KATIE NIPPER
MELBOURNE,Australia
Summary
Relocating from Melbourne, Australia to Cambridge, UK, with a focus on locum and permanent positions. Specialization in paediatric dysphagia and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Proven ability to deliver high-quality patient care and implement effective treatment plans. Committed to continuous professional development in paediatric healthcare.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech Pathologist
ASCOT VALE HEIGHTS SCHOOL
MELBOURNE, VIC
01.2025 - Current
- Guided children aged 5-18 in overcoming diverse communication and swallowing disabilities, fostering their independence.
- Led school's communication and emotional regulation mission as the sole Speech Pathologist
- Coordinated professional development sessions for staff on new clinical procedures and communication technologies, improving instructional strategies.
Graduate Speech Pathologist
AUTISM PARTNERSHIP
MELBOURNE, VIC
02.2024 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to deliver neurodiversity affirming services for autistic children in evidence-based intensive early behaviour kindergarten setting.
- Developed individualised quantitative data collection systems, based on functional skill development and progressive ABA principles.
- Enhanced clinical flexibility and rationale-building skills while managing increasing caseload.
Acute Hospital Student Placement - Head & Neck
ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITAL
MELBOURNE, VIC
08.2023 - 09.2023
- Collaborated with speech pathology team on acute head/neck surgery and general surgery wards to enhance safe swallowing, implement diet modifications, address cognitive-communication impairments, and provide patient and caregiver education.
- Navigated hospital system to coordinate care with nursing staff, physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, and maxillary facial surgery teams, ensuring comprehensive patient management.
- Partnered with Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison officer to deliver culturally responsive care for diverse patient populations.
Paediatric Community Student Placement
AEIOU FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
TOOWOOMBA, QLD
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Completed intensive interstate rural placement in autism-specific kindergarten, supporting 18 neurodiverse children aged 2;6 – 6;6.
- Planned and facilitated individualised therapy sessions, conducted formal and informal assessments, and wrote assistive technology reports.
- Focused on AAC learning and modeling to enhance communication skills in learners through functional application.
Outpatient Hospital Student Placement
AUSTIN HEALTH
MELBOURNE, VIC
02.2023 - 04.2023
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital to assess, diagnose, and review swallowing and voice disorders in adults with diverse aetiologies.
- Fulfilled routine responsibilities to maintain efficiency in operations.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
Master of Speech Pathology - MELBOURNE, VIC
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE – DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES
MELBOURNE, VIC12.2023
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Education
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO — COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
DUNEDIN, OTAGO12.2021
Skills
- AAC implementation
- Clinical assessment
- Evidence-based practices
- Dysphagia competent (paediatric and adult)
- Patient education methods
- Data collection systems
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Communication strategies
Academic Writing
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE, VIC
The Evaluation of Speech Pathology in Nonsurgical Head and Neck Cancer Treatment using a Retroactive Cohort Study
- Worked within a team of peers and supervisors to collect and analyse relevant data., Demonstrated apt organisation and delegation skills throughout, ensuring to meet supervisor expectations and engage in transparent and consistent communication.
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, DUNEDIN, OTAGO
Masculinities in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Primary School Classrooms | Awarded with first-class Honours.
- Worked individually, guided by the knowledge and expertise of my supervisor, Prof. Karen Nairn.
Timeline
Speech Pathologist
ASCOT VALE HEIGHTS SCHOOL
01.2025 - Current
Graduate Speech Pathologist
AUTISM PARTNERSHIP
02.2024 - 01.2025
Acute Hospital Student Placement - Head & Neck
ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITAL
08.2023 - 09.2023
Paediatric Community Student Placement
AEIOU FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
07.2023 - 08.2023
Outpatient Hospital Student Placement
AUSTIN HEALTH
02.2023 - 04.2023
Master of Speech Pathology - MELBOURNE, VIC
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE – DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Education
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO — COLLEGE OF EDUCATION