Meet Ellen, Rocky Bay Graduate

Ellen, a participant in Rocky Bay’s new Graduate Program, shares her journey from university student to speech therapist professional, highlighting the program’s impact on her career and personal growth.

Ellen’s path into speech therapy was sparked by a suggestion from a family member, realising speech pathology would allow her to work with kids and aligning with her initial desire to become a teacher.

Despite some uncertainty about her career direction whilst at University, Ellen’s final placement at Rocky Bay in her last year solidified her choice about her career path. Working with the supportive team and engaging in the community felt like the perfect fit.

Ellen seamlessly transitioned from her university placement into Rocky Bay’s Graduate Program, driven by the welcoming atmosphere and support from the Rockingham team. She emphasises the importance of feeling supported as a new graduate and credits the program for easing her transition into the professional world.

In describing her experience within the program, Ellen highlights the dual focus on monthly sessions covering diverse topics like coping with burnout and stress, and a year-long project contributing to clinical resources. Her project on mental health in the neurodivergent population not only expanded her knowledge but also ignited a newfound passion for neuro-affirming approaches.

Throughout her journey, mentors Wes and Liv played a significant role, offering individual and group supervisions, ensuring Ellen felt heard and supported.

Working in a multidisciplinary team at Rocky Bay has been a highlight for Ellen. Collaboration with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists has provided a holistic approach to customer care, offering her the support needed to tackle complex cases.

Ellen attributes the program to her overall professional development, helping her shape her career identity and navigate the challenges of stress and burnout. The emphasis on self-care and setting boundaries has equipped her to handle the demands of her profession.

As Ellen nears the end of the program, she expresses a desire to continue at Rocky Bay, cherishing the relationships she has built with customers and their families. Her focus on early intervention aligns with her passion for working with children.

To aspiring speech therapists considering the Rocky Bay Graduate Program, Ellen’s advice is clear: “It’s worth it. It will help you become more realized as a professional, you learn more about who you are.”

Find out more about Rocky Bay’s New Graduate Program here.