Following a spell of travel and reflection, at the age of 25, I decided to train to become a speech language therapist. This was one of the best decisions I have made. I obtained a BSc with honours in Clinical Language Sciences (Speech Language Therapy) in 1997 (Leeds, UK). I later attained a Master of Science, Speech Therapy in 2015 after producing a thesis under the supervision of internationally renowned researcher Dr Maggie-Lee Huckabee of the Rose Centre, University of Canterbury.
I am an experienced clinician who has worked in a range of specialist and generalist positions in Aotearoa New Zealand and the United Kingdom. I enjoy connecting with people of all cultures and walks of life and guiding them to reach their goals with evidence-based practice and a positive, supportive, encouraging attitude.
Between 2010 – 2022, I served the people of Otago and Southland in the Puāwai Rehabilitation Unit at Wakari Hospital Dunedin (the South Island’s main neuro-rehabilitation centre). I consider myself lucky to be able to live and work in my chosen city, Ōtepoti (Dunedin).
Whanāu is everything. I have two grown up children, a wife of many years and wider whanāu scattered across the globe! I am a life long learner and try to live every day to the best of my potential. I love being outdoors and enjoy trail running, aikido, mountain biking, tramping, music, reading and growing vegetables.