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Our Story
Kathryn Thorburn
Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist
Kathryn Thorburn holds dual qualifications in Speech Pathology & Teaching (Primary and Special Education). She has been a certified practicing speech pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia since January 1998 and teacher since 2002.
Kathryn holds proficient teacher accreditation with NSW. In 2021, she was employed on the English Writers team for the K-2 and 3 – 6 NSW English Syllabus curriculum reform project. Kathryn is a consultant teacher with Learning Difficulties Australia and Tutor for SPELDNSW.
Kathryn has Speech Pathology experience in both NSW Health (adult and paediatric rehabilitation teams) and Private Practice. She has a particular interest and practical experience in the education and support of students who would be considered educationally at risk due to a neurological condition, traumatic brain injury, rare disease, oncology treatment or complex medical history. Kathryn has extensive experience with assistive technology for supporting learning with a focus on student function and independence.
Within the education sector Kathryn has worked across the NSW Department of Education and Training, Catholic and Independent school sectors in NSW for over 20 years. In addition, Kathryn piloted a Rehabilitation Education Liaison Role within HNE Kids Rehab supporting students with mild-moderate traumatic brain injury back to their mainstream school environment.
Kathryn has practical experience as a classroom teacher, co-ordinator, member of a school leadership team / school executive and consultant for schools within a regional team. Kathryn has extensive experience managing and implementing whole school change in a K-12 setting in the areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Inclusive Education.
Kathryn provides clinical education to Speech Pathology students (4th year & Masters programs) from both the University of Newcastle and Sydney University within a Preschool – Year 12 setting and provides an annual guest lecture to Speech Pathology students on the topic of Reading & Spelling – Assessment & Intervention.
Kathryn believes in supporting others to be the best they can be whether it is the students she works with or the professionals she supports. Kathryn believes all students can learn however as professionals we need to work smarter not harder because of the ever-changing demands of the students in our educational and therapeutic care.
Our Courses & Coaching Success Stories.
I have used Kathryn’s services as a critical friend and external expert in providing...
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Kathryn is an incredible individual. She is fundamental to my role as a Stage...
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The advice Kathryn provided our school was integral to the successful transition to evidence-informed...
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Kathryn has led the staff in the implementation of a new approach to literacy...
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The advice Kathryn provided our school was integral to the successful transition to evidence-informed...
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As a sole practitioner, Kathryn’s mentoring and clinical coaching groups have been a lifeline.
Learn MoreWhat our Courses & Coaching Customers Say.
‘Fortnightly literacy coaching with Kathryn has been so helpful this year and I’m grateful for how easy it was to access this support online. It was a big year with lots of change from face to face to online telepractice. My caseload consists of lots of literacy in primary school. We discussed everything from assessment tools to therapy, physical resources and online tools, individual client needs and school based intervention. It was particularly helpful to listen to Kathryn’s ideas and her practices as well as hear from other professionals in the group. Kathryn was receptive to questions and very personable. She was happy to be led by our ideas but also had her own information to share. Kathryn’s professional coaching has kept me up to date with best practices.’
Jessica
Speech Pathologist, NSW
‘Kathryn offers schools the unique knowledge and skill of being a dual qualified teacher and speech pathologist. This has provided her with the opportunity to be seconded by NESA as a curriculum writer for the new K-2 & 3-6 NSW English syllabus development. This recognition highlights the regard in which the professional community hold Kathryn. If you have the opportunity to engage her services, your school staff and students will thank you for her input into their development.’
Simon
Principal K-12 Independent School, NSW
Every course I have completed with Kathryn has been presented in a clear and easily understood manner. She presents a wealth of resources, thoroughly researched and mostly used herself with various students. Any questions are answered and explained. Kathryn’s experience in many workplace settings enables her to support you no matter where you work. I highly recommend any course Kathryn presents or endorses.
Annabel
Itinerant Support Teacher (Hearing), NSW
I have found Kathryn's coaching sessions extremely valuable and relevant for my role working in a school context. Each session has always focused on the practical application of the best research and resources available. Kathryn has helped me to prioritise decisions based on my specific situation. Kathryn does not use a 'one size fits all' model but instead she personalises her coaching to make sure individual contexts are considered. Kathryn has an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and skillfully uses her expertise to advise and give ongoing support.
Renee
Learning Support Co-ordinator (Junior School), K-12 Independent School, NSW
Thank you, Kathryn, for your short course “The Literate Learner”! There were a lot of take-a-ways, but what particularly stood out to me were the strong links between language and literacy disorder and how much better each is supported when we also work on the other. Despite working as a speech pathologist for years, I’d never really seen the need (or had the confidence) to work literacy into my practice. Your course really brought literacy to my attention as a vital component of school-aged practice but also showed me how I could support my clients in learning the skills they need. It was also great to learn about some of the “go-to” trainings I could do to sharpen my skills across settings.
Amy
Speech Pathologist, NSW
I had the pleasure of working with Kathryn in her role of Head of Learning Engagement P-12. Kathryn brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the school context. As well as being dual qualified in education and health, Kathryn continues to practice in both disciplines and pursue the most up to date and current educational research to inform her practice. Kathryn is well connected with leaders in the field of children’s learning difficulties and utilises her vast network to source advice and input from the highest caliber of multi-disciplinary teams. Kathryn’s team approach to working with parents, health professionals and educators has become the benchmark which I aim to implement in other contexts.
Ian
Head of Early Years & Junior School, K-12 Independent School, Queensland
Welcome to Language and Learning. Here you will find a wealth of information & speech and language training for teachers, school leaders & speech therapists working with students across K-12. These training courses and coaching opportunities are designed to equip you to support your staff and students to be the best they can be provided by someone who has navigated many of your challenges in school leadership roles. Kathryn can share her lessons learned to help you work smarter, not harder.
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