unique programme offering a structured, multi-modal approach for the teaching of communication, language and literacy skills. The Makaton signs and symbols are used with speech, the written word or on their own providing a visual representation of language, which increases understanding and makes communication easier. This approach has been shown to increase opportunities for personal expression and development, participation in interaction and socialisation and to increase access to education, training and public information. Makaton is used extensively all over the UK in pre-schools, schools, centres, hospitals and clinics, and in the homes of people with communication and learning difficulties. It has been adapted for use in 40 other countries.
Jenny Rathbone has been working with the Makaton Language Programme for over 15 years. Trained as a teacher she has worked with children and young adults with communication and learning difficulties in their homes and schools all over Wiltshire. Working with North Wilts & Devizes Portage Service she trained to be a regional Makaton Tutor in 1998 and now works as a freelance trainer and communication advisor.

Sue George
Sue George has been working with children and adults for over 30 years. Her experience is both as a counsellor and as a social worker and she has enjoyed working with families in their own homes and other venues. Sue also has a large family of her own, including 7 children and step children as well as 11 grandchildren.

Sue is a retired social worker and counsellor.