Laura is an experienced speech-language pathologist with clinical expertise in adult and aged populations in acute, subacute, community and aged care settings.

While consistently working clinically in the speech pathology field, Laura has held positions as an academic, researcher and lecturer in the higher education industry (La Trobe University, University of Melbourne and Victoria University, presently) focusing on clinical education, public health, dysphagia and death studies.

For four years, Laura has also held the position of senior speech pathologist and lead clinical educator in the student-run communication and swallowing disorders clinic at University of Melbourne which has led to her supervising and guiding over 65 students in clinical placements across varying skill levels (novice-entry level) to successful completion.

As a result of her combined work in clinical and educational/research spheres, Laura is skilled in clinical research, palliative care, death studies, public health (bioethics and social determinants of health), teaching, and higher education. Her clinical and research scope spans across both private and public healthcare services across the adult and aged lifespan.

Portfolios

  • Speech Pathology

Areas of expertise

  • Clinical education
  • Adult communication (language and speech) and swallowing disorders
  • Applications of swallowing and communication intervention in progressive neurological disorders
  • The role of speech pathology in palliative care
  • End-of-life considerations in clinical practice
  • Death anxiety

Contact details

(03) 9199 5495
[email protected]

Teaching responsibilities

Coordination

  • HHB6001 – Speech Pathology Intervention Practices 1
  • HHB6003 – Speech Pathology Intervention Practices 3 (Swallowing)
  • HHB7001 – Speech Pathology Cases 1 (Cognitive Communication and Hearing)

Teaching

  • HHB1001 – Introduction to Speech Pathology
  • HHB3004 – Communication and Swallowing across the Lifespan
  • HHB4001 – Speech Pathology Assessment Practices 1
  • HHB6001 – Speech Pathology Intervention Practices 1
  • HHB6003 – Speech Pathology Intervention Practices 3 (Swallowing)
  • HHB7001 – Speech Pathology Cases 1 (Cognitive Communication and Hearing)

Supervision

Co-supervision of 6 Masters students (thesis) [UniMelb].

Publications

Chahda, L., Dell’Oro, H., Skeat, J. & Keage, M. (2022). Learning at end of life: Preparedness of speech language pathology graduates to work in palliative care, Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 24(2), 77-79

Pollens, R., Chahda, L., Freeman-Sanderson, A., Lalonde Myers, E., & Mathison, B. (2021). Supporting Crucial Conversations: Speech-Language Pathology Intervention in Palliative End-of-Life Care. Journal of palliative medicine, 24(7), 969–970. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2021.0134

Chahda, L., Carey, L.B., & Mathisen, B.A. & Threats, T. (2020). Speech-Language Pathologists and Adult Palliative Care in Australia, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2020.1730966

Chahda, L., Mathisen, B.A., & Carey, L.B. (2016). The role of speech-language pathologists in adult palliative care, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19(1), 58-68.

Carey, L. B. & Del Medico, L. (2013). Correctional Services and Prison Chaplaincy in Australia: An       Exploratory Study, Journal of Religion and Health, 53(6), 1786-1799.

Conference presentations

UoM Clinical Education Seminar: 2020
Presentation on facilitating effective relationships between speech pathology clinical educators & students

Brotherhood of St Laurence Swallowing In-Service: 2019 & 2020
Guest presenter on swallowing disorders in aged care, choking awareness and management and IDDSI transition

Dysphagia Interest Group of Victoria: 2019
Presentation on the role of the speech pathologist in palliative care – Focus on dysphagia

UoM Clinical Education Seminar: 2019
Presented on the topic of supporting student mental health during clinical placements

Monash Health Professional Development Seminar: 2017
Guest speaker presenting on practical/clinical applications for SLPs working with the palliative care population

Palliative Care Victoria Special Interest Group Seminar: 2017
Guest speaker presenting on clinical applications and considerations for SLPs working with the palliative care population

4th Australian Palliative Care Research Colloquium 2016
Conference paper presented on the topic of SLPs in Palliative Care

Palliative Matters Newsletter Article Interview 2016
Interviewed on improving safety and quality of life for Palliative Care clients within speech pathology practice

Speech Pathology Australia National Conference – Making Waves 2016
Poster presentation on the topic of SLPs in adult Palliative Care

St. Vincent’s Hospital Speech Pathology Subacute Seminar 2016
Presented on the topic of the role of SLPs in Palliative Care

Professional memberships

  • Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).

Industry experience

Victoria University
Senior Lecturer

Eastern Health
Speech Pathologist
Community Rehabilitation Program, Wantirna Health

University of Melbourne
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist / Clinical Educator / Subject Coordinator

Plena Healthcare
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist

Dr Jill Lesic & Associates Speech Pathology
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist/Clinical Educator

La Trobe University
Associate Lecturer / Deputy Coordinator / Senior Tutor
School of Public Health & Palliative Care Unit

Appearances in the media

Chahda, L. & Carey, L.B. (2022). The speech pathology role in palliative care – Speak Up Podcast (Season 4, Episode 31)