About Us

About the Owner

Catherine Barrett is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with extensive clinical and teaching experience, passionate about providing high-quality, person-centred care. She finds true joy in getting to know her clients, understanding what makes them 'tick' and supporting them to communicate, connect, and share their stories in ways that are meaningful to them.

Originally from the Blue Mountains, Catherine completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) with First Class Honours at the University of Sydney, where she was awarded the University Medal. After a brief period in research, she moved into clinical practice and has since worked in both the Southern Highlands and Sydney across private practice, private hospital, community, and rural outreach settings with indigenous communities.

Catherine has held several senior clinical positions, including Clinical Lead, Speech Pathology Team Leader, and Senior Speech Pathologist. She has extensive experience supporting people across the lifespan and is committed to delivering care that is thoughtful, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual's goals and circumstances.

Alongside her clinical work, Catherine discovered a love for teaching and mentoring through supervising students and supporting early-career clinicians. Catherine has since worked as a clinical educator in adult services at multiple universities, including the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University (WSU), and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Catherine has also worked as a lecturer in clinical skills at UTS and in a teaching and marking role at WSU.

Now based in Sydney's Inner West, Catherine combines her clinical expertise, leadership, and teaching experience to provide compassionate, personalised speech pathology services through her own practice and ongoing university teaching work.

Clinical Interests

Catherine has a special interest in working with clients with communication or swallowing changes post stroke or traumatic brain injury and clients with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's Disease. She also enjoys providing voice therapy, including working with clients with a range of voice disorders, or with vocal cord dysfunction. Catherine also provides gender-affirming voice therapy.

To maintain balance, she enjoys continuing with a varied caseload and works with both adults and children across communication, swallowing, and mealtime needs. She has experience supporting clients with complex communication needs, including the implementation of low and high tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.

Certifications and Training

Catherine has completed training in:

• LSVT LOUD – evidence-based voice therapy for Parkinson's disease
• Hanen: More Than Words – supporting communication in children with autism
• Sounds-Write – structured literacy program
• AAC systems, including PODD, Key Word Sign, Picture Exchange, and eye gaze technology
• Videofluoroscopy (Modified Barium Swallow)
• FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) (ongoing)
• Stroboscopic voice assessment (ongoing)
• Paediatric feeding (sensory and behavioural approaches)

Outside of Work

Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her husband and family, exploring new places, singing, playing music and going for walks and hikes.