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Empowering your Child’s Journey: The Crucial Role of Speech-Language Therapy
October 9 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
This presentation is aimed at parents of young people with Down syndrome, focusing on the profound impact of speech-language therapy in enhancing their child’s quality of life. The presentation will emphasise how speech-language therapy goes beyond communication skills, serving as a key component in fostering independence, confidence, and overall well-being.
Victoria Smith
Victoria joined UpsideDowns in January of this year (2023) and is thrilled to be part of such a great charitable trust. She’s worked in education for over 20 years, both internationally and domestically, from Kindergarten to Adult, and her foundations in ESOL (English as a Second Language) and Second Language Acquisition instilled the importance of communication skills that remain at the core of all she does. Born in the North-East of England, she moved to New Zealand in 2007 and now lives in West Auckland with her husband, daughter, and furry best friend, Sam the spoodle. Victoria loves future technologies and networking and can’t wait to spread the word about the amazing work UpsideDowns does and how more people and organisations can be part of the vision of ‘Giving a voice to kids with Down syndrome’.
Polly Newton
Meet Polly, the friendly face behind Speech Teacher! With a heart full of dedication, Polly launched Speech Teacher to lend a helping hand to parents and kids navigating speech delays. As a seasoned Speech Language Therapist and a parent herself, Polly gets the ups and downs of family life. Her mission? Ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard loud and clear, without any doubts. Polly holds a Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy from Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand – though she jokes it sounds more like a delicious sandwich (mmm,B.SLT!). She’s proudly affiliated with the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) as a registered member.
With over 17 years of expertise in the New Zealand education sector, Polly’s journey has been remarkable. Her path includes roles with The Ministry of Education, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP), and Special Schools, among others.
Through the years, Polly’s honed her craft to perfection. She’s not just about teaching; she’s about delivering an exceptional experience. By staying updated with the latest research, listening to families’ needs, and embracing newfound inspirations, Polly ensures that her practice evolves in the best possible way. Perfecting her approach is a top priority – all to serve families like yours in the most remarkable way.