Dr Stella Choy
Dr Stella Choy is the Programme Lead and Senior Lecturer for the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute. Alongside her academic teaching role, she runs a private speech and language therapy practice in Dublin and brings more than 20 years of professional experience to the master’s programme.
Industry Experience & Career Outcomes
- 20+ years’ experience in speech and language therapy, play therapy, counselling, and higher education
- Worked across clinical, educational, and academic settings in Ireland and internationally
- Specialist expertise in autism, selective mutism, multilingualism, and complex communication needs
- Combines leadership, teaching, and clinical practice to prepare future healthcare professionals
- Current Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Play Therapist, and Psychological Counsellor in private practice
Stella’s Pathway in Speech and Language Therapy
What began as inspiration from a single career talk has shaped Stella’s career in speech and language therapy (SLT), taking her from student to clinician, researcher, private practitioner, academic lecturer, and MSc Programme Lead.
She reflects: “A graduate’s career talk sparked my interest in speech and language therapy. Hearing firsthand about the impact SLTs can have on people’s lives inspired me to pursue the profession, and it remains one of the best decisions I have ever made.
“Today, I still genuinely enjoy the privilege of helping people communicate and participate more fully in their lives.”
Stella undertook her speech and language therapy training at the University of Hong Kong, where she describes the BSc and MSc degrees as highly competitive and academically rigorous. She later completed a PhD in Education from Trinity College Dublin.
While Stella’s own education has helped shape her as a practitioner, it has also influenced how she thinks about teaching and programme design, deepening her interest in how programmes can better support diverse learners.
Teaching & Supporting Students
As Programme Lead for the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute, Stella is passionate about creating a learning environment that is inclusive and accessible from the very beginning.
“Drawing on my experience completing a PhD in Education at Trinity College Dublin, I strive to ensure that students from different backgrounds and life stages can thrive – whether they are mature learners, balancing family responsibilities, or returning to education after time away,” she explains.
“No matter where your starting point is, I have one goal: to enhance your learning. My role is to create opportunities for every student to succeed.”
Backed by more than 20 years of SLT experience, Stella’s teaching style is practical, hands-on, and discussion-led. She encourages students to reflect on their learning as they progress.
“I guide students throughout their learning journey with a clear module structure and content that integrates both theory and practical skills,” she says. “After every lecture, I ask them to summarise one takeaway point they have learned.”
Career Opportunities in Speech and Language Therapy
For those considering speech and language therapy, the career opportunities are varied and deeply meaningful. Graduates of the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) can qualify with professional body registration as speech and language therapists and practise in Ireland across healthcare, education, community, disability, and specialist support services.
As Stella explains: “Speech and language therapy can take you into many different settings, from hospitals and community services to schools, early intervention, and private practice. It is a profession with real variety, allowing graduates to build a career around their interests.”
Advice for Students
Stella recognises that becoming an SLT is an incredibly rewarding journey, and the MSc programme is designed to guide students while encouraging them to challenge themselves and grow.
“At the beginning, many students find it challenging to cover so many topics without an SLT background,” she points out. “A growth mindset will help you succeed.”
Using Universal Design for Learning principles, Stella provides different ways for students to engage with programme content and supports them throughout their studies.
Her advice is to stay focused, engage fully with the learning process, and put time into developing strong communication, research, and academic writing skills, which are essential for success on the MSc programme and in professional SLT practice.
Why Portobello
Above all, Stella values the close-knit learning environment at Portobello Institute, where students benefit from both expert teaching and individual attention.
“The majority of our lecturers are practising speech and language therapists,” she says. “They bring current clinical expertise, real-world insight, and a deep commitment to the profession.”
Stella adds: “SLTs are known for being highly organised, reflective, and responsible professionals, and I thoroughly enjoy working alongside such a dedicated team.
“Together, we are committed to preparing the next generation of speech and language therapists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make a difference.”
Explore Speech and Language Therapy at Portobello Institute
Can you see yourself in a rewarding career as a speech and language therapist? Discover how Programme Lead Stella Choy and the MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-registration) programme help you progress into the profession.
