About Clare
I hold a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) from Edith Cowan University and have worked across the private, hospital, aged-care and disability not-for-profit sectors, supporting adults with neurological and developmental conditions. Most recently, I have worked with older adults in the neuro-psychiatric inpatient mental health setting, with Huntington's and early onset dementia at the State Neurosciences Unit and as a clinical educator (aged care setting) and sessional academic for Curtin University. I am an experienced clinical supervisor and leader having led large multidisciplinary teams at the executive level and established and developed Speech Pathology teams for a number of national NDIS service providers in WA.
A Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and member of the Laryngology Society of Australasia and the Private Speech Pathologists Association of WA, I have a special interest in supporting the communication of people with progressive neurological conditions through communication aides and technology, and am also a singer with an interest in clinically treating voice disorders. I have a strong background in treating complex community dysphagia and supporting mealtime management in a holistic way that supports both the safety and the quality of life and enjoyment of my patients.
I am also a skilled and experienced trainer and presenter, with a background in performance and public speaking and having regularly presented to small and large audiences on a range of topics, including my own published research.
Experience
Extensive experience working in the disability (pre-NDIS) and NDIS space, supporting adults with progressive neurological conditions, developmental disabilities, Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and building new services.
Experienced clinical supervisor, clinical educator and leader- has set up multiple NDIS Speech Pathology services across WA, led large multidisciplinary teams at an executive level and supervised final year Speech Pathology students in a range of settings.
Experience and knowledge across the private, hospital, aged care and disability not-for-profit sectors
Currently working in aged-care private practice, as well as private clinic-based taking Chronic Disease Management Plan, private and NDIS plan- and self-managed referrals and as clinical educator and sessional academic for Curtin University.
Currently sitting on the board executive for AGOSCI (Peak body supporting people with complex communication needs in Australia)
Experienced in all aspects of AAC including the assessment, prescription and implementation of eye-gaze and EMG switch systems for people with complex communication needs.
Experienced in the assessment and treatment of complex dysphagia in the community setting, including mealtime management.
Published researcher- currently working on a paper investigating the impact of the NDIS business model on the job satisfaction, mental health and career longevity of allied health clinicians.
Special Interests
Communication and swallowing management for adults after strokes, with progressive neurological diseases and other acquired neurological disorders, including complex psychiatric (mental health) conditions.
Adult voice disorders (Member- Laryngology Society of Australasia).
Gender-affirming Voice Therapy
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems including eye-gaze, EMG switch devices and other high-tech systems, specifically for people with acquired neurological conditions.
Delivering training to support staff and carers in mealtime management and communication supports (see the Services page for information on training).
Clinical supervision and advocacy including the experiences of clinicians within the NDIS sector.
Clinical education of students, specifically working with adults.
The Real Me
Background in singing and performance
HUGE foodie and love eating out
Love to travel – I have lived and worked in France and Italy teaching English
I used to be a match-maker for a dating agency (in another life!)
Currently enjoying indoor rock climbing, mandala painting and river kayaking.