A little about me
Hello, I’m Ciara
I have worked as a paediatric speech pathologist for over 12 years. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) in 2010 and hold a current, certified practising Speech Pathology Australia membership.
In 2019, I founded Seedlings Speech & Language.
Continuing professional development is integral to my practice. I am trained in Spalding – the reading foundation course which underpins my literacy therapy. I am equipped to use these language programs- Key Word Sign, Robust vocabulary, BLADES language therapy and the Working With Children With Autism Program through Connect Therapy. In addition, I am a PROMPT trained therapist (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Target) and can deliver the Lidcombe stuttering program.
In 2023, I completed my foundation training course as an Orofacial Myologist through the Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration. This training equips me to identify and treat oral and facial muscles, postural and functional disorders, and oral habits (e.g. thumb sucking, open mouth posture, mouth breathing) that may restrict typical dental, facial, swallowing and speech development.
I am passionate about working with preschool and school aged children presenting with speech and language related difficulties. I also have a keen interest in teaching the multi-sensory, systematic, phonics approach (known as Spalding) to reading and spelling for children struggling with literacy. Making therapy enjoyable, relevant and targeted, underpins my work!
Between 2014-2017, I collaborated with RAW Impact, a charity working to aid the poorest rural villages in Cambodia to become sustainable. I was essential in creating Raw Impact’s SEAL program (Speech, English and Literacy) while working at The Language Tree. This involved providing local Cambodian teachers with the knowledge and tools to teach English literacy and phonics. It was a life changing opportunity and something that brought me significant personal growth.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters and husband at the beach!
RAW Impact's Cambodian SEAL training program underway - teaching and modelling the phonics program to the local teachers. For more information about this charity visit: https://www.rawimpact.org
RAW Impact's Cambodian SEAL training program underway - teaching and modelling the phonics program to the local teachers. For more information about this charity visit: https://www.rawimpact.org
RAW Impact's Cambodian SEAL training program underway - teaching and modelling the phonics program to the local teachers. For more information about this charity visit: https://www.rawimpact.org