What drove you to choose a career in your discipline?
I don’t think I actually understood the full scope of a speech pathologist when I first started my Speech Pathology degree. I knew I wanted to go into an occupation that helped people and despite putting down OT and Speech Pathology in my preferences, I ended up going into Speech Pathology. My passion for working in the disability sector started while on my university placements and after seeing the vital role of a Speech Pathologist in post head injury rehabilitation.
Do you have any special interest areas in therapy?
I have a special interest in working with children and adults in the area of dysphagia, mealtimes, and feeding. I regularly participate in professional development in this area to ensure my skills and knowledge are up to date with current practices.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Working with individuals and their families, caregivers, and support staff to reduce the stress and anxiety around mealtimes and eating and drinking. When possible, I enjoy working collaboratively with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to ensure the individual is well supported in all aspects of their mealtime.
Why did you join Superyou?
As a working parent, having proper flexibility in my schedule to allow for school holidays, school drop offs, and the ability to work part time as a Senior Clinician was a very important for me. Superyou allows me this flexibility so I can have a good balance between my work and home life.
What does Reimagining Therapy look like to you?
For me, reimagining therapy looks like making sure our services and therapy approaches are tailored to the individuals’ specific needs and goals. Being creative with how we work towards goals and ensuring that goals are targeted in ways that are meaningful for the individual.
If you had to give Allied Health students a hot tip on their course and placements, what would it be?
If given the opportunity to work collaboratively with other allied health students, take it! We learn so much from our allied health colleagues and having a solid understanding of their roles and how we work together results in better outcomes for the individuals we support.
Also remember that finishing your university course content and placements is just the start of your learning as a Speech Pathologist and Allied Health Professional. You will learn so much in your first year of work!
