Alison M Lunn
Omakau,New Zealand
Summary
Highly experienced Speech Language Therapist with exceptional leadership skills and qualities. Efficiency-driven and organized with team-oriented mentality. Proven experience solving problems creatively and using tact and diplomacy to achieve win-win outcomes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Allied Health Service Leader
Central Otago Health Services Limited
01.2022 - 04.2024
- Promoted teamwork within the department, leading to improved collaboration and greater overall effectiveness.
- Streamlined service processes for improved efficiency and reduced waiting times for clients.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss service issues and potential solutions.
- Provided pastoral care to team members to facilitate team cohesion.
Joint owner/director
Voice SLT
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
SLT Adult Community Therapy Service and Older Persons Health Community Service Team
Canterbury District Health Board
01.2007 - 10.2022
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Court Appointed Communication Assistant
Talking Trouble Aotearoa
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Completed highly detailed assessments with individuals presenting with communication difficulties in the justice system
- Produced detailed legal reports for the Justice system on communication style and competence for individuals engaged in legal matters in the youth and criminal justice proceedings.
- Served as the primary contact point for legal representatives managing correspondences professionally with effective communication skills.
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive client data or client information as needed for various reports or legal matters.
Project Facilitator and SLT Liaison
Canterbury Initiative (CDHB)
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
- Collected data on program efficacy through data analysis and implemented solutions for improvement.
- Ensured timely project delivery through diligent tracking of deadlines, milestones, and resource allocation.
- Facilitated cross-functional teamwork by promoting open communication and problem-solving strategies for shared goals.
- Supported process improvements through the identification of bottlenecks and implementation of practical solutions.
- Collaborated closely with internal departments; developing mutually beneficial partnerships that positively impacted overall performance.
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
Huntington’s Disease Advisory Committee
Huntington's Advisory Committee
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Assisted in the development of strategic plans, aligning committee goals with broader operational objectives.
- Served as a liaison between health services, NGO, care agencies, and families during times of change or negotiation around critical decisions impacting both groups.
- Organized regular meetings to discuss pressing issues, fostering open dialogue among members.
- Promoted transparency within the committee by establishing clear communication channels between members and the campus community.
Community Service Team - Work Group member
CDHB
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Motor Neuron Disease Working Party
CDHB
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Developed innovative approaches to engage patients in their own disease management, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership over their health.
- Streamlined processes within the disease management program, resulting in increased efficiency and better resource allocation.
- Delivered educational presentations at health conferences nationally and internationally.
- Continuously updated clinical knowledge by attending relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars, ensuring the provision of cutting-edge care for patients.
- Reduced patient readmission rates by implementing effective disease management strategies and interventions.
- Implemented evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice, ensuring consistency and quality across all aspects of patient care within the disease manager
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure seamless coordination of care for patients with complex medical conditions.
- Enhanced patient outcomes through the development and delivery of personalized care plans for chronic disease management.
- Participated actively in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop comprehensive care plans tailored specifically towards each individual''s unique needs.
- Liaised with external organizations to integrate community resources into patient care plans, maximizing support options and fostering holistic disease management.
Speech Language Therapist
NHS Lanarkshire
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Established trusting relationships with patients by providing empathetic, patient-centered care throughout the therapy process.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of speech-language pathology.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive therapy plans, addressing individual patient needs.
- Maintained detailed documentation on each patient''s progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for continued improvement.
Locum Speech Language Therapist
Locum Agency
05.2000 - 01.2001
- Completed various SLT locum roles throughout the UK following return from OE.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of speech-language pathology.
Speech Language Therapist - Neurology/Neursurgery
NHS Glasgow
01.1999 - 04.2000
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of speech-language pathology.
- Addressed swallowing difficulties in patients by conducting dysphagia assessments and providing appropriate interventions when needed.
- Maintained detailed documentation on each patient''s progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary for continued improvement.
- Utilized evidence-based practices in all therapy sessions to ensure the most effective treatments were being provided.
Speech Language Therapist
NHS Grampian
01.1998 - 02.1999
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of speech-language pathology.
Graduate Speech Language Therapist
NHS Lanarkshire
06.1996 - 03.1997
- Provided ongoing support and education to family members and caregivers, fostering a supportive environment for patients'' progress.
- Contributed to the clinic''s success through active participation in team meetings, case conferences, and ongoing collaboration with fellow speech-language therapists.
- Improved patient communication skills by implementing personalized speech therapy programs.
- Reduced client frustration levels by teaching strategies for compensating with aphasia-related challenges during daily living tasks.
Education
No Degree -
LSVT Global
Brisbane 07.2008
Bachelor of Science - Speech and Language Pathology (Hons)
University of Strathclyde
06.1996
Dollar Academy
06.1992
Skills
- Strong leadership skills, actively engages in leadership roles and responsibilities
- Team Management
- Excellent oral and written communication style with effective interpersonal skills
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Strong Work Ethic
- Creative Thinking
Representative Positions
- Allied Health Service Leader, Central Otago Health Services Limited, 2022, 2023
- SLT Adult Community Therapy Service and Older Persons Health Community Service Team, Canterbury District Health Board, 2007, 2022
- Voice SLT, Joint director and business owner, 2018, 2022
- Court Appointed Communication Assistant, Talking Trouble Aotearoa, 2020, 2022
- Project Facilitator and SLT Liaison, Canterbury Initiative, 2018, 2020
- Huntington’s Disease Advisory Committee (Canterbury), 2018, 2020
- CDHB Motor Neuron Disease Working Party, 2009, 2011
- CDHB Community Service Team - Work Group member, Community Service redesign, 2013, 2014
Professional Information
New Zealand Speech Therapy Association, 12497
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 08/03/74
- Driving License: Full, clean driving license
- Marital Status: Married with three children
References
- Annette Howard, SLT Professional Leader, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, 03 383 6836, 0274143238, Annette.howard@cdhb.health.nz
- Kirstie Koller, Senior Speech Language Therapist, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, Kirstie.koller@cdhb.health.nz
Hobbies and Interests
I am a very keen sportsperson and have successfully competed at national level in equestrian and hockey. I have successfully coached junior hockey teams. Other interests include spending time with my family and keeping active in both winter and summer sports.
Timeline
Allied Health Service Leader
Central Otago Health Services Limited
01.2022 - 04.2024
Court Appointed Communication Assistant
Talking Trouble Aotearoa
01.2020 - 01.2022
Joint owner/director
Voice SLT
01.2018 - 01.2023
Project Facilitator and SLT Liaison
Canterbury Initiative (CDHB)
01.2018 - 01.2020
Huntington’s Disease Advisory Committee
Huntington's Advisory Committee
01.2018 - 01.2020
Community Service Team - Work Group member
CDHB
01.2013 - 01.2014
Motor Neuron Disease Working Party
CDHB
01.2009 - 01.2011
SLT Adult Community Therapy Service and Older Persons Health Community Service Team
Canterbury District Health Board
01.2007 - 10.2022
Speech Language Therapist
NHS Lanarkshire
01.2001 - 01.2006
Locum Speech Language Therapist
Locum Agency
05.2000 - 01.2001
Speech Language Therapist - Neurology/Neursurgery
NHS Glasgow
01.1999 - 04.2000
Speech Language Therapist
NHS Grampian
01.1998 - 02.1999
Graduate Speech Language Therapist
NHS Lanarkshire
06.1996 - 03.1997
No Degree -
LSVT Global
Bachelor of Science - Speech and Language Pathology (Hons)
University of Strathclyde
Dollar Academy
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