Open To Work
Kate Palumbo
sleep disorders-community service
Bathurst,Australia
Summary
Dynamic leader with 20 years of experience in pediatric sleep medicine and family-centered care. Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and achieving successful accreditation for healthcare services. Skilled in creating innovative, child-friendly healthcare environments that enhance patient experience. Strong problem-solving abilities and effective communication foster collaboration and positive relationships with clients and team members.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Contractor – Sleep Study Data Analysis
ISleep, CPAP Australia & Benchmark Australia
07.2024 - Current
- Analyse and report on paediatric and adult sleep study data for multiple national providers.
- Deliver accurate, timely scoring and clinically relevant insights.
Clinical Manager – Paediatric Sleep Disorders Unit
Adventist Healthcare
Wahroonga
01.2007 - 08.2025
- Led a multidisciplinary team of doctors, scientists, nurses, and technicians.
- Oversaw all operational, clinical, and strategic functions of a high-pressure diagnostic service.
- Achieved and maintained NATA accreditation (first private paediatric sleep lab in Australia).
- Managed budgets, rostering, auditing, WHS, infection control, and compliance.
- Designed themed paediatric sleep rooms to reduce anxiety and enhance patient experience.
- Developed policies, procedures, and training programs aligned with hospital and legislative standards.
Owner & Instructor – Martial Energy
KM Self Defence Academy
01.1996 - 01.2008
- Founded and operated a successful martial arts academy.
- Designed programs, instructed students, and led competitive teams.
Sleep Technician
Adventist Healthcare
Wahroonga
01.2000 - 01.2007
- Conducted and analysed polysomnography studies.
- Educated families on sleep disorders and therapy equipment.
- Trained and supervised new staff.
Paediatric Nurse
Sydney Adventist Hospital
01.1990 - 01.2000
- Provided comprehensive care for pediatric patients and families in 16-bed ward.
Monitored pre-operative and post-operative patient conditions.
Administered emergency care for acute and chronic illnesses.
Education
Diploma of Community Services - Case Management & Program Development
Leadership & Management Programs - Agile Leadership, Strategic Operational Implementation, Coaching & Stress Management
01.2023
Polysomnography & Sleep Medicine -
Sydney University
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Pediatric sleep medicine
- Policy compliance and procedures
- High-pressure decision making
- Staff training and performance management
- Creative program design
- Family engagement and experience
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Adaptability and continuous learning
- Professional demeanor
- Multitasking skills
- Behavioral health expertise
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Calmness under pressure
RECOGNITION
- SAH Executive Awards – 2007, 2009, 2022
- NATA Accreditation Achievement – Paediatric Sleep Disorders Unit
- Environmental Award – 2018
- Foster Care Contribution Award – Challenge Fostercare
- ISKA World Martial Arts Weapons Champion – 2000
- ISKA Teams Champion – 2000
- Female Competitor of the Year (Hall of Fame) – 2000
- Instructor of the Year (Hall of Fame) – 2002
References
Available upon request
Hobbies and Interests
- Art & creative design
- Natural therapies
- Cooking
- Assistance dog training
- Martial arts
Additional Experience And Community Involvement
- Active Foster Carer (2016–Present): Provided care for 16 children with diverse and complex needs.
- Assistance Dog Training: Trained a service dog for a child with Autism and Type 1 Diabetes; currently training a community wellbeing dog.
- International Volunteer Work: English teaching and orphanage support in Thailand.
- Film & Television: Guest artist on Home and Away and commercial productions.
Education
- Diploma of Community Services – Case Management & Program Development
- Polysomnography & Sleep Medicine – Sydney University
- Leadership & Management Programs (2007–2023)
- Agile Leadership
- Strategic Operational Implementation
- Coaching & Stress Management
- Human Synergistics LSI – Humanistic/Encouraging (90th percentile)
- Phillips Respironics NIV & Sleep Therapy Courses
- BLS Assessor
- Nursing
Timeline
Contractor – Sleep Study Data Analysis
ISleep, CPAP Australia & Benchmark Australia
07.2024 - Current
Clinical Manager – Paediatric Sleep Disorders Unit
Adventist Healthcare
01.2007 - 08.2025
Sleep Technician
Adventist Healthcare
01.2000 - 01.2007
Owner & Instructor – Martial Energy
KM Self Defence Academy
01.1996 - 01.2008
Paediatric Nurse
Sydney Adventist Hospital
01.1990 - 01.2000
Diploma of Community Services - Case Management & Program Development
Leadership & Management Programs - Agile Leadership, Strategic Operational Implementation, Coaching & Stress Management
Polysomnography & Sleep Medicine -
Sydney University