Valerie Albrecht has over 40 years of experience as a speech pathologist working in both clinical and academic settings across Australia. She has held various roles including clinical supervisor, educator, researcher, and manager. Her experience spans pediatrics, adults, acute care, rehabilitation, and community settings. She has specialized in areas such as dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and service development.

1. C U R R I C U L U M V I T A E
V A L E R I E A L B R E C H T
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Contact M: 0406052339 E: valerieyoga@optusnet.com.au
ABN: 12438306361
WA Driver Licence(ClassC)7353776
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PROFESSIONALQUALIFICATIONS
1975 -1978 Bachelor of Speech Therapy Universityof Queensland. B.Sp.Thy; CPSP; MSPA.
1998 MasterofArtsWriting UniversityWestern Sydney NSW. Author 4 books, Public Speaker
2002-2003 Natural Therapies Educator Massage Practitioner: Swedish, Remedial, Lymphatic
Drainage, PregnancyMassage trained Northside Natural Therapies School Sydney
Yoga Teacher Hatha and Birthing Yoga trained Sydney. Member International Yoga
TeachersAssociation.
RECENT PD: Reflective Practice UWA2015
Assets Based CommunityDevelopment with Bank of Ideas WA July2016
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EXPERIENCE - CLINICAL SPEECHPATHOLOGIST
ACADEMICCLNICAL SPEECHPATHOLOGY&INTER-POFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
CENTRE-CLINICAL-PROGRAM-SERVICESDEVELOPMENT
Nov2015– July2016: PilbaraDevelopmentOfficer
UWA West Australian CenterRuralHealth
Autonomous LeadershipDevelopmentrole forthe expansionof UWACentre Rural
HealthEducationandResearchProgramsintothenewterritory of the Pilbara.Required:
Initiative, culturalsensitivity, complexcommunityrelationshipbuilding,sourcingand
Establishingstakeholdersandservicelearningpartners,negotiation,highlevel verbal
And written presentationsto Referencegroups,forums,AboriginalPlanningGroups,
AboriginalMedicalServices,
Supervision, orientations,inter=professionalcasemanagementwithMedical,Nursing,
PharmacyandAlliedHealthfinal year students, Operational Proceduresdocument
Preparationfor WACRH educationandresearchclinic withinanewGPSuperclinic
In Karratha.Included establishingOutreachpartnershipsinAboriginalCommunities
For medical,nursing,pharmacyandAlliedHealth finalyear students from universities
Australia wide.

2. Major OutcomesAchieved:
1. Approx. 40 clinicalandnon-clinicalpartnershipsestablishedwithPilbaraHealth
Network, West Australian CountryHealth, NikolBay Hospitalandcommunityhealth
serviceproviders for secondsemester2016 studentplacementsforSW, Nursing,
Podiatry, Dietetics,PharmacyandPublic Health studentsfrom Australia wide
Universities – over a 7 monthperiod.
2. Developmentof Clinical Placementsandtrainingfor CERT IVAboriginal Health
ProfessionalTraining- co-partneringwithaQLDHIT body– in responseto
CommunityClosingthe Gapforum – a newinitiative for UWACRH.
3. EmbeddingUWACRHprogramsinPilbaracommunitiesthrough Partnerships
establishedwith local Aboriginal,non-aboriginal communityorganizationhealthand
educationproviders,andFederal,State, LocalandNFPfundedproviders.
4. RuralHealthPipelineestablishedthroughcommunityeducativeevents, expos &
Student HealthAcademiesinlocalschools.
5. Presentationandnegotiationwith Referencegroupssuchasthe PilbaraEarly Years
Network, 10Year CommunityPlan for NGO’s,PilbaraEldersCircle,Roebourne
CommunityClosingthe GapForum,PilbaraEducationRegion,AboriginalMedical
Services, City of Karratha, NationalIndigenousAlliedHealthAssociation,National
AboriginalCommunityControlledHealthOrganizationandUniversity Clinical Co-
coordinators.Thesestakeholder&referencegrouprelationships haveallbeen
establishedin7 months– UWAis a new presenceinthePilbara.Thesebriefswere
aboutdevelopingNursingandAlliedHealtheducation andjointresearch
opportunitiesinresponseto communityneedandClosingthe Gap.
6. Establishing anddelivering inter-professionalclinical teachingandcasemanagement
with medical studentsofthe RuralClinicalSchool
7. Operationalandclinicalgovernancedocumentspreparationforthe newclinic and
newlyacquiredUniversitystaff andstudent accommodation.
March –Nov2015: AcademicClinical Speech PathologySupervisor
WestAustralianCentreforRural HealthGeraldtonWA
Responsibleforallaspectsof programmingandclinicalsupervisionforfinalyear
Speechpathology,AlliedHealth,Nursing,PharmacyandMedical studentsinanInter-
Professional,adultlearning,servicelearningmodelintheMidwestWA - Geraldton
andsurroundingAboriginalcommunities.Thisroleinvolvessignificant
Communityengagementandcollaboration toestablish servicelearningplacementsfor
Studentsfrom UniversitiesAustralia wide.
Sept2014 – March 2015: Speech PathologistStVincent’sPrivateHospitalBrisbane
Acute, rehabilitation,palliativeandagedcare.On call.Firstin-houseSP so included
All aspectsof departmentalsetup, establishingprofessionalrelationshipswithin
SVPHA Medical,Specialists,NursingandAlliedHealthprofessionals.Strongeducative
Role,includingfoodservices.PreparationofSWOT analysisfor SP service. BS
Dysphagiaassessmentandmanagementindependentlyandwith radiologyand
Radiography.Extensionof services to SVPHA partnersin Brisbane.
July2014 - Current: Speech PathologyClinical SupervisorFarWestMedicareLocal NSW
ClinicalSupervisionandmentoringofnewgraduatespeechpathologists
AccordingtoFWMLStrategic PlanGoalsandStandardsand Ethicsof Clinical
Supervisionas set by FWML,throughteleconferencing,parttime – 3 hours p/w

