How long have you been with DWSP?
I’ve been working at DWSP for 4 and a half years now.
In a couple of sentences, talk us through your role at DWSP
My role is a Senior Speech Pathologist. This means I provide Speech Pathology services to a wide range of people from preschoolers through to adults, in the clinic and also out in the community.
I support the Speech Pathologists in the team through mentoring, supervision, and training, as well as taking a leadership role in the practice, developing policies and new ways of delivering care.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I really enjoy working with families who have preschool children on the Autism spectrum. One family wrote a book about me saying “my name is Esther, my job is playing with kids”! I believe in play-based learning where everyone has fun and where kids can build their communication skills naturally.
I have also taken on running some of the preschool music programs this term, while our Music Therapist, Laura is on maternity leave. I am loving combining my passions of singing/songwriting and speech pathology with the families in the group.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up just across the ditch in Christchurch, New Zealand. I’ve lived in Melbourne for over 12 years now, so I consider myself to have 2 homes.
Before DWSP, what was the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
I was a tea lady in a nursing home for 4 years while I was studying at university. That was quite high pressure, you never want to mess up someone’s cup of tea preference!
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I like being in the bush, growing vegies and doing a bit of very basic crochet.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I’d like to be able to speak all the different languages in the whole world! That would be amazing fun.