What People Say About Us...
Other people had always found it difficult to understand my son, Vinnie, but I didn't really think it was a problem. I figured his speech would get clearer with age, and he would just grow out of it. But his first year of school report, suggested that he was failing his writing , and his teacher thought that his speech was possibly the problem. It turns out that not only was he pronouncing 5 sounds wrong but that he also was not hearing the difference between things like th and f . The teacher referred him through the school system , but we did not want to wait. We went to Speech Therapy & Associates and Vinnie made such great progress. In less than 4 months he had the hang of all the sounds he had been missing, and his writing is making great progress. He is almost up to standard now. I am very glad we did not wait for he Ministry of Education. When the speech therapist from the MOE, finally came to assess him , she could not understand why he had been referred . She said his speech was perfect. Thanks to Patty and the team.
Melanie H.
Melanie H.
Jack had a great understanding of words and language but struggled to pronounce them correctly and other people found him very difficult to understand. This was beginning to have an effect on his confidence and he was very frustrated when he could not get his message across.
After 6 months of speech therapy with Patty his speech has improved so much. Even after his very first session there was an improvement, his progress with Patty has been very rapid. Seeing Patty is one of the highlights of Jack's week. She engages with him so well and there seems to be a lot of fun had within the learning. He loves practicing what he has learnt at home and adores all the beautiful pictures she draws for him. He is so much more confident and happier now. Thank you Patty. - Paula, Mother of Jack (3.5 years) |
The reason for me attending Speech Language Therapy was because I am going into the teaching profession and I thought that having a lisp wouldn’t be ideal when teaching children. On my first session with Patty her patience and confidence in me correcting my lisp gave me determination to succeed. Having spent just four sessions with Patty I was able to clearly articulate my “S” and “Z” sounds in conversations and speaking without a lisp has now become second nature.
I attended speech therapy over the Summer break. When I returned to uni. I was really pleased when a fellow student asked me if I had had my plate taken out as she couldn’t believe how clearly I was speaking. She thought my lisp was caused by a plate! I have had many compliments from friends and family about my improved speech clarity. Patty, I would like to thank you very much for helping me correct my lisp, because of your patience and expertise I have gained more confidence in both my teaching and social life. - Alana, 20 yo student, Auckland |
At age 3, our son had a lisp and found it difficult to blend sounds. He was not well understood by his family and friends. With the wonderful assistance of Patty and weekly speech therapy, he made great progress. Patty had a knack at getting down to his level and teaching him with games at a little table or on the floor. Learning how to make the proper sounds was fun. We had a weekly progress book and homework to practice with him at home. At the end of every session, I was brought into the room for him to show me his progress and what he needed to practice for the week ahead.
I would absolutely recommend Patty for her therapy techniques, her compassion and her friendly face, which made not only for steady progress, but for fun each week at her sessions. Last week I met with his teacher at school who had not known him prior and without any prompting, she advised me how clear his speech was. It was only then that I told her his history to which she had been completely unaware. Thanks Patty for helping him as much as you did. We are very grateful. - Dr Jo Blakey (GP), mum of 5 year old, NB |
I had a severe stroke 5 years ago that left me with very little speech, due to dysarthria. I also had dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). I was lucky enough to become Patty’s patient and over the years a friend. I am now able to speak fairly confidently and people can understand me. I am also eating and drinking normal food and drinks. That’s great progress!. Patty has a wide variety of techniques and has infinite patience and compassion. I highly recommend Patty and staff at Speech Therapy Associates.
- Lyn Jordan, Orewa |
Following a head injury in 2003 I was left with severe speech difficulties and some problems with swallowing. I've had speech therapy in the intervening years but since starting with Patty and Ana last year, I have found that they have offered a refreshing approach that has been quite different from the others. They have taken a broader approach by looking at diet, recommending a ear, nose and throat specialist and suggesting alternative exercises specific to my speech and swallowing needs. They are friendly and approachable. It is not always possible to go into the office so I have appreciated the home visits. I have no hesitation to recommend Speech Therapy Associates to adults and children alike.
