Nicky West
Founder I Speech and Language Consultant
Nicky works with children with a range of speech, language and communication difficulties in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Nicky studied and trained at the University of Central England (now Birmingham City University), and graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy. She worked for the NHS in Hull and East Riding, and has extensive experience working across a wide range of settings, including pre-school settings, special schools, mainstream schools, community clinics, and adult learning disability respite units.
From 2009 -2017 Nicky also worked as a Registered Intermediary in her spare time and was also part of the training team for Northumbria Police Force and Humberside Police Force delivering full-day courses as part of their specialist child abuse investigation course, ‘SCADIP’.
In 2013, Nicky launched ‘NEW Options – Speech and Language Therapy Solutions’. The company offers timely, innovative, and effective input that is individually tailored to every child & family they work alongside. With a friendly and approachable team, the company strives to build successful working relationships with pupils, carers, and other professionals.
Nicky is committed to offering effective and engaging training to the education sector and specialises in working with children with speech sound delays and disorders, language delays and disorders, and stammering. Nicky is dedicated to her profession. She regularly attends training courses and other ‘Continuing Professional Development’ activities. She is registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice, Health Care Professions Council, Information Commissioner’s Office (a body which upholds data protection and information) and holds an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
'Key Worker' - BBC Make a Difference Awards - Winner 2022
'Leadership' Award - Association of Speech & Language Therapists in Independent Practice - Winner 2022
'Inspiring Contribution' - HEY People in Business Awards - Winner 2022
'Community Award' Yorkshire & Humber Federation of Small Business Awards - Finalist 2022
'Outstanding Contribution' Award
Association of Speech & Language Therapists in Independent Practice - Nominee 2024
Regional People in Business Awards - Inspiring Contribution - Winner 2024
'Business Consultancy of the Year' Award - ALTARIS - Winner 2025
'Women in Business' Award ALTARIS - Runner Up 2025
UK Business Awards - East Yorkshire Business Consultant of the Year -Winner 2025
Influential Women in Business - Winner 2025
SME Business Elite Awards - Winner 2025
UK Business Awards - Most Dedicated SLT Provider - Winner 2025
E2 Media Award in Excellence - Speech, Language Therapy Intervention, Training & Support - Winner 2025
Diamond Distinction Award 2026 for Speech & Language Therapy Services - Winner 2026
Lizzie Rutter
Speech and Language Therapist
Lizzie completed her BSc in Speech in Language Therapy in 2025 and joined NEW Options as a Newly Qualified Practitioner (NQP).
She is passionate about supporting children with speech, language and communication needs by following a child-centred model. Lizzie consistently engages with reflective practice and recognise the importance of this in supporting her ongoing professional development. Lizzie's clinical interests are based around Speech Sound Disorders and Neurodiversity.
She is an Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), HCPC and holds an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Ella Pickston
Speech and Language Therapist
Ella completed her MSc in Speech in Language Therapy in 2025 and joined NEW Options as a Newly Qualified Practitioner (NQP).
She has extensive experience working in education and is passionate about supporting children with speech, language and communication needs. Ella is committed to enhancing her
professional development and making an impactful contribution with the children and young people she will be working alongside.
Ella is an Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), HCPC and holds an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Lisa Tidder
Lead Speech and Language Therapy Assistant - Hull & East Yorkshire
Lisa joined the NEW Options team in 2017 and has since been developing her interest in Leadership and Neurodiversity. She gained her TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading (RQF) in 2025. Lisa has extensive experience of working in schools and in the community with children and people with a range of speech, language and communication needs. She is an Associate Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and holds an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Gill Watkinson
Lead Speech and Language Therapy Assistant - North East Lincolnshire
Gill was a Teaching Assistant for over 13 years before joining NEW Options in 2024. She is an Associate Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and holds an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Understanding that no two days are the same in educational settings, Gill is developing her expertise in leadership and supporting children's communication needs.
Claire Matfin
Advanced Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Claire joined the NEW Options team in 2019 and completed her MA in Education, SEN and Inclusion in 2024. She is committed to her continuing professional development & research. Her clinical area of interest os Selective Mutism. She is an Associate Member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT) and holds an enhanced certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).