Meet the Team
Kate is now retired from Speech and Language Therapy and worked in acute hospital care for over 30 years. She valued being part of teams but most of all valued the time she spent working with patients.
Throughout her career, Kate has remained curious about people. Why do they behave the way they do? How do they express what they feel? She listens carefully to the words people choose and their body language, recognising that communication is more than speech. It tells us what matters to someone, what they fear and what they hope for.
Kate believes that when we listen, we begin to understand how a person thinks and what is important to them. From here, we can work together to unlock their potential and support their family and support networks to make real change.
Kate believes people have the right to choose how they live. Decisions about someone’s life should involve them wherever possible, in ways that work for them. When a person cannot make a specific decision themselves, those supporting them should aim to act in their best interests while continuing to seek and value their voice. Assumptions can cause harm. Clear, honest communication builds trust and helps families feel heard.
She is also a strong believer in teamwork. The best outcomes happen when professionals work together with respect and a shared goal. No one person has all the answers. When people listen to each other and see a situation from different angles, better solutions can be found.
Over the years, Kate has also learned that balance matters. Professionals who care for their own wellbeing bring more energy, creativity and compassion to their work.
Above all Kate believes healthcare professionals have a duty to do their best and to explain their advice in ways people can truly understand. If professionals cannot communicate clearly, they fail the very people they aim to support.
