Fiona Truong – Occupational Therapist
| I graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. I started in the Occupational Rehabilitation sector, assisting clients return to work. I then moved into Aged Care and have 4 years’ experience working for both for-profit and not-for profit organisations in this sector. |  |
What is your approach to treatment?
I strongly refer to the PEO Model (People, Environment and Occupation), when providing service. My approach is to be person centred whilst also recognising the current environment and occupation. I assist clients who have experienced an interruption in their ability getting back to their everyday lives such as work or school, brushing their teeth or taking the bus to the shops, whether through skill retraining and or prescription of assistive equipment.
Fiona Storey, Speech Pathologist
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I recently graduated from the Masters of Speech and Language Pathology program. I have been fortunate to work with a wide range of clients of all ages, particularly assisting with swallowing and/or communication difficulties. My approach to treatment is person and family centred where my clients are at the centre of the service, rather than their disability. My focus is on what their aspirations are and developing a plan to achieve them. |
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What inspired you to pursue a career in speech pathology?
Prior to having children, I did not know very much about disabilities. That changed when my son was diagnosed with Autism. After this, I did a lot of research and provided my son with therapy. After a while I realised how rewarding it would be, to provide therapy to others with communication difficulties as well.
Victoria Yik, Speech Pathologist
| After graduating from university, I started working as a speech pathologist with children with disability in a community setting, working across client homes, childcare centres, preschools and schools. I then worked in private practice supporting people with communication and swallowing difficulties, with many presenting with language, literacy, speech, social communication, and feeding difficulties secondary to conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, and less common genetic conditions. |  |
What do you specialise in?
Over the past few years, my experiences have developed a specialty that lies in supporting communication in people with developmental disabilities. The scope of Speech Pathology is very expansive though, and just communication itself involves spoken and written language, speech, voice, social communication skills, stuttering, and also learning to use alternative and augmentative communication.
Shorouq Shaheen, Speech Pathologist
| I have recently completed my Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University. My experience has been diverse, which includes working in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, and clinics. I have gained valuable experiences in working with both adults and children. Some of the areas of particular focus during my experience includes swallowing, speech, language, voice, and cognitive-communication disorders. |  |
What inspired you to pursue a career in speech pathology?
I decided to pursue a career in speech pathology when one of my family members with a disability started attending speech therapy sessions. I have seen the positive change in her life and our life as a family after she attended speech therapy sessions. I also love that we work with people of all ages and different conditions. It is very rewarding to see how our services help with improving people’s quality of life.
Denise Chee, Discipline Specialist – Behaviour Support
| I’ve worked in the field of Behavioural Analysis for 9 years and completed my educational training at the Florida Institute of Technology. In addition to working for Livebig, I am also a Lecturer at the University of Queensland in their Graduate Certificate program for Behaviour Support. |  |
What do you specialise in, and what is your approach to treatment?
My background in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Infectious Diseases has steered me towards clients with Rare Genetic Disorders. Our approach to treatment is to always look at the function of behaviour (why it happens) and be systematic in assessing the maintaining contingencies in the environment. This helps us develop function- based interventions that would be most effective for the person. Looking at the function of behaviour is also a key component in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which I enjoy utilising in my Clinical work and also in my managerial work when supporting staff.
Rita Tawil, Behaviour Support Consultant
| I have worked as a Behaviour Support Practitioner and applied behaviour analyst for several years, with additional experience as a support worker in the NDIS industry. I also recently completed my Honours in Psychology, which has led to my recent registration as a Provisional Psychologist. |  |
What do you specialise in, and what is your approach to treatment?
I specialise in working with clients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. My approach to treatment is to work towards achieving milestone goals, so we can celebrate the victories along our treatment journey. Just because a victory might be relating to a smaller task than someone else’s, it does not mean it is any less of an achievement!
Mellissa Petzler, Provisional Psychologist
| My participation in Young ARAFMI, a program that provides support to children and adolescents who have family members living with mental illness, was my first experience with family psychology and mental health support in a structured community setting. Working to support families and children offered a deep sense of fulfilment, and a profound desire to dedicate my career to enhancing the well-being of those living with mental illness. |  |
What are the most important qualities for a psychologist?
Empathy, a passion for learning, strong ethical values, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. In this role we are constantly learning and adapting to a changing world, as well as engaging with a diverse community. It is important to be kind, understanding and always growing.
Would you like to learn more about LiveBig’s allied health services? Contact us online or phone 1300 390 222.