3. May- August2014 : Health Researcher and Strategist ECCeBusinessQLD
May– July2014: SeniorSpeech PathologistLevel 4
South WestQld Health Roma
 Autonomousposition.All aspectsof casemanagementforgeneralistcaseload:
 Paediatrics:neo-natal,at risk, vulnerablebabieswithfeedingand congenital disorders,
complex,highneedfamiliesandclients,ASDand behaviourallybasedcommunication
disorders,Aboriginal& TorresStraitIslanderclients.Servicedelivery throughclinic,
schools,pre-schoolsandhomevisits.
 Adults: swallowingassessment,PEG Feedingassessmentandmanagement,
Tracheotomyassessmentandmanagement,ImplementationBestPracticeMealtime
ManagementProcedures,AcuteandRehabilitationAssessmentandIntervention for
neurologicallybasedcommunicationdisorders,CVA, dysphasia, dysarthria, dyspraxia,
lowand highmuscletonebasedconditionssuchasMotorNeuroneDisease,Muscular
Dystrophy, Parkinson’sDisease,implementationofTechnologicallyAssisted
CommunicationandVisualAugmentedCommunicationSystems.
 Service deliverywithinboth multi-disciplinaryandtrans disciplinaryalliedhealthteam
models
 Servicedelivery throughin-patienthospitalbased,out-patientrehabilitationunitbased,
nursinghomebased,homevisits and remoteRoyal FlyingDoctorFlyin fly out service
 All aspectsof departmentalmanagementandOutreachclinic managementwithinQld
HealthStrategic Plan2013-2017andCodeof Conductfor QldPublic Sector.
 Achieving within:
 Key PerformanceIndicatorsandObjectives
 DevelopmentandLearningCapabilityFrameworks
 AccreditationGuidelines,CompetencyStandardsandActivity Reporting
 Identifying ServiceInitiatives andQualityand Safety Programs
 ThroughcollaborationwithQldHealthandtheirpartner organizations,bothABF and
nonABF fundedorganizations.
 Educativerolewith partner organizationsYMCA, WorldVision, AboriginalMedical
Services
 All administrativeresponsibilitiesforspeechpathologydepartment,includingupdating
Proceduremanuals.ResponsibleforCommunityliaisonandpartneringtodeliver an
Effective speechpathologyservice to meetthe community’sdiverseandAboriginal

