Get to know some of our Alumni involved in Communication Health!
We are excited to spotlight former Trent students who went on to become involved in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and CDA. These alumni were gracious enough to share their story and experience. If you are a former student involved communication health, please reach out - we would love to feature you!
Jane Groome, Speech-Language Pathologist
BSc, BEd, MS-SLP Reg’d CASLPO
Briefly describe your job/role:
Jane Groome Speech Language Pathology Services is a private practice providing service to adults with acquired communication and / or swallowing impairment.
How did your experience at Trent prepare you for your career in communication health?
Having enrolled in the Trent-Queen’s Concurrent Teacher Education Program, I benefitted in the following ways:
- Exposure to learning theory
- Education and experience around various teaching methods
- Encouragement and support from Professor Deborah Berrill to explore my philosophy of speech language pathology
- Flexibility within my B.Ed. course of study to take on projects / experiences that provided more exposure to my SLP area of interest
- Experience with subjects I came to understand were not in line with my passions
What advice would you give students hoping to pursue this career?
If you are considering a career in SLP, enter it with an open mind. The SLP scope of practice is diverse, involving various settings, populations, and health conditions. If you already have an idea of where your passions lie, then increase your exposure to these settings by volunteering or shadowing practicing clinicians prior to applying for your Master’s. A career in speech language pathology is incredibly rewarding. I am nearing the end of my career and still love it! There is still so much to learn!!
What is your favourite part of your job?
The favourite part of my role is the incredible privilege I feel each time I become part of a patient’s / patient’s family journey through whatever it is they are facing that warrants SLP involvement. Helping people understand the nature of their condition and the rationale for the recommendations they receive provides a sense of empowerment and fosters ownership and self-direction with respect to their health. Offering compassion and understanding is often the most impactful component you bring to optimizing your patients’ experience. As an SLP, you have the opportunity to bring a loving kindness to all you serve.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
When you begin your career, avoid working in isolation. Experienced colleagues are one of your best resources and that never changes.
Jane is open to chatting with students who would like to learn more about the world of Speech-Language Pathology.