Taylor Shields

I joined SWKC in 2014 as a recent graduate Speech Pathologist. I found a passion for working with adolescents and was given the opportunity to make this age group the focus of my caseload. I was then fortunate to move into my current role as Clinical Team Leader, providing support and guidance to the clinical team.

I love seeing the support that the whole team gives each other, and how we are always learning from each other to develop our skills and give the best care to our families.

I enjoy reading, escape rooms, I play the violin, and I love travelling to different countries and experiencing new places (and new cuisines!)

Stephen Fry’s Greek Myths book series.

I danced with the same dance school for 30 years.

Joining South West Kids Clinic has been an exciting new chapter in my career as a Speech Pathologist. My extensive background includes working in diverse clinical settings, where I have successfully helped many children overcome speech and communication challenges. At SWKC, I am thrilled to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to providing exceptional care.

Communication is an essential part of our lives and I wanted to support individuals who may find that challenging.

The smiles and laughter of my clients during the sessions and when they start achieving their goals.

Playdoh. It provides opportunities for everyone to be creative.

I enjoy trying out new cuisines and restaurants.

My favourite TV shows are New Girl & The Office (US version)

I have a diploma in Biomedical Engineering.

I started at South West Kids Clinic in 2022 as a New Graduate Therapist. Since then I have had many opportunities to work with many children of different ages and diagnoses. I have been able to explore my personal interest in complex AAC and pursue my passion for supporting allied health students and early career therapists.

I have always wanted to work with children in a way that I could help and support them first hand. This paired with my personal interest in health science led me to pursue a career in Speech Pathology. Since studying Speech Pathology and commencing my career, I have developed a strong passion for what I do - every person deserves the right to communicate!

The best part of being a paediatric therapist is the privilege of building a connection with each individual child and watching them grow and transform into the best version of themselves. I get to support them to develop their skills, celebrate their achievements and become part of their journey. It is the highlight of my day when I walk out into the waiting room and am greeted by their beautiful smiles.

My favourite resource to use in therapy sessions has to be playdough. It is so versatile and can be used in so many different ways! It provides opportunities for creativity and imagination. I haven’t met many children who don’t love playdough.

Outside of work I enjoy cooking, reading, films and have recently learned to crochet!

I love reading crime fiction novels.

I have a black belt in Martial Arts and used to compete as a teenager.

Several years ago I began my journey with SWKC as a Therapy Assistant during my final year of university. I quickly fell inlove with both the team and the clients I worked with, realising this was an ideal launchpad for my career!

I actually got over half way through a Psychology degree before realising it wasn’t for me. I started working in a school as a SLSO and had to sit with a student getting a Speech Pathology assessment. Speech Pathology wasn’t even on my radar until that moment, where I became so intrigued about communication and never looked back.

I absolutely love working closely to achieve meaningful outcomes, not just for my clients, but for their families too. We're there every step of the way, supporting them through tough times and celebrating their wins. Nothing fulfils me quite like being a part of that journey!

I love using puppets - it is a fun way to model language and eating skills, engage kids in pretend play and be silly!

My family and I love camping and have been all the way to Western Australia and back! We love to hike, kayak and paddle board when we go, and always try to stay at a different place each time we go away.

Favourite movie - polar express. BUT I am only allowed to watch it once a year, Christmas eve.

I have 4 extra bones in my body!

My journey at SWKC from university student to therapy assistant and now speech pathologist has been filled with much growth. Working with kids as a speech pathologist brings me so much joy, and I'm grateful for the supportive team culture at SWKC where I am surrounded by many dedicated colleagues.

I chose to become a speech pathologist because I have always been fascinated by words and sound. I wanted to be able to give kids the opportunity to communicate, and therefore access the world around them more effectively.

Being a paediatric speech pathologist is amazing because I get to be part of kids’ progress and watch them grow in confidence every day with the way that they express themselves.

I love using the bowling pins in my sessions as a way to get moving while working on speech goals!

Outside of work, I love telling stories by means of playing music and capturing photos. Having these creative outlets allows me time to relax and slow down.

I’m a romantic at heart and my favourite movie is definitely “Ever After”.

Everyone calls me “Delle” because when I was born, my older sister couldn’t say the ‘ani’ part in Danielle.

I joined SWKC as a Speech Pathologist in January 2024 and have loved working here every day since then! I’m thankful to get to work with such a supportive team, and to have many opportunities to develop my skills as a paediatric Speech Pathologist.

While in my final years of high school, I realised that I most enjoyed English, Biology, and working with children - this led me to excitedly pursue a career in Speech Pathology, which intertwines all three!

Seeing my clients have fun while achieving their communication goals is the best part of being a paediatric therapist.

Story Champs! As someone who loves storytelling, it’s so exciting to get to help my clients paint, draw, and tell their own imaginative stories!

I love going to the beach, swimming, paddleboarding, and hiking! I also enjoy reading, playing piano, and cooking yummy food for my family and friends.

My favourite movies are ‘Belle,’ ‘Roman Holiday,’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge.’

In year 11, I wrote the script, music, and lyrics to a musical that was performed by my primary school!

Having worked as a Speech Pathologist in a number of other positions, I started my journey with SWKC in September 2024. I love being able to work with such a great range of complex clients and their families, to support all different forms of communication. Plus the team at SWKC is so much fun, everyone is so welcoming and ready to support each other!

I have seen loved ones thrive with the support of Speech Pathology intervention with Parkinsons, MND and paediatric speech sounds. My curiosity grew and my love for working with children just confirmed being a Speech Pathologist is where I am meant to be.

Celebrating the small wins with families, especially those that have such a big functional impact at home and school.

Bubbles - ensures smiles all around and a great way to engage kids.

I’m always finding myself spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying big brunches with lots of coffee and winding down at the beach.

You can find me always watching Friends or a new true crime series.

I played the piano for 10 years.

I started at South West Kids Clinic in 2017 and have built a career here, building up from an early career therapist through to occupational therapy team leader. I’m so proud to be part of an ever growing team and to contribute back to others the support that I’ve received along the way.

I’m passionate about supporting others and I love working with kids. I also knew that I didn’t want a job where I had to sit at a desk all day. Being an OT ticks all those boxes!

I get to have fun playing every day!

Bubbles, because they always get kids excited and engaged

I love socialising with family and friends and I love baking.

Harry Potter is my all time favourite series! Books and films.

I make my own earrings.