Our People

Dr Emma Burnip is the Secretary of HDA Auckland and has been a committee member for more than two years. Emma qualified as Speech Language Therapist in the UK eleven years ago. She went on to specialise in adult neurology, particularly supporting individuals with neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Emma’s family has been touched by HD, and with first-hand experience of watching loved ones change and seeing many families struggle with a lack of treatment options, she was inspired to help people with swallowing and communication difficulties with HD. So, in 2017 she moved to New Zealand to undertake research in Speech Language Sciences at the University of Canterbury. She recently completed her PhD in swallowing assessment and rehabilitation in individuals with Huntington’s disease and is dedicated to raising awareness of swallowing treatment for people with HD. Emma is now based in the beautiful Queenstown-Lakes District, but continues to support HDA Auckland remotely, maintains strong relationships and travels to key events when possible.