Elissa is currently completing a Masters in Higher Education Practice at the University of East Anglia. She recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Research Delivery through Newcastle University, graduating with distinction. 

Elissa was the therapy symposium coordinator for the British Aphasiology Society (BAS) between 2021-2024 and has keen research interest in adult-acquired aphasia, dysarthria and dysphagia.  She has previously presented at the UK Stroke Forum, International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference and British Aphasiology Society Conference.

Elissa now holds the role of Chair of the British Aphasiology Society and is the BAS Representative within the Aphasia Alliance.

Elissa has recently set up Norwich Aphasia Choir, with support from speech and language therapy students on the course. She is currently involved in a research project exploring experiences of people with aphasia who attend and the impact on learning/skillset for speech and language therapy students supporting the project. More information about the choir can be found here: 

https://www.uea.ac.uk/web/groups-and-centres/hsc-practice-education/profession-resources/speech-and-language-therapy/norwich-aphasia-choir

Elissa is also part of a team reviewing interventions to support eating, drinking and swallowing for people with motor neurone disease.