Speech Therapist Tabitha Woodman with Connor during a therapy session at Atwell College.
For many kids, therapy can feel like a chore. But for Connor and Tabitha, speech therapy sessions are filled with lots of fun and laughter.
Connor is a happy teenager in his first year of high school at Atwell College. He loves shooting hoops, watching Marvel movies, and going to the bowling alley with his family. His speech therapist, Tabitha, describes him as a “superstar.”
“Connor works so hard to work towards his communication goals and pushes through, even when the task is difficult,” Tabitha says.
Connor has been working with Tabitha to improve his communication skills after wearing a hearing aid for many years, which he no longer needs. He looks forward to his sessions, which are fun but very therapeutic.
“We work on verbal speech using ReST therapy, or what I like to call ‘crazy words,’ and we work on language using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device,” Tabitha explains. “We also use the mystery bag to talk about the objects using the AAC device.”
“Like me, Connor loves to chat. He’s gained so much confidence and independence. We love to see it!” Tabitha adds.
Tabitha chose a career in speech therapy because she loves to “talk to anyone and everyone” and wanted a career where she could help others access the same opportunities.
“Helping my clients build their communication skills so they can form meaningful relationships and express themselves brings me so much joy,” Tabitha says.
She studied for a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology after a career as a biomedical researcher in the lab, and she has been working at SensesWA ever since she graduated. She loves the variety of her job as a “speechie.”
“One day I could be helping a client learn how to communicate with their AAC device, and the next day I could be helping a client explore new foods in a feeding session,” she says.
She says the supportive team culture at SensesWA and the transdisciplinary approach—where everyone helps each other out or provides a listening ear about the job complexities—are the most rewarding aspects of her job. She works alongside teachers, educational assistants, carers, and health professionals to help people with disabilities achieve their communication goals.
Tabitha Woodman (Speech Pathologist) and Sophie Fidoe (Teacher – Education Support) at Atwell College.
At school, Connor’s educators explain that his confidence and independence have grown since his sessions with Tabitha. He speaks up in class, communicates his feelings to others, and actively participates in sports, living life to his fullest potential.
About Speech Pathology at SensesWA
Speech therapists at SensesWA work with young children to overcome communication difficulties, ensuring they have the best start in effective communication. Our therapists provide support at home, at school, or in the community, working to enhance communication during everyday activities and routines. Learn more
