Speak Out June 2018

VALE – KIMBERLEY ANNE (KIM) O’DONNELL

KIMBERLEY ANNE ‘KIM’ O’DONNELL (NEE MCALLISTER) PASSED AWAY ON THE 8TH APRIL 2018 AFTER A 12 YEAR BATTLE WITH BREAST CANCER.

Kim was an outstanding speech pathologist and a mentor and friend to many. Graduating from Cumberland College in 1984, she had a particular passion for adult speech pathology. During her 28-year career she worked in a number of states of Australia and across many health systems including: • Blacktown Community Health Centre – Sydney NSW • Royal Prince Alfred hospital – Sydney, NSW • Lottie Stewart Hospital – Sydney, NSW • Royal Newcastle Hospital - NSW • Maitland Hospital – NSW • Rankin Park Hospital – NSW • Hunter Valley Private Hospital - NSW Kim was a clinician whose practice was always "patient-centred", before that term even existed. She was interested in her clients, not just in terms of their communication or swallowing disorders, but in who they were as human beings. She was empathetic, compassionate and an excellent listener and communicator. Kim was an exceptional and confident clinician but this was tempered by great humility. Kim’s professional interests extended to other allied health disciplines. She loved working as part of a multidisciplinary team. She had a sound understanding of and belief in the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary team in improving outcomes for clients. At various times during her career she managed multidisciplinary teams. Kim was a kind and gentle person who had a wonderful sense of humour. She had a knack of making people laugh and was a delight to be around. Kim was a committed life-long learner in speech pathology and in other aspects of life. She embraced the evolving nature of our profession and evidence base. Right up until her death she was a member of the online SPECS group. Kim was an active member of the University of the Third Age (U3A). She was always ready to learn from others regardless of their age or status. Generosity came easily to Kim. She was generous with her time, with her knowledge and also in a very practical sense. She often developed resources and freely shared these with others. Kim was a mentor to many speech pathologists and allied health professionals. She used her personal and professional skills to build others up. She had an ability to take people under her wing and nurture them both professionally and personally. In 2012, Kim retired from speech pathology due to her illness. She spent time doing many things she had always wanted to do, including travelling to a number of different countries. She also continued to contribute to the quality of life of others in her • Nelson Bay Community Health Centre- NSW • Eastern Metropolitan Health Service – Perth, WA • West Moreton Hospital and Health Service - QLD

community. Even up until a few months before her death, Kim was visiting a local nursing home as a volunteer, working with individual residents to compile their life stories and research their family history, bringing dignity and meaning to the lives of others. During her battle with cancer Kim said that helping others and becoming involved in their lives helped her to continue to move forward with her own life despite its challenges. Kim will be sadly missed by her family, friends and colleagues. We have all been changed for good by having known her. An online memorial for Kim can be found at: www. heavenaddress.com./Kimberley-Anne-Kim-ODonnell/1829936 Please feel free to contribute a message, photo or video, or use the link to donate to Australian Breast Cancer Research in Kim’s name.

Megan Alston Speech Pathologist

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June 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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