Occupation: Speech Pathologist
What are your professional interests/specialities?
I adore being a rural generalist and being ready to see any presentation who walks through the door! I have definitely developed a passion for working within the NDIS/disability space to support clients to achieve long term goals and it is such a privilege to work closely with families for extended periods of time.
I am also interested in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) space and was lucky enough to have some research published in the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Language Pathology.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22000259.2024.2317470?src=exp-mr
Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a Speech Pathologist in the Pilbara region?
I am a born and raised Perth girl so my move to the Pilbara surprised a lot of people. I completed my final paediatric placement for university at Connect and fell in love with rural practice, the region and the adventures to be had in the surrounding areas. I knew I would be back working here before I had even finished my placement!
What do you love about the Pilbara?
I love how easy it is to jump in the car and go camping. In the Pilbara, the isolation of some camping spots feels liberating and there is no sight quite like our red earth against the blue sky.
Did you always want to be a Speech Pathologist? Why?
I definitely took the long way round to speech pathology. I also have a degree in Biomedical Science under my belt and spent a few years travelling Europe and working in the UK before I came back to Australia to start my speech degree. When I found speech, it just felt like the perfect fit and I have never looked back. It is challenging, rewarding, exciting and so varied that I know there are many directions a career in speech can take me.
What are your passions?
I am passionate about my work and embracing all things about rural life (community sports, events, meeting new people and trying new things!). A surprising (or unsurprising depending on who you speak to) passion of mine is the theatre. I was a big attendee at Perth Fringe Festival every year in Perth and have performed in many plays and musicals.
When you aren’t working, where will we find you?
You will probably find me in the water somewhere! Whether it is the pool for some laps, waterpolo training (a new found Pilbara hobby), the beach or a waterhole inland. I am usually splashing about most week nights and weekends.
