Speech pathologists play a vital role in helping people communicate, connect and be heard. In this edition of Day in the Life of, we catch up with Kate, a community-based Speech Pathologist in Toowoomba, to learn more about what drew her to the profession, what her days look like on the road, and why supporting people in their own environments makes such a powerful difference.

What is your role?

I’m a Speech Pathologist, working as a community clinician.

What is a fun fact about yourself that people may not know?

I’m a huge Swiftie, and my party trick is being able to name a Taylor Swift song after hearing only the first 0.1 seconds.

Why did you choose to work in this industry?

I truly believe speech pathology is the best job in the world. It’s the perfect blend of science, creativity and fun, and no two days are ever the same. I love that it allows me to be creative while still being evidence-based, and that I get to support people in such a meaningful way.

What do you love about your role?

As a community clinician, I love being able to work with people in their own environments and on their own terms. I think this makes such a huge difference to both engagement and outcomes in speech pathology. When people feel comfortable and supported in familiar spaces, they’re able to make real progress.

What does an average day in your role look like?

Every day looks a little different, but I can guarantee it will start with a coffee. From there, my day usually includes some driving, lots of fun sessions, working towards goals with my clients, and wrapping up the day by completing my case notes. It’s busy, rewarding and always full of variety.

Can you recall a time when you helped make a difference in someone’s life?

Speech pathologists help support progress every day, but ultimately it’s our clients who make the difference themselves. My role is to provide the tools that help people find their voice and communicate more effectively. Every step forward is a credit to the client, not to me. Lives truly change when people have access to the right supports, and being part of that journey is incredibly special.

If you’d like to chat with one of our friendly clinicians like Kate, you can get in touch here. Alternatively, if you interested in a career at LiveBig or would like to find out more on positions available, click here.