Helen Keen

I graduated in 2016 as a speech pathologist, and spent the next few years working with adults with a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders.

One of my favourite parts of the role was supporting adults with aphasia, an acquired language disorder which affects the person’s ability to speak or understand language. These clients showed me the immeasurable value of being able to communicate effectively. We worked collaboratively to tackle their difficulties so that they could do the things that mattered most to them. Many of these clients told me it was the perceived ‘small things’ that had made the biggest difference in their lives… like having the confidence to make small talk with the neighbour, or simply being able to order their coffee independently.

I hugely enjoyed this work, and when I moved to Tasmania in 2020, I knew I wanted to branch out and begin working with younger people too. Joining the wonderful team at SPT has enabled me to pursue my interests in literacy and social communication skills.

Above all, my absolute passion in speech pathology is working with people who stutter. I have completed specialist training in treating stuttering in adults and children, namely using the Van Riper approach (which is popular in the UK) and the Lidcombe Program.

Ask us about Helen’s NDIS Meal Management Clinic.