CHANTELLE O'CONNOR
Elanora
Summary
Healthcare professional with extensive experience in diagnosing and implementing treatment plans for communication and swallowing disorders. Known for ability to build rapport, meet clients where they are at and personalise therapy plans that lead to functional improvements for clients.
Evidence-informed practitioner dedicated to high professional and ethical standards.
Collaborative team player with focus on building collegial relationships both within my clinic and within the multidisciplinary teams I have the pleasure of contributing to in the wider community.
Committed to culturally safe, inclusive, and strengths-based practice. Calm, supportive and approachable mentor for allied health assistants, early career clinicians and students of all backgrounds.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Speech Pathologist
Chantelle O'Connor Speech Pathology
08.2019 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive speech assessments to identify communication disorders and develop tailored treatment plans.
- Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions to improve clients' speech and language skills effectively.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimise client care and enhance communication strategies across settings.
- Develop educational materials for clients and families to support ongoing speech therapy at home.
- Mentor and supervise early career clinicians and clinicians recently arrived in Australia, in best practices for assessment techniques, therapy implementation and navigating the health care system, fostering professional growth.
- Conduct workshops for community outreach, raising awareness about the importance of early intervention in speech and language difficulties.
- Maintained detailed documentation of each session, ensuring accurate tracking of patient progress and facilitating effective communication among the care team members.
- Conduct neurodiversity affirming group therapy sessions focused on improving social communication and self awareness for neurodivergent children, teens and young adults.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment programs for patients with various communication disorders and challenges.
- Coordinated care with GPs, ENTs, audiologists, and other medical professionals to manage complex cases involving multiple aspects of communication health.
- Maintain client satisfaction by establishing strong rapport and trust through open communication, active listening, and empathy during sessions.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices and research in the field of speech pathology, ensuring optimal client care.
- Supervise placements of student allied health assistants, providing guidance and support throughout their learning process.
- Supervise allied health assistants and administration assistants in all aspects of their roles.
Speech Pathologist
Mary Hughes Speech Pathology
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Developed individualized treatment plans for clients with speech and language disorders.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify communication challenges and needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance client care strategies.
- Provided training and support to families on effective communication techniques.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to improve client outcomes consistently.
- Enhanced patient communication skills by implementing individualized speech therapy plans tailored to their specific needs.
- Facilitated early intervention services for young children experiencing delays in speech development, laying a strong foundation for future academic success.
- Designed engaging therapy materials and activities that catered to patients'' unique interests and abilities, promoting significant progress in speech and language development.
Clinical Placement
Glasswing Therapy - Adult Clinic Banora Point
10.2017 - 11.2017
- Mobile Service - 6 days per week
- Responsibilities and achievements included:
- - Informal assessment of adult clients with Aphasia and Apraxia of Speech.
- - Participated in aphasia group therapy sessions
- - Intervention and planning for clients with conditions including autism, down syndrome, profound intellectual impairment and oral facial syndrome.
- - Oro-motor and bedside swallow assessments
- - Dysphagia management
- - Motor speech assessment of patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.
Clinical Placement
NSW Community Health
08.2017 - 10.2017
- Paediatric in clinic - 4 days per week
- Responsibilities and achievements included:
- - Screening, assessments & interventions across preschools, schools and community health clinics.
- - Facilitated group stuttering therapy using the Lidcombe program.
- - Completed Quality Improvement Project concerning parent/teacher/therapist interactions and conducted research into the project efficacy.
Speech Pathology Student
Southern Cross University Health Clinic
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Campus Medical Centre
- - Diagnostic Clinic
- - Multimodal Clinic
- - Paediatric Clinic
Remedial Massage Therapist
Table for One
01.2003 - 01.2017
- Self Employed
- Delivered personalised remedial massage treatments to enhance client well-being and recovery.
- Assessed client needs and developed tailored treatment plans for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Maintained accurate client records, ensuring compliance with health regulations and privacy standards.
- Educated clients on self-care techniques and post-treatment strategies to promote lasting benefits.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to provide holistic care and support for client health journeys.
- Mentored junior therapists in advanced techniques, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
- Supported injury recovery for athletes, implementing targeted sports massage therapies.
Education
Bachelor of Speech Pathology - Speech Pathology
Southern Cross University
Gold Coast, QLD01.2017
Advanced Diploma Remedial Massage and Diploma Athlete Support Services - Remedial Massage
Tafe Queensland
Gold Coast, QLD01.2002
Skills
- 2017 Mentor (Uni Mentor Program) and Mentor (AIME Program)
- 2017 Auslan and Key Word Sign Training
- 2017 Paediatric Feeding & Swallowing Course (QLD Health)
- 2018 PROMPT Training
- 2019 Sounds Write Training
- 2020 Child Protection Training (NSW Ed)
- 2021 Planning and Measuring outcomes for Children with DLD (The DLD Project)
- 2023 Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model (CPS) (Dr Ross Greene) Introductory and Advanced Training
- 2024 The Safehouse Framework for Health Professionals (Embracing Neurodiversity) Level 1
- 2025 The Safehouse Framework for Health Professionals (Embracing Neurodiversity) Level 2 & 3
Timeline
Senior Speech Pathologist
Chantelle O'Connor Speech Pathology
08.2019 - Current
Speech Pathologist
Mary Hughes Speech Pathology
05.2018 - 08.2019
Clinical Placement
Glasswing Therapy - Adult Clinic Banora Point
10.2017 - 11.2017
Clinical Placement
NSW Community Health
08.2017 - 10.2017
Speech Pathology Student
Southern Cross University Health Clinic
06.2015 - 06.2017
Remedial Massage Therapist
Table for One
01.2003 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Speech Pathology - Speech Pathology
Southern Cross University
Advanced Diploma Remedial Massage and Diploma Athlete Support Services - Remedial Massage
Tafe Queensland
Speech Pathology areas of Interest
Neurodiversity Affirming Practices / Literacy / Language / Functional Communication and AAC/Paediatric Feeding and ARFID/Supervision and Mentoring