4. NeedswithinScopeof PracticeandWAPopulationHealthStrategic Plans
 All of whichrequiredresearch,datacollection,literaturereview, informationdissemination
andadvancinga researchculturetowardBestPractice
 ContributiontoNationalHealthReform Agendaat Area level
 New GraduateClinicalSupervisionwithintheCredentialingandDefiningthe Scope
of Practiceand ProfessionalSupportfor Allied HealthPolicyand SWHHS Performance
ManagementFrameworkforContinuingProfessionalDevelopment
March –May2014: AssociateResearcher
PocheCentreofIndigenousHealth UniversityofSydney
PROJECT:DesigningandImplementingaModelofAlliedHealthServiceDelivery in
Ruraland RemoteAboriginalTownsandCommunitiesNSW
January -March 2014: VolunteerSpeech PathologistFreeSmileNFPGuatemala
Thisworkwas withFree SmileaClevelandOhiobasedCleft Palateand LipRepair
Surgery team.It was basedin SantiagoGuatemalawithIndigenousmountainvillage
Familiesandtheirbabies,childrenandyoungadults.My rolewas to conduct,witha
Translator,preandpost assessmentsto ascertaincommunicationandtherapyneeds,
Liaisewith Santiagohospitalstaff and the FreeSmileteam of surgeons,dentists and
Anesthetics andwrite communicationmanagementplansfor localagencies.
VolunteerSpeech PathologyMentorSantiagoGuatemala(ongoing)
Thisrolewaswithinan organizationAdisa, a not for profit organizationfor people,babies
Toadult,with disability.Thesettingwas childhealthclinic,school anddayworkshop.I
Assisted a new graduateGuatemalanspeechpathologistwithcasemanagement,hands
On Intervention, accessingresourcematerial,alsomeetingheremployerfor
Mediationregardinggeneralspeechpathologystandards,proceduresandservice
Delivery. I continuewiththis rolevia skype.
2013December: Queensland Health DisabilityServicesMaroochydore
 Trans-disciplinaryallied health service deliveryto adult clients with intellectual and
Physical disabilityliving in group communityhomes.
 ProgrammedeliverywithPsychologist,OccupationalTherapist,SocialWorker,Carers,and
RespiteOrganizations.Strongcommunityorganizationengagementandeducationfocus.
 Predominantlyimplementation of Technologically assisted and visual alternate, assisted
Communication systems.
 Dysphagia Feeding assessments, mealtime management plans, peg and
Tube Feeding Management.
2013September-November: WestAustraliaCountryHealth PilbaraEast
SeniorSpeech PathologistGrade3/PO1-2Locum

5.  Based at NewmanHospitaland3remoteIndigenousCommunitiesthroughRFDS
 MixedCaseload:Paediatrics,Adults& Indigenous.
 AutonomousPosition:Community,hospital,nursinghomeandschoolbasedservice
Delivery with government,non-government,NFPandaboriginalcontrolled
Organizations.
 Paediatric caseload:developmental,ASD,hearingimpaired,complexhighneed atrisk
disabilityclientsandtheir families
 Adult Caseload:outpatientneurologicallybasedcommunicationrehabilitation,dysphagia,
degenerativeconditions.
 Servicing3 remoteIndigenouscommunities,involvingplanetravel and
Overnight stays, communityliaison,trainingIndigenousteachers’ aides,
Workingwith partner organizations,YMCA& WorldVision to deliver remoteplaygroups.
Educativerole in Indigenousandnon-Indigenousschools.
 withina multi-disciplinaryteam,utilizingtrans disciplinaryprogrammes
And an Integrated Patientrecordsystem.
 Educativerole withpartner organizationsYMCA, World Vision,AboriginalMedical
Services
 All administrativeresponsibilitiesforspeechpathologydepartment,includingupdating
Proceduremanuals.ResponsibleforCommunityliaisonandpartneringtodeliver an
Effective speechpathologyservice to meetthe community’sdiverseandAboriginal
NeedswithinScopeof PracticeandWAPopulationHealthStrategic Plans
2013June –August Broken Hill Health Service –Speech PathologistSeniorGrade3 Locum
Paediatric Senior:allcommunicationdisordersincludingbabies,feeding,ASD,
Cleft palate,Multiplecomplex highneedsclientsandfamilies,hospitalandcommunity
Basedintervention andeducationprogrammesincludingservicedeliveryto indigenous
Families.Multi-disciplinaryteam work.Responsibleforclinicalsupervisionnew
Graduate.Proposalandbriefwriting
Administrationof paediatric clinic,audits,WHS andOrientationProcedures.
2011May– 2013Jan Bishop DruittAnglican College NSW–Speech Pathologist(P/T)
K-12 language,learning,fluency,ASD, pragmatic communicationdisorders.
Assessment, programming,therapy,teacherliaison.
2012 Aging Disability&HomecareArmidaleNSW – Speech Pathologist(P/T)
SchoolbasedtherapyIntervention with primaryschool& highschool clientswithphysical
andintellectual disability. Neurologicallybasedcommunicationdisorders.Multi-disciplinary
team basedtherapy. Individual& group therapy.
2010Aug –May SPOT4KIDSPractice Northern NSW–Speech Pathologist(P/T)
Home,school,nursinghomeand clinicbasedassessmentandtherapy. Paediatric
caseload:Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disability, Fluency.Adult:
neurologicallybasedcommunicationdisorders,swallowingassessmentsand

