_edited.jpg)
Gwen (she/her/ia)
Kia ora, my name is Gwen. I have been a Speech-Language Therapist (SLT) for over 13 years and have experience with swallowing and voice disorders specifically but also across a range other communication disorders.
I graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor in Speech Language therapy from the University of Canterbury and then completed my Master of Science through the University of Auckland in 2017. My research focused on using specific measures when reviewing our swallow studies (VFSS) to help SLT's accurately analyse them. I have presented this research both within New Zealand and internationally.
I have worked across a number of settings including community, outpatients and inpatients (both rehabilitation and acute). I have a special interest in swallowing difficulties across many areas of health including surgical, medical and head and neck cancer. I work closely alongside otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists and dietitians.
I have completed further training in nasoendoscopy to assess swallow function (FEES), and am qualified to train other SLTs in this area.
I have also lectured and supervised students at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).
I am a registered member of the New Zealand Speech Therapy Association (NZSTA) and am actively involved with the organisation. I also have a personal interest in mentoring, supervision and leadership.
Leisha (she/her/ia)
Kia ora, my name is Leisha. I have been a Speech-Language Therapist (SLT) for 16 years, and have experience in voice and swallowing disorders as well as a range of communication disorders.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (psych major) in 2005, and then completed a Masters in Speech-Language Therapy in 2007. I have worked in the health system in both New Zealand and Australia in acute, subacute, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings.
I have a special interest in voice therapy and work alongside Otolaryngologists in combined voice clinics. I also have an interest in telehealth and presented at the Health Informatics New Zealand conference in 2018.
I have completed further training in:
- Voicecraft https://voicecraft.com.au/
- Manual therapy https://www.facebook.com/FoundationsinManualTherapy
- Stroboscopy interpretation (Voice-Vibratory Assessment with Laryngeal Imaging – VALI)
I work extensively in voice therapy, and I enjoy tailoring voice therapy plans to my client’s needs. I am a registered member of the New Zealand Speech Therapy Association (NZSTA).