Biography - Marie Donovan

Marie established the first Language Development Centre in Western Australia in 1982. The centre was front-edge innovation at that time. During the following years Marie continued to provide professional leadership and evidence-based research on best practice. She went on to establish and support satellite classes from the Language Development Centre around the south-west corridor. She made regular visits and provided professional learning for the staff. Her contribution to the southern districts resulted in a fifth Language Development Centre being established in the Peel district in 2002.

In 2003 Marie was asked by her District Director to research national and international programs for students with speech and language impairment. This challenge involved many hours of work, travelling interstate to visit with experts. Marie went on to develop an improved service model for speech and language services to Western Australia.

In 2004 Marie led the development of an innovative early years intervention program at Carawatha Primary School and Language Development Centre for 0-4 year olds. At the end of 2004, in recognition of the outstanding work this program represented, Carawatha PS and Language Development Centre were included in the Roots of Empathy Program. Marie’s professional reputation ensured ongoing support and commitment to this program by various government and non-government agencies.

Marie has been a working mother all her life. She is a humanitarian and committed educator. She develops and fosters relationships with students and professionals alike and maintains high ethical standards at all times.

In her new role as Consultant Principal Speech and Language for the Canning service area, Marie is continuing to share her expertise and support her colleagues. In this, she always maintains a strong focus on the outcomes for the individual student.