Keelyn Clemence
AUK
Summary
Speech Language Therapist with experience across rehabilitation, clinical, and educational settings. Currently completing the New Graduate Framework after 4 months of practice at ABI rehabilitation. Registered member of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) with a Master of Speech-Language Therapy Practice (Dec 2024). Skilled in delivering evidence-based, person- and whānau-centred care, with a focus on functional and meaningful communication outcomes. Confident in interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting communication across the lifespan. Proficient in various Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, with a strong interest in neurorehabilitation, early intervention, and inclusive practice.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Speech Language Therapist
ABI Rehabilitation
01.2025 - Current
- Provide individual and group therapy for clients with acquired brain injuries, dementia, and stroke to support communication, swallowing, and cognitive-communication rehabilitation.
- Offer counselling and education to clients, whānau, and staff around communication changes, self-advocacy, and strategies for safe swallowing and cognitive support.
- Conduct formal and informal cognitive-communication assessments and bedside swallowing evaluations to inform therapy plans (such as the FAVRES, WAB, and SCCAN).
- Facilitate functional communication in real-world situations using external memory aids, social communication strategies, and client-led goal setting.
- Actively participates in whānau meetings and multidisciplinary huis; focusing on promoting mana-enhancing, culturally safe, and whānau-centered care.
- Embed kaupapa Māori values into daily practice, upholding dignity, connection, and empowerment throughout the rehabilitation journey.
Graduate Student Clinician
Grafton Clinic
02.2023 - Current
- Provided speech therapy service for a 4-year-old with a severe phonological disorder using evidence-based techniques such as minimal pairs, aspiration technique, and backward chaining to improve speech sound production.
- Incorporated parent coaching to carry over skills and ensure consistency outside of sessions.
- 30-year-old client with MELAS (Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes), focusing on improving communication affected by his dysarthria.
Formal Assessment of Intelligibility of Dysarthria (AIDS) and collaboratively made client-centred goals. Implemented evidence-based practice by using clear speech techniques and pacing/pausing program to enhance his communication effectiveness across settings. - Supported client with non-fluent aphasia and apraxia of speech by promoting independence through role-play activities using high-tech AAC & Rosenbeck Hierarchy.
- Applied VNeST (Verb Network Strengthening Treatment) to a client with fluent aphasia post-stroke, focusing on improving word retrieval and communication efficacy through structured word-finding strategies.
- Facilitated role-play scenarios with a client with a cognitive communication disorder to enhance concise communication skills, supporting his return to work and improving social interactions.
- Maintained SOAP notes to document progress and outcomes.
Graduate Student Clinician
ABI Rehabilitation
04.2024 - 05.2024
- Delivered formal (FAVRES) and informal assessments to evaluate cognitive-communication skills in clients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Actively participated in family and interprofessional meetings, collaborating with the rehab team to provide feedback and discuss client progress.
- Ran functional group and individual therapy sessions with a focus on attention, memory, executive functioning, and social communication to support clients' return to daily activities.
- Educated clients and families on strategies for successful communication, to promote independence and enhance quality of life.
- Documented progress through detailed SOAP notes and wrote discharge reports.
Graduate Student Clinician
Middlemore Hospital
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Completed bedside swallowing assessments, collaborated with nurses and family members to ensure comprehensive care.
- Gained experience in palliative care while supporting clients with complex needs.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation and familiarized self with new technology in hospital.
Graduate Student Clinician
Kimi Ora Special School
11.2023 - 12.2023
- Worked with children aged 5-21 years-old with diverse needs including, CVI, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and autism, delivering individualized therapy to reach unique goals.
- Promoted a total communication environment, utilizing a range of AAC devices from low-tech (core board, yes/no symbols, partner-assisted scanning) to high-tech (eye gaze, iPads, PODD) to support the diverse needs.
- Supported numerous gestalt language processors & provided staff member education on how to promote effective communication.
- Created individualized social stories to assist children with major transitions, improving their adaptability and coping skills.
- Immersed self in school culture and collaborated closely with staff to provide support across multiple disciplines.
- Followed and supported safe eating and drinking programs.
- Conducted therapy using sensory stories, intensive interaction, and communication play to enhance engagement.
Graduate Student Clinician
Waterlea Primary School
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Provided colourful semantics therapy to a 6-year-old child with an expressive and receptive language delay. Goal of therapy was to improve sentence structure and language comprehension, along with phoneme/grapheme identification.
- Conducted Preschool CELF-3 assessment to identify a baseline to guide intervention.
- Collaborated closely with the classroom teacher to align therapy with educational goals and provide a cohesive learning environment.
- Practiced cultural safety to ensure therapy was respectful and responsive to the child’s cultural background.
Speech Language Therapist Assistant (SLPA)
JBD Speech
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Provided services to clients aged 2-21 in both clinical and school settings, addressing a wide range of disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, Emotional Disturbance Disorder(EDD), and Hearing Impairments.
- Ran group and individual therapy sessions while using trauma informed care to ensure a supportive, empathetic environment.
- Implemented AAC therapy to clients and ran comprehensive staff workshops on AAC usage to enhance cross-disciplinary support.
- Performed consultative services and collaborated closely with staff to tailor to academic and communication goals.
Education
Master of Science -
Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice
University Of Auckland2024
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences & Disorders
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ2021
Additional Information
- Working with Whānau, Te Pou (2024)
- Trauma Informed & Responsive Approaches, Te Pou (2024)
- Palliative Care E-Learning Workshop (2024)
- Course for Te Tiriti o Waitangi (2023)
- First Aid & CPR Certification (2023)
- Volunteer for Clever Kids Dyslexia Camp (2023)
- Raising money for Neurological Foundation NZ through marathon training.
References
- Maegan VanSolkema Current Employer (ABI Rehabilitation)
Email: m.vansolkema@auckland.ac.nz
- Selena Donaldson - Clinical Supervisor (Grafton)
Email: s.donaldson@auckland.ac.nz
- Jill D Braunstein - Past Employer (JDB Speech)
Email: jill@jdbspeech.com
- More upon request
Timeline
Speech Language Therapist
ABI Rehabilitation
01.2025 - Current
Graduate Student Clinician
ABI Rehabilitation
04.2024 - 05.2024
Graduate Student Clinician
Middlemore Hospital
02.2024 - 04.2024
Graduate Student Clinician
Kimi Ora Special School
11.2023 - 12.2023
Graduate Student Clinician
Waterlea Primary School
08.2023 - 11.2023
Graduate Student Clinician
Grafton Clinic
02.2023 - Current
Speech Language Therapist Assistant (SLPA)
JBD Speech
03.2022 - 01.2023
Master of Science -
Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences & Disorders
Northern Arizona University
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