- Julie Troy (Swanson) |
I have had Patty Govender as a clinical supervisor for over a year now. She provides me with distant phone supervision as I am based in Hamilton. This has been an efficient form of supervision and I would highly recommend it to other Speech-Language Therapists who require peer support or supervision who work in other remote areas or when face to face Speech-Language Therapy contact is limited. We use the computer to document our supervision discussions, email regularly, and she is always readily available to look over clinical documents and provide productive input to help improve my ability as a SLT. She has been incredibly supportive and demonstrates strong theoretical knowledge to support me with my clinical caseload in a sole SLT position. She is very friendly and approachable. I don’t know what I would have done without Patty’s support.
- Katherine Hiscock, Hamilton based Speech-Language Therapist |
Patty is excellent at giving useful advice about speech development, and general child development as well. I have always felt reassured after a conversation with her because she allays parental concerns, and also assists in finding the most appropriate solutions for your child in particular.
- Mrs N, mother of S and L I have every confidence in Patty and her team. My patients have achieved excellent results as a result of their skill and expertise.
- Dr B, Auckland |
I have known Patty in a number of different capacities over the years; as her employer, peer clinical supervisor, and sub-contractor. Patty has always been open and easy to work with. She is friendly whilst remaining professional, and is highly knowledgeable within the field of speech-language therapy. Patty has been working in private practice for many years now and so is very experienced at providing a high quality service to all her clients.
Catherine Epps - MSc, BSc(Hons), MNZSTA, Senior Manager and Speech-Language Therapist. |
My speech is better and my teacher asks me to talk at assembly
- Erica, (9 years old) Auckland Gran has aphasia, after her stroke. She couldn't say many words. Now she worked hard with the ladies at speech therapy.
- Jackie, (15 years old) Auckland |
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I had therapy for a long time to help me make friends and express myself in a clearer way. I am more confident and have joined the debate team.
- Neville, (15 years old) Auckland
- Neville, (15 years old) Auckland
English is my second language. I am fluent in English, but my colleagues have trouble understanding my speech. Patty taught me how to slow down my speech rate and I worked on pronunciation and the rhythm of my speech.
- Alice, Auckland I had trouble finding a job. At one interview someone said I didn’t open my mouth when I talked. My GP referred me to Speech Therapy Associates. They helped me use my tongue, jaw and teeth more effectively for speech production and I also learned about correct breathing for speech. Patty also helped prepare me for my interview. I have been working for 4 months now and my speech has improved. I like that I can email or call Patty at any time if I need support with my speech.
- JM, Mission Bay. |
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We feel fortunate that Patty was able to see Ethan for therapy, after we moved to Auckland. He made progress quickly which has helped him settle into his new kindy and make new friends. He is a much happier boy. Thanks Patty!
- Eleanor, mum of 4 year old Ethan.
- Eleanor, mum of 4 year old Ethan.
Our speech therapy includes not only the one with the speech problem but our entire family. We all get to have a say, and we all get to be involved in learning about how to communicate better with Matu.
- KW, older sister of Matu who sustained a brain injury after a car accident. Patty came highly recommended by our specialist when Rosie needed speech therapy. We have not been disappointed. Rosie loves going to see her and works hard with Patty during the session.
- Russell, dad of 3 year old, Rosie. |
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Patty has been my supervisor since I started my job as a sole charge speech language therapist 2 years ago. She is very supportive and is always available to discuss all aspects of my role as a SLT whether it be simply listening to what I have to say, or providing me with clinical advice that I can readily apply. She is great to have as a supervisor. Thanks Patty!”
- SK, SLT, South Auckland Speech therapy helped me make my sounds better and my speech clearer. I liked the work we did and I will miss Patty, because I don't need to work on my speech anymore. I painted this picture for Patty.
- Lilly (9 years old) |
We are proud to recommend Patty Govender who has worked as an associate speech language therapist for Restart Rehab & Associates Ltd since 2008. As a valued team member Patty has always been a professional who maintains a high personal standard of practice, while remaining approachable and friendly. We are always confident our clients are in good hands.
- Alice Sullivan NZROT, PG Cert OT, MOTNZ Occupational Therapist, Director - Amy Griffiths NZRP, PG Dip Rehab, MPNZ Physiotherapist, Director Restart Rehab & Associates Ltd, Warkworth http://www.restartrehab.co.nz/ |