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Name:
Luisa Krein
Job Title:
PhD Student and certified practising speech language pathologist
Place of work / study:
Eastern Suburbs Speech Pathology (private practice Sydney), study at University of Sydney
Area of research:
Dementia and communication
How is your work funded?
Scholarship from the Stone Mason
Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born near Cologne, Germany and studied speech language pathology for 6 years (BA/MA) in Munich. I completed half of my Master’s degree at the University of Sydney and came back to Sydney after graduating. It took Australia a little while to recognise my overseas qualifications, so I used the time to get involved in dementia research and start my PhD studies. Now I am 2/3 in to my PhD and am working clinically 2 days a week at a private practice.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I used to do trick riding from the age of 5 until I was 18 years old. I started casual yoga practice and couldn’t believe how many of the “tricks” are actually yoga poses. Hilarious.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
My grandma developed dementia while I was studying speech pathology in Munich. Unfortunately, it was too late by the time the studies addressed the role of the speech pathologist for people with dementia. I was devastated because I felt there was so much we could have done or could have done better. So I want to put the word out there. Speech pathology is no magic wand, but it can make a difference to the relationship you have to the person with dementia.
Pippa Kirby