Joe believes there isn’t always a ‘right or wrong answer’ when supporting people. Instead, it’s about trusting the process, understanding where someone wants to go and being there alongside them and their loved ones.
That thoughtful approach extends beyond work too. Outside of speech pathology, Joe enjoys reading autobiographies and planning mini-adventures around Sydney, exploring everything from art and architecture to food and local history. Read on to find out more!
What is your role?
Speech Pathologist
What is a fun fact about you that people may not know?
I enjoy reading autobiographies and planning immersive mini-adventures around Sydney, often with a different theme such as art, architecture, food or local history.
What do you love about your role?
“There is no right or wrong answer” is something I often say to my clients when they get stuck. I think the same underlying philosophy applies to many areas that support human beings. Sometimes, we need to go with the process while still knowing where we are going. That is what we do—being there for our clients and their loved ones, while helping them move towards something meaningful.
What does an average day in your role look like?
An average day involves commuting, meeting clients and saying lots of hellos. I once met a couple through the HelpX website who offered accommodation and food to backpackers from around the world. Something they said has stayed with me: “Instead of going to the world, we let the world come to us.” My work follows a similar idea, but in reverse. I go into my clients’ comfort zones to support them when they are not always able to come and see me. Between sessions, I also complete planning and documentation, stay hydrated and think about finding a healthy calorie station—because we talk a lot.
Can you recall a time when you helped make a difference in someone’s life?
When I was still a student, I worked with a five-year-old boy for ten sessions. His family did not have government funding, and the student clinic was the best service they could afford at the time. I printed and prepared a large package of individualised resources that he could continue using with his family in the future. I would not say that ten sessions were life-changing, but I wanted to make sure that what we had started could be transferred and passed on to the people supporting him next.
If you’d like to chat with one of our friendly clinicians like Joe, you can get in touch here. Alternatively, if you are interested in a career at LiveBig or would like to find out more on positions available, click here.
