Jessica

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family – taking the kids to the beach sounds like the perfect day!

What made you want to become a Speech Pathologist?
I think it was a long journey to figure out what I was going to do, starting with my introduction to speech therapy when I was in preschool with a lisp! I deferred going to uni fora year after school and took a gap year in America, and it was when I was studying anatomy and physiology over there that I realised I had chosen right. Now I can't imagine doing anything else!

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
My role has evolved so much as the business has grown – now it’s not just the reward of seeing the children I work with grow, but also being a part of the growth of our amazing clinicians and team members. I genuinely love that both as a business owner and as a speech pathologist, you never know it all and there is always more to learn.

What is your most cherished memory from working at Young Allied Health?
There have been so many special memories – there’s been the big milestones like moving to our new offices in Kirwan in 2019, but it’s really the little achievements that make it all worthwhile. I just love that we get to work alongside families so closely and watch their children grow up and achieve their goals – it’s such a privilege to be part of their journey!

Samantha

What are your hobbies/interests?
I love spending time with my family including going to the beach, swimming and camping.

‍What is your favourite food?
Anything sweet!

What made you want to become a Speech Pathologist?
I wanted to do a job where I could not only help people but that was interesting and rewarding and speech pathology seemed to tick all of those boxes!

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
Working with lots of beautiful young people and watching them achieve their goals, whether they are big or small.

What is your most cherished memory from working at Young Allied Health?
I can't pinpoint only one memory but one of my favourite things that I get to be apart of is sharing many milestones, achievements and ongoing developments within the lives of the people we support.

Tiffany

Where are you from? How did you end up in Townsville?
I was born and grew up in Rockhampton. I moved to Townsville in 2012 for university.

What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy playing volleyball, making clothes and socialising with friends.

‍What is your favourite food?
Chocolate ice-cream and Spaghetti Bolognese

What made you want to become a Speech Pathogist?
I knew I wanted to be a health professional but not necessarily which profession. I started Speech Pathology as a suggestion from a family friend. After beginning I fell in love with what we do and how we can help people achieve their goals. When I then began clinical sessions at university, I knew this is what I wanted to do.

‍What's your favourite thing about working with kids?
How raw and unfiltered they can be, they will say what comes to their mind. They brighten my day and make me laugh.

Madeleine

Where are you from? How did you end up in Townsville?
I was born and raised in Townsville and was fortunate to be able to stay in Townsville for my university studies.

What are your hobbies/interests?
I love spending time with family, friends, and keeping my puppy out of mischief. I enjoy running, yoga and being outdoors.

‍What is your favourite food?
Any sort of pasta dish, cheese platters and chocolate.

What made you want to become an Speech Pathologist?
I have always had a passion for helping people and wanting to make a positive difference in someone’s life. I had a keen interest in working in the health industry, specifically Dentistry for a long time but this very quickly changed when I researched and learned through a family friend what she did as a speech pathologist. I loved learning about the industry and the diversity in which we are able to help.

‍What’s your favourite thing about working with kids?
They brighten up your day and always have something interesting to share. Kids have no filter so it’s exciting to see what they have to say.

Natalie

Where are you from? How did you end up in Townsville?
I grew up on the Atherton Tablelands. I moved to Townsville to study Occupational Therapy in 2017, and decided to stay!

What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy being active, going rock climbing, kayaking and trying new things! I also love spending time with my family and friends and being outdoors.

‍What is your favourite food?
My favourite food is gnocchi, although cookies and cream ice-cream is a close second.

What made you want to become an Occupational Therapist?
I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career working in healthcare, as I love helping people and empowering others to help themselves. I wanted to be a part of a profession that allowed me to help change lives in a positive way, and OT seemed like the perfect fit! I appreciate the OT role in supporting one’s ability to maintain wellness through occupational engagement. It is such a rewarding job and I am excited to be working in a field that I am so passionate about.

‍What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
There are so many reasons why I love working with kids. I admire their curiosity, passion and creativity and how they see the world in ways I sometimes couldn’t even think to consider. Working with kids is so much fun, and I enjoy that no two days are ever the same.

Brianna

Where are you from? How did you end up in Townsville?
I grew up on a cattle station in central west Queensland in between the towns of Winton and Boulia. I came to Townsville to complete my high schooling years after attending school of distance education (home schooling) for my primary school years. I then stayed in Townsville to complete my Occupational Therapy studies and am now finally back after spending 5 years living in Western Australia.

What are your hobbies/interests?
My favourite hobbies are doing fun outdoor activities with my two little boys aged 2 and 3 and my partner. We particularly love riding horses, water skiing and going swimming.

‍What is your favourite food?
My favourite food would have to be nachos or crumbed steak! I love savoury food!

What made you want to become an Occupational Therapist?
I love the creativity and “thinking outside the box” interventions you can adopt as an OT. There are so many different and exciting areas OTs can work in, the diversity is endless. I love being able to work with people/families to achieve their own goals rather than what others think they should, as our profession is always so focused on client centred care. The joy you share with clients when they are finally able to achieve their goal is such an incredible experience.

‍What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
I get to play all day! I love seeing their little faces light up when they have finally achieved something they have been working so hard towards and then getting to celebrate this moment with their caregivers. I love the energy and expressions they can bring to each session, there is never a dull moment working in paediatrics!

Emma

Where are you from? How did you end up in Townsville?
I’m a Townsville girl, born and bred.

What are your hobbies/interests?
In my spare time you’ll find me anywhere with my friends and family. Or with my head stuck in a book.

‍What is your favourite food?
Chocolate

What made you want to become an Occupational Therapist?
I always wanted to work with children and have a rewarding career. I took a chance on occupational therapy and haven’t looked back.

‍‍What's your favourite thing about working with kids?
Everyday is different! At the end of the day there is always something to smile about when working with kids.

Marie

Where are you from?
Townsville.

How did you end up in Townsville?
I've lived in Townsville my whole life!

What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, fishing and doing home craft activities.

‍What is your favourite food?
Anything Caramel....chocolates, cakes and tarts.

What do you enjoy most working at Young Allied?
Meeting new people and learning about everyone as individuals and their families.