-Private contractor to:

-ACC,

-Ministry of Justice,

-Private clients

Based in Whangārei/Northland, New Zealand 

Member of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapists Association

“It is an honour and a privilege to do the work I do, supporting clients to enhance and enrich their own communicative strengths to ensure they are heard”. - V Longworth

Background

I studied a Bachelor of Medical Science Degree, at the University of Sheffield in England and have been a registered Speech and Language Therapist for the past 30 years, working in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. 

I have further post degree qualifications in Dysphagia – allowing me to work in the field of feeding and swallowing.

I have worked with adults and children, in hospitals, clinics, kindergartens, schools, care homes, community centres, online and in their homes. 

I also worked for eight years with the Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation Team in Manchester, UK learning how to use a variety of Sign Language Systems and understanding deaf culture.  

I have studied Māori Tikanga/culture to diploma level. 

Clinical Expertise 

I am experienced in supporting clients with speech and language delays and disorders, social communication difficulties, behavioural communication issues, voice problems, hearing impairment, dysfluency, acquired communication disorders, selective mutism, selective eating disorders and swallowing concerns.