Kerry Townley-O’Neill
(B.A., BA Mod Lang, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip Ed (Learning Support), M Ed Stud, M Sp Path Stud, MSPAA, CPSP )
I have been working in the field of language and learning for over 30 years, initially as a teacher (teaching language at all levels of education – kindergarten to mature-age), and then as a speech pathologist. What I have learnt over time is that people desperately want to communicate and become tremendously frustrated when, for whatever reason, they are unable to do so with relative ease. Sometimes their frustration leads to involuntary silence, sometimes it leads to miscommunications that need to be sorted out. Most of my working life has revolved around assisting people to be able to speak their minds clearly, so that they are understood easily, without fear of sounding silly or being embarrassed about the content of what they are saying or about their mode of delivery. The need to communicate is lifelong, and I am just as passionate about provision of services to newborns as I am to my centenarian clients.
I look forward to helping you meet your communicative needs.
Clare Janbroers
Allied Health Assistant
A 3rd Year Speech Pathology Student at the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Clare is joining us as an Allied Health Assistant (AHA). Working under the direction of our Speechies, Clare is here to ensure that clients get the most out of their therapy sessions by offering continued support sessions between Clinician appointments. Sessions with Clare will be available both in person and online via Zoom.
While AHAs aren’t a replacement for speech pathologists, we
believe that Clare will really add value to our clients’ therapy journeys by making the outcomes of service delivery more efficient, effective and lasting. Consistency is key, and Clare is here to help our clients build up and keep momentum outside of therapy sessions with their Speechie.
Continuing her university studies, Clare has found subjects around linguistics and phonetics, and speech and language for both paediatric and adult clients particularly enjoyable to explore. Prior to joining us here at The Speechie Spot, she also worked as a childhood educator in a primary school setting.
When she is not working or studying, you can find Clare enjoying the outdoors, climbing mountains and soaking in the sun at the beach, or cooking up a delicious meal in the kitchen! Clare comes form a large family and appreciates the importance of close family interaction and involvement.
If you would like to find out if sessions with Clare are an appropriate option for you, please feel free to speak to your Speechie – she will be glad to discuss this with you!