6. management.BasedinYamba, Maclean,Lismore,Ballina,andGrafton.
2009-2010 Royal Far WestOutreach ServiceNSW– Speech Pathologist(P/T)
Casemanagementofcomplexpaediatricdevelopmental anddisabilityspeech,language,
dysphagia clientsandfamilies.Outreach,schoolandhomebasedprogram,alsoin
indigenouscommunities.
2009 PrivatePractice Speech PathologyNorthernNSW(P/T)
2006-2007 PaediatricSpeech Pathology Practice –SupportUnitDevelopmental
DisabilityUnitFosterPublicSchool &PrivatePracticeNSW(P/T)
2004Jan-Dec PrivatePractice –Speech PathologistNorthern BeachesSydney(P/T)
1998-2000
 SchoolbasedtherapyIntervention with primaryschool& highschool clientswith
physical,intellectual disability& neurologicallybasedcommunicationdisorders.Multi-
disciplinaryteam basedtherapy. Individual& grouptherapy.
 Educativerole withparents & teachers;organizing& runningparentsupport group,
publicationofunitnews& brochures;businessplanning& implementationinareasof
standards& procedures;quality& delivery of Services & Care; O.H. &.S issues;
promotion ofhealth in community,Administrativeduties.
1999
 CaseManagement.Allaspectsof speechpathologycasemanagementwithfamilies
from varied socio-economic&culturalbackgroundsinahomebasedearly
Intervention Trans-disciplinaryProgrammeforchildrenaged0-5years with physical
and/orintellectualdisability.
 Assessment&Programming.Thisinvolved assessment,policy/programme making
& implementation utilizinginputfrom disciplinessuchasphysiotherapy, occupational
therapy, socialwork,specialeducators,counsellors&relatedorganizationsand
agencieswithprevious&/or ongoinginvolvementwith the family, suchas school,
preschool,D.O.C.S.; SUPS workers, Centrelinketc. Primaryconcerninassessment
was wellbeing,health& developmentof the child.Otherfactors consideredwere
physical/environmental,behavioural,familystress, crisis& dynamics,childprotection
& D.V. issues.
 Client&Related Liaising.Manageablegoals&outcomeswerereachedin
consultationwiththefamily& set in placebythe caseworkerwith regularfollowup
visits. Followupinvolved liaisonwithappropriatebodies,counsellingoffamily&
extendedfamily, information&optiongiving, “handson”programmework;&
accompanyingfamilieswhen necessaryto appointments.
WilliamStimson DisabilityUnitFairfield NSW- Speech Pathologist(/T)
CentacareFairfield NSW-Speech PathologistCaseWorker(P/T)

