Kath is an enthusiastic and vibrant speech pathologist who enjoys building relationships with clients and their families. Kath graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2005. She has previously worked at the Westmead Children’s Hospital, where she gained experience across a range of swallowing and communication disorders, including paediatric brain injury rehabilitation, children with hearing impairment, and working with parents and children with English as a second language. In addition to being a speech pathologist, Kath is a qualified early childhood and primary school teacher, so she has first-hand knowledge of the literacy and language demands of the curricula used in early childhood and primary school settings.

Kath is committed to ongoing professional development and has attended many training courses and conferences over the years. She has post-graduate training in language development, speech sound disorders, literacy (including THRASS and Sounds Write), Autism Spectrum Disorders, social skills groups and management of clients with challenging behaviours.

Kath is a Hanen-Certified Clinician, which means she is trained to teach groups of parents and individuals the “It Takes Two to Talk” and “More Than Words” Programs.  Kath loves implementing this knowledge in therapy sessions of young children with language delay. She is trained in using the PROMPT technique, which a system for providing input to the muscles of speech by touch and pressure. Kath is also a Secret Agent Society Facilitator, which is an evidence-based social skills program for children aged 8-12 years.

Kath has particular interest in early language development and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in older clients, however thoroughly enjoys working on all areas of speech and language development. She strives to partner effectively with parents and carers to ensure a successful result for her clients. Kath has a caring and kind nature that is appreciated by clients and colleagues alike. She endeavours to create therapy activities that are play- or game-based, to ensure sessions are so much fun that children don’t realise they are working hard.