Label

Kathryn Thorburn

Language and Learning
Speech Pathologist and Educator
australia, medowie, new-south-wales
blogger, educational-therapist, educator, speaker, speech-therapist
clinical-evaluation-and-assessment, literacy, numeracy, training
dyslexia

Summary

Kathryn Thorburn holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology [Hon 1] from Newcastle University [1997], along with a Grad Dip Ed [Primary] and Masters of Teaching [Special Education] UWS – Nepean [2001/2002]. She is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, Member of Speech Pathology Australia and current accredited Teacher with NESA. Kathryn was employed on the NESA English Writers team for the K-2 Syllabus update - January 2021, is a consultant teacher with Learning Difficulties Australia and Tutor for SPELDNSW.

Kathryn has Speech Pathology experience in both NSW Health [adult & kids rehab] & private practice. She has a particular interest and practical experience in the mainstream education and support of students who would be considered educationally at risk due to neurological condition, traumatic brain injury, rare disease, oncology treatment or complex medical history. Kathryn has extensive experience with assistive technology for supporting learning with a focus on student function and independence. She was a member of the Speech Pathologists in Education Working Party with Speech Pathology Australia [2013 – 2017]

Within the education sector Kathryn has worked across the Department of Education and Training, Catholic and Independent school sectors in NSW over 20 years. In addition, Kathryn piloted a Rehabilitation Education Liaison Role within Hunter New England Kids Rehab supporting students with mild-moderate traumatic brain injury [TBI] back to their mainstream school environment. She runs Language and Learning, her small Speech Pathology Private Practice and is currently Director of Learning Engagement [P-12] at Medowie Christian School, overseeing Literacy, Numeracy, Enrichment and Disability Support for students from preschool – Year 12.

Kathryn has practical experience as a classroom teacher, co-ordinator, member of school leadership team / school executive and consultant for schools within a regional team. Kathryn has extensive experience managing and implementing whole school change in a K-12 setting in the areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Inclusive Education. Kathryn provides clinical education to Speech Pathology students [4th year & Masters programs] from both the University of Newcastle and Sydney University within a Preschool - Year 12 setting and provides an annual guest lecture to Speech Pathology students on the topic of Reading & Spelling - Assessment & Intervention for Newcastle University.

Kathryn has trained in and used The Spalding Method, many of the MulitiLit suite of programs [InitialLit, MiniLit, MultiLit RTP], Sounds Write & Little Learners Love Literacy.  She has trained in Direct instruction programs with Clare Scott, Explicit Direct Instruction, Talk for Writing, The Writing Revolution and LETRS.  During 2020/2021 Kathryn was fortunate to complete all of the offered trainings with William Van Cleave as well as his trainings offered with Mary Dahlgren, Jan Hasbrouck and Marilyn Zecher [Maths].  Kathryn is currently training with Steve Chinn and Judy Hornigoldin their Dyscalculia online course.

Kathryn believes in supporting others to be the best they can be whether it is the students she works with or the professionals she supports. She is also mum to two beautiful kids with an ultra rare disease diagnosis so has walked the medical, therapy and school journey as a parent herself and seeks to return the support others have given her family over the years.

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