About
Our Expertise
Empower Speech and Swallow Solutions, established in 2024, specializes in providing evidence-based speech pathology services for children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy to cater to the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on personalised care and effective treatment plans, we aim to enhance the communication and swallowing abilities of our clients, optimising well being and quality of life.
Our services extend beyond traditional clinic settings, offering mobile sessions in the comfort of the client's home and convenient telehealth options for remote consultations.
Our Team.
Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients. We pride ourselves on our dedication to quality and our passion for exceeding client expectations.
Natalie Hickey
Director and Senior Speech Pathologist
Natalie Hickey is the Director and founder of Empower Speech and Swallow Solutions. She is a Speech Pathologist with over 18 years of extensive clinical expertise in the evaluation and treatment of complex communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Natalie has experience working across a variety of settings including hospital, community, aged care, private practice and research.
Natalie has specialist skills in the treatment of clients with neurological conditions, particularly those clients following stroke, brain injury and progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease and Motor Neuron Disease. Natalie has completed research in the area of comprehensive treatment of aphasia, and has competencies in instrumental assessments including Videofluroscopy (VFSS) and Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).
Her strong background in evidence based assessment and intervention ensures clients receive personalised and effective care that is goal based and outcome focused. She has a passion for educating students and new members of the profession, offering mentoring and supervision to new and established Speech Pathologists.
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Outside of work, Natalie is a mum to three girls. In her spare time she enjoys Pilates and spending quality time with her family.
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Our Services
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Evaluation
Comprehensive Assessments
Our evaluation process involves comprehensive assessments to identify communication and swallowing impairments accurately. We utilise the latest techniques and tools to create individualised treatment plans tailored to each client's specific needs and goals.
Therapy
Specialized Treatment
Our therapy sessions focus on evidence-based techniques to improve speech and swallowing functions. We provide a supportive environment for clients to enhance their communication skills and manage swallowing difficulties, promoting better quality of life.
Client Care
Personalized Approach
At Empower Speech and Swallow Solutions, we prioritise individualised care for each client. Our team works closely with clients and their families to ensure a holistic and effective treatment experience, fostering communication and swallowing improvements.
Support
Guidance and Assistance
We offer ongoing support and guidance to our clients throughout their therapy journey. Our goal is to empower clients to achieve their communication and swallowing goals by providing consistent encouragement, resources, and expert advice.
Progress Tracking
Monitoring and Feedback
We track and monitor the progress of each client closely, ensuring that therapy remains effective and is aligned with the set goals. Regular feedback and adjustments to treatment plans are made to optimise results and address any emerging needs as they arise.
Empowerment
Empowering Success
Our ultimate aim is to empower our clients to communicate effectively and swallow safely in their daily lives. Through our tailored services and dedicated team, we strive to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Funding
Empower Speech and Swallow Solutions services clients utilising a variety of funding sources. This includes:
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Privately funded clients
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Clients funded through the NDIS
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Clients utilising Private Health Insurance
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Medicare
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DVA
