Curriculum Vitae

Contact Details

Alana Portacio (Nee - Watts)

57a Third Avenue, Bassendean, Western Australia, 6054

Telephone: 0400 736 864

Email: alanapspeech@gmail.com

Australian Citizen

Clearances

  • Working With Children Check
  • Police Clearance
  • NDIS Clearance

Educational Background

  • 2017: Hanen Certified (It Takes Two To Talk) – Hanen Centre
  • 2016: PROMPT Trained – PROMPT Institute
  • 2016: Key Word Sign – Basic Training Workshop
  • 2012-2013: Master of Speech Pathology – Curtin University of Technology
  • 2011: Health Sciences Foundation Course – Curtin University of Technology
  • 2007: Bachelor of Arts (Art) Honours – Curtin University of Technology
  • 2003-2005: Bachelor of Arts (Art) – Curtin University of Technology
  • 1998-2002: High School – Iona Presentation College

Summary of Skills

  • Early Intervention Expertise: Extensive experience in early intervention, focusing on family-centred practice and routines-based intervention. Skilled in empowering families and caregivers to support children with communication needs effectively.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Superior verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with clients, families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Neurodiversity Advocacy: Strong advocate for Neurodiverse Affirming Practices, ensuring inclusive and supportive environments for neurodiverse individuals.
  • Client and Group Management: Proven ability to plan and manage individual client sessions and facilitate small to medium-sized therapy groups.
  • Educational Engagement: Passionate about educating and training carers, teachers, and support networks. Experienced in delivering professional development sessions.
  • Autonomous Work Ethic: Highly experienced in working independently, managing complex caseloads, and organising schedules to maximise efficiency and client outcomes.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using Cliniko for practice management, as well as MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Cultural Competence: Experienced in working with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring culturally sensitive interventions.

Professional Experience

2024 - Present: Speech Pathologist, Mary MacKillop Catholic Community Primary School, Ballajura, WA (Catholic Education Western Australia)

  • Deliver comprehensive speech and language services to support student communication and learning.
  • Conduct screenings and assessments for Kindergarten and flagged PP-6 students.
  • Provide 1:1 and group therapy focusing on language, speech, literacy, and AAC.
  • Collaborate with teachers and staff to integrate communication goals into the curriculum.
  • Liaise with parents and external service providers, including NDIS.
  • Serve as a case worker for NDIS-funded students.
  • Support teachers in adapting classroom environments for diverse needs.
  • Recommend and implement school-wide strategies like Trauma-Informed Education.
  • Provide professional development for Education Support staff.
  • Maintain accurate records and support funding applications.

February 2022 - Present: Principal Speech Pathologist and Owner, Alana Portacio Speech Pathologist

  • Collaborate with a psychologist to conduct Autism assessments and participate in the multidisciplinary diagnostic process.
  • Provide speech pathology support to children (ages 3-8) and their caregivers in community settings.
  • Work with children with diverse needs, including hearing loss, DLD, GDD, and more.
  • Educate and empower caregivers and educators to support children with communication needs.

February 2022 - Present: Research Assistant/Sessional Academic, Curtin University

  • Clinical Education at Majella Catholic Primary School (Terms 1-3 2022): Similar responsibilities to previous Clinical Educator role, supervising students, and liaising with school staff.
  • Tutor for Fundamentals of Management in Allied Health Practice (2022): Co-taught tutorials, marked assignments and oral exams, attended team meetings.
  • Sessional marking (2022-2023): Marked student assignments and practical exams for the Speech Pathology undergraduate degree on a casual basis.
  • Research Assistant (2022 to present): Assisted with various research projects, including data collection, participant consent, standardised assessments, liaising with stakeholders, and preparing reports and themes.

January 2015 – February 2022: Speech Pathologist, Telethon Speech and Hearing

  • Supported children with hearing loss in the Chatterbox Program.
  • Ran playgroups and individual therapy sessions.
  • Developed and implemented a project on service delivery models.
  • Worked in programs including Talkabout and Outpost.
  • Supervised final-year students and delivered presentations on speech and language topics.

January 2017 – April 2018: Clinical Educator, Curtin University

  • Supervised and assessed Speech Pathology students in primary school settings.
  • Liaised with school staff to prioritise children for intervention.
  • Provided feedback on students' written communication and performance.

January 2014 - October 2015: Speech Pathologist, Fremantle Speech Pathology Services

  • Managed a caseload of clients with speech, language, and literacy difficulties.
  • Developed expertise in literacy development through mentorship and professional development.

August 2014 - September 2014: Clinical Educator, Curtin University

  • Supervised Speech Pathology students in adult placements.
  • Provided support and feedback on clinical documentation and sessions.

December 2013 – January 2014: Research Assistant, Curtin University

  • Assisted in a research project on reading difficulties post-stroke.
  • Liaised with participants and conducted assessments.

Affiliations / Memberships

  • 2024 - Present: School Board Parent Member, Anzac Terrace Primary School
  • 2022 - Present: Language and Literacy in Young People Research Group (LaLYP) Committee Member
  • 2012-2023: Speech Pathology Australia Member

Volunteer Experience

  • Speech Pathology Australia Sub-Committee Member
  • Paediatric Language Volunteer at Fremantle Language Development Centre
  • Adult Language Volunteer with Speech Pathology Australia and Catholic Homes

Professional Development

  • Attended various training sessions, including Kimochis, Berry Street, and Mental Health First Aid.
  • Regularly participated in workshops and seminars on speech and language topics.
  • Detailed list of Professional Development available upon request.

Referees

Available upon request.