Why speech therapy?

Speech therapy is not only about pronunciations. It involves, language, reading, writing, listening, comprehending, thinking, and most of all communicating! Communication is sharing. Sharing of information through ideas; memories, messages; thoughts; verbal and non- verbal means. So it’s not just only about being able to talk! but also by using other ways such as gesture, signing, facial expression, pictures.. the list is endless.

Humble beginnings

Graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2002 has enabled me to use my skills, creativity and drive my passion to serve others. This is my biggest reward!

Being the first pioneers of community service therapists, together with a Physiotherapist and an Occupational therapist, I have learnt that establishing relationships with other professionals; team work and collaboration is absolutely vital in helping others engage better, understand better and ultimately communicate better. My commitment lies in helping those with whom I have interacted with , in being better communicators by using the skills and knowledge that I have gained over the years.

My áhá moment came when I worked in the UK in various settings gaining experience with both adults ( hearing aid fittings) and children ( speech – language therapy). Since then I have worked in government and private sectors learning and gaining experience in both fields.

Harambee

Working with South Africa’s youth in an employment accelerator initiative was a huge learning curve for me.
Applying skills set and knowledge in a new and innovative way has given me confidence and the ability to think out of the box. My role here was to screen hearing, identify any potential communication difficulties, counsel and assist by referring to the necessary channels.
Being part of a process that helps our youth in finding a job fulfilled my satiety

My thing

I have developed a niche for working with the pediatric population. I absolutely love working with and connecting with young children. Seeing progress and overcoming challenges no matter how big or small is very rewarding. I am currently based at the Children’s Communication Centre, a specialised language unit for children who have speech and language difficulties

Hearing

Once I was immersed in working with children, I became increasingly aware that communication not only involves speaking but hearing and listening too.

So what’s the difference you ask? Are they not the same thing? The answer is No!

Hearing is something that happens everyday when you perceive sounds that enter as waves into your ear. Listening involves interpretation and processing the information that is heard.