Dr Sarah D'Souza
Director, Senior Speech Pathologist
PhD, Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
My Story
I am passionate about providing evidence-based services to improve outcomes for stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors with communication impairments. I am a speech pathologist and a clinical researcher, which means I am always reading research articles and listening to conference presentations. I stay up to date and regularly adapt the service I provide to align with the latest research. Communication is central to every aspect of our lives. It is a privilege to have a job where I can help stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors re-connect and regain their voice and identity.
PhD
Edith Cowan University
2014-2021
Certified Practising
Speech Pathologist
Speech Pathology Australia
B. Speech Pathology (Honours)
Edith Cowan University
2009-2012
Clinical speciality
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Aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech and cognitive communication impairment
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Acute, rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings
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Communication partner training
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Functional rehabilitation and self-management
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Research focus
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Enriching post-stroke environments for aphasia
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Supporting return to work for stroke survivors with communication impairments
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See Sarah's research track record
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Career Summary
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Post-doctoral research (2022-current)
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Over 10 years clinical experience in stroke and neurosurgery wards and outpatient clinics in tertiary acute and rehabilitation hospitals
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Trained in Supported Conversation for Aphasia (The Aphasia Institute, Canada)
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Led the volunteer communication partner training program for Aphasia WA
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University guest lecturer on aphasia communication partner training (2016-current)
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Achievements ​
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First Class Honours (2012)
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ECU Speech Pathology Academic Excellence award (2012)
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​Rising Star in Clinical Education (2017)
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​Clinical Educator of the Year nominee (2017, 2018, 2023)