I'm a Professor and Head of the Rural Health School at La Trobe University and live and work in Bendigo, central Victoria (Australia). I am a registered psychologist and qualified originally in speech pathology. Both disciplines strongly inform my research, as does my seven years working in public health research and teaching, and seven years as coordinator of a postgraduate program for primary and secondary teachers, concerning high prevalence mental health problems.
My research passion is communication competence - primarily as this pertains to vulnerability in early life. I am particularly interested in the interface between education and health - two paradigms that need to "talk to each other" in both schools and hospitals, though they sometimes lack a common language with which to communicate.
Much of my current research focus is on the early language-to-literacy transition and ways in which this is best supported in early years classrooms. I am also actively involved in youth justice and leaving care projects.
Views expressed are my own. I welcome comments and the opportunity to be shaped by the views of others. I moderate posts on the basis of respectful tone (or lack there-of!).
You can also find me
Twitter | The Conversation | La Trobe University
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