Montrose Speech Pathologist Genie Knight-Smith is a clinician and a mum. And while she enjoys many areas of speech therapy, Genie is passionate about educating Parents on how early literacy development not only links to strong reading and writing skills but also the ability to communicate and support social engagement.
Having previously worked in hospital settings, Genie was drawn to the family centred approach to therapy, and continuity of care available at Montrose.
Genie knows that parents play a vital role in helping their child develop literacy skills. That’s why she values the ability to support clients and their families through multiple life transitions, like starting school.
“Often in a Hospital you are seeing acute patients for a couple of days or a week before they are removed from the ward. In rehab you are seeing them for a little bit longer but you are often just working with the client and you do not see their family during therapy,” she said.
“Evidence shows to get results for a client, you need that buy in and support from parents and families. I love being able to set long term goals for my clients and then see the short-term goals tick along. Then one day you go wow we really are that one step closer!” Genie continues.
In her role, Genie enjoys supporting a diverse range of clients and working collaboratively across therapy disciplines to help clients achieve their speech, literacy and language goals.
“I enjoy the diverse caseload at Montrose. I have a few children with ASD but I also work with clients with various complex disabilities or rare conditions.
“I see a little girl who has a rare genetic disorder and she is one of 17 other known cases. It is interesting to find out more about these conditions, and the ways I can support her, the family and the school,” Genie explains.
“Another really big thing for me is the really strong multidisciplinary approach at Montrose. The Joint sessions with the OT’s and Physio’s are really amazing,” she said.
Most importantly Genie loves coming to work every day because of the supportive Gold Coast team, who encourage her to follow her passions and interests in Speech pathology.
“Not only is the access to clinical support really great, the workplace culture creates a real sense of belongingness when coming into the centre at Montrose.”