7.  ParentSupport,Admin &Professional Development. Organizingparentsupport
groups& familydays. Involvement inInteragencymeetings&advocacy, case
presentations& ongoingeducationwithinteam,written&verbal liaising,report &
submissionwriting,otherdutiessuchas intake, statistics, team projects,community
awareness& health promotion.
1983-1998 Speech PathologistPrivatePracticeParramatta NSW(P/T)
Practicedevelopmentandmanagement,businessandfinancialplanning,assessment,
diagnosis& interventionwith acrossthe lifespanrange communicationdisorderswith
paediatric &adultclients.Casemanagementwithrelevant professionals&bodies.
administrativedutiesrelatingto practicemanagement,educativerolein community,
professionalsupportof other. SpeechPathologistsinpractice.
1998 Speech PathologistSchoolTherapyTeamD.O.C.SNSW (LocumP/T)
Schoolbasedassessment,diagnosis&treatmentwith schoolagedclientswithintellectual
disability. Multi-disciplinaryteamworkwithphysiotherapists,occupationaltherapists,
psychologists,caseworkers, teachers&parents.
Speech PathologistCabramattaCommunityHealth Centre(LocumP/T)
St GeorgeHospital -Speech Pathologist(LocumP/T)
Assessment and ManagementofAdult neurologicalinpatientsand
Outpatients.
1996 Blacktown CommunityHealth Centre NSW-Speech Pathologist
1997 Nepean Speech PathologyPrivatePractice -Speech Pathologist(P/T)
1996-1997 MirandaPrivatePractice NSW- Speech Pathologist(P/T)
1983 E.N.T. Practice -AudiometristSydneyNSW(P/T)
1982-1983 RydeDistrictHospital-Speech Pathologist
Paediatric &Adult caseloadinpatientandoutpatientmanagement
1981-1983 Eastern SuburbsChild GuidanceCentre NSW-Speech Pathologist(F/T)
1980 SpasticCentreNSW- Speech Pathologist(1TermLocum)
1979-1980 England Romfordhospital Essex-Speech Pathologist
Adult caseloadinpatientandoutpatient
1978-1980 PrinceCharlesHospitalBrisbane -Speech PathologistQld

8.  responsibleforimplementationofinauguralSpeechPathologyServiceswithina new Day
HospitalRehabilitationUnit
 assessment,diagnosisandinterventionfor adult neurologicallybasedcommunication
disorders,both acuteandchronic
 withina multi-disciplinaryteam
 withinboth individualandgrouptherapysettings
 speechpathologyservicedelivery withinday hospitalandADL activitiessuchas music,
singingtherapygroupsand diversional therapygroups
 educativerolewith carersgroups,MDT colleagues,andwardstaff.
 allaspectsof departmentaladministration
EXPERIENCE– OTHER
2015 Author/Biographer “The Story Behind the Story” publ.Austin Macauley
U.K. biographyof a practising Navajo Medicine Man inArizona
2014 Author: Search for Mother Journaling publ. Balboa Press divHayHouse
22011 Author - Honoured Birth accredited subject with the Australian College of
Midwifery taught at major NSW & Qld Birthing Hospitals and Southern Cross
University. Accredited with American College Naturopathic Medicine
Taught at Portland College Oregon & Washington State UniversitySeattle
2008 Author - “Search for Mother” published 2009 by Inkwell Publishers AZ.
Based on Grounded Research & Practice in Birthing Hospitals and
Organizations in Regional NSW, SydneyMetropolitan, SW and Central Qld.
Followed byU.S. book, speaking and teaching tour.
2002-2008 Natural Therapies Birthing Educator Area Health Service (NSW Gov)
Northern Sydney, Central Coast & Northern NSW (P/T)
Teaching Pre& Post Natal Yoga, teaching PreparationforParentingCourses, organizing&
teachingMovingInto MotherhoodHolisticRetreatsforWomen&Couples,Pre& Post Natal
Massage,Staff MassageTherapistMonaValeHospitalSydney, In Service Staff Education.
2000-2002 OwnerManager OceansofEnergyNatural Healing Sydney
All aspectsof businessmanagement:planning&implementingbusiness planand
strategies basedonmarket assessments;financialmanagement;managingaTeam of10
practitioners;reception;marketing;organizing&implementing community& naturalhealth
expoevents.
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REFEREES:
John Lally CEO Karratha District Chamber Commerce & Industry: ceo@kdcci.asn.au
Diane Pens CEO Regional DevelopmentAustralia Pilbara: ceo@rdapilbara.org.au
Prof.. Harry McConnell Consultant Physician St Vincents’ Private Hospital Brisbane 0438731634

9. Liz Tuckey Principal Mt MagnetDistrict High School WA: 0899634081
Liza Geddes Previous ManagerAging Homecare & DisabilitiesArmidale NSW 0411502301
Marion Lauder Previous Manager Maroochydore Disabilities Services 0410432482