Speech Pathology
Open Hours
We are open! Telehealth sessions available for clients.
Consulting times may vary at different times of the year.
Contact
Reception: (07) 4781 4495
Fax: (07) 4779 2739
Email: [email protected]
Who Are We?
The JCUHealth Speech Pathology Clinic aims to provide high-quality speech, language, literacy and swallowing services to its clients on a personalised basis.
The service is funded to provide Speech Pathology students the opportunity to observe, learn and develop their professional skills under the supervision of a qualified Speech Pathologist. As we actively support research related to the development of evidence‐based Speech Pathology practice, you may have the opportunity to participate in various research projects.
What Do We Offer?
We provide up to date methods for assessing and treating a variety of communication and swallowing disorders for clients of all ages. Communication and swallowing disorders may result from issues before or at the time of birth (for example cleft palate or cerebral palsy, may become evident as children develop (such as difficulties producing clear speech or stuttering) or may be acquired or develop later in life, for example, following a neurological event such as a stroke, or as part of an acquired neurological condition such as Parkinson’s disease.
Communication problems include difficulties with:
- understanding what is being said to you
- expressing your needs and opinions
- following directions in school or at home
- using social communication skills to interact with family or friends
- correctly producing speech sounds (e.g. “tup” instead of cup)
- stuttering
- reading and spelling
- voice
We also provide:
- Assessment and therapy for alternative communication
- Assistance for people of any age wanting to alter their accent
How to Refer
The focus of the service is to support families who are NOT currently receiving regular speech pathology services from a speech pathologist in the community or school. We accept referrals directly from
- individuals and families; and
- a range of health and educational professionals, including: GPs, paediatricians, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, teachers, and guidance officers
- Child referral - go to paediatric referral form
- Adult referral - go to adult referral form
Please provide sufficient information to help us select the most appropriate approaches for your first visit. The cost of our service is $55 for an initial assessment and $35 subsequent appointments.
JCU Speech Pathology Clinic Staff
Andrea Sherritt
Clinic Lead / Clinical Educator
Andrea completed her Bachelor of Psychological Sciences and Masters of Speech Pathology at the University of Queensland. She has experience working with both children and adults in private practices, hospitals, community settings, rehabilitation units and aged-care facilities. She has a particular interest in progressive neurological disorders, acquired brain injuries and dysphagia (swallowing disorders). Andrea has a passion for evidence-based, person-centred care and hopes to be able to share these values with speech pathology students as a clinical educator at JCU.
Harriet Naylor
Clinic Lead / Clinical Educator
Harriet Naylor is a certified practising speech language pathologist and lecturer/lead clinical educator at James Cook University(JCU). After graduating from JCU in Townsville in 2013, Harriet worked at AEIOU supporting young children who presented with complex communication needs. Harriet has a strong interest in disability and extensive knowledge of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). For the past 8 years and to date, Harriet has worked with Kindergarten-Year 12 students in education settings and has a particular interest in speech, language, literacy and learning disorders. She is currently completing post-graduate qualifications in research focusing on inclusive education and collaboration with classroom teachers.
Dr Jacqueline Lim
Clinical Educator
Dr Jacqueline Lim is a lecturer at James Cook University and has worked as a speech pathologist for more than 20 years in Australia and Canada. She has worked with children and adults with a range of speech, language and swallowing difficulties. She has a particular interest in working with children with childhood apraxia of speech, phonological disorders and literacy difficulties. She received her PhD from the University of Sydney and her current research interests include treatment in childhood apraxia of speech and service delivery in rural and remote locations.
Frances Cochrane
Clinical Educator
Frances Cochrane is a certified practising speech pathologist and senior lecturer at James Cook University. She has worked clinically in a range of practice settings including hospitals, community and aged-care facilities and is also employed at the Mater hospital. Frances has a particular interest in acquired neurological communication disorders including aphasia, dysarthria and acquired apraxia of speech, and is an LSVT-LOUD certified clinician. She is currently completing her PhD which is focused on speech pathology services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults post stroke or traumatic brain injury.
