About Denise
What inspired you to become a speechie?
All through my schooling, I knew I wanted a career in helping people, especially children, but I wasn’t sure what that would be. After not having the sufficient score to enter the child psychology degree, I researched a career that incorporated my favourite subjects: linguistics, psychology, and biology. Little did I know that Speech Pathology would be the most rewarding career I could have chosen. Now, after almost 10 years, I thrive in helping children with their communication skills and mentoring other Speechies so that they can also reach their full potential.
Who do you like to work with?
My greatest passion is working with children, especially those who present with speech pronunciation difficulties. I get a fire in my belly when I hear children produce sounds they weren’t previously able to. My other greatest passion is mentoring other speechies so that they can become amazing therapists. It brings me joy and pride to see other therapists blossom and touch the lives of their clients.
Greatest Accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would have to be becoming a mother. This not only has allowed me to grow on a personal level, yet has also allowed me to connect with my clients and families all the more! Being a mother has helped me to better understand how children develop, how busy life can be and has enabled me to provide better education, and feedback to my families.
Watch Denise at Work
My favourite speech games would have to be Potato head and busy books! I love how versatile these games can be, where I am able to target speech pronunciation, language, social and literacy skills all in the one activity!
My hobbies include singing, playing the guitar and crocheting! I sing all the time and love incorporating music in everything that I do. I also love to crochet! I love making cushion covers, stuffed animals and woollen wear for my family and friends.
Bachelor of applied Sciences (Speech Pathology) – University of Sydney
Professional Development
– MultiLit reading program (Including: PreLit, MacqLit and Spelling Mastery)
– DIR Floortime: The Action is in the interaction
– Sensory Processing – Traffic Jam in my Brain
– Assessment options, Intervention approaches and outcome measures for Children with Phonological Impairment: Making decisions guided by evidence with Elise Baker
– Babble and Munch Infant Feeding Foundations
– SPELD Sounds Write
– How to Supervise Speech Pathologists Properly in Private Practice: The Complete Package
– First Aid training
– Learn to Play Therapy – Part 1 Foundation Workshop
