Understanding the injury. And ways that parents can help their children understand what happened to them and what can be expected growing up with Spinal Cord Injury.

Guests :

Dr. Mary Clare Waugh - A Child Specialist in Rehabilitation at Westmead Hospital Sydney

Maya Dove - She is a youth case worker and also works as a model

Having had a spinal cord injury since birth, Maya is passionate about spreading disability awareness. From highlighting her love for fashion, to the performing arts, travel, social justice issues and — most importantly — her dog, she hopes to break down assumptions surrounding her experience. 

Image:

Maya Dove - A youth case worker and model

Understanding the injury. And ways that parents can help their children understand what happened to them and what can be expected growing up with Spinal Cord Injury.
Guests :
Dr. Mary Clare Waugh - A Child Specialist in Rehabilitation at Westmead Hospital Sydney
Maya Dove - She is a youth case worker and also works as a model
Having had a spinal cord injury since birth, Maya is passionate about spreading disability awareness. From highlighting her love for fashion, to the performing arts, travel, social justice issues and — most importantly — her dog, she hopes to break down assumptions surrounding her experience. 
Image:
Maya Dove - A youth case worker and model

SpineCare's 40 Voices for 40 Years Podcast

To observe World Spinal Cord Injury Day on 5 September 2024, Radio 2SER FM and the SpineCare Foundation launched SpineCare's 40 Voices for 40 Years podcast series.

The podcast series is designed as a resource to inform, empower and enlighten families who have found themselves impacted by childhood acquired spinal cord injury or dysfunction. The launch is a way of celebrating the event through 40 voices from the community, insights from young people who have grown up with their spinal cord injury, their parents and caregivers, as well as academics and clinicians working in the field. Along with personal stories there will be tips, shared experiences on school-life, childhood rehabilitation, bowel and bladder management, going on family holidays, and the latest research and innovations on living with spinal cord injury.

SpineCare's 40 Voice for 40 years is created in the studios of Radio 2SER FM in partnership with SpineCare Foundation.

SpineCare's 40 Voices for 40 Years Podcast
To observe World Spinal Cord Injury Day on 5 September 2024, Radio 2SER FM and the SpineCare Foundation launched SpineCare's 40 Voices for 40 Years podcast series.
The podcast series is designed as a resource to inform, empower and enlighten families who have found themselves impacted by childhood acquired spinal cord injury or dysfunction. The launch is a way of celebrating the event through 40 voices from the community, insights from young people who have grown up with their spinal cord injury, their parents and caregivers, as well as academics and clinicians working in the field. Along with personal stories there will be tips, shared experiences on school-life, childhood rehabilitation, bowel and bladder management, going on family holidays, and the latest research and innovations on living with spinal cord injury.
SpineCare's 40 Voice for 40 years is created in the studios of Radio 2SER FM in partnership with SpineCare Foundation.

2SER Spine Care's 40 Voices for 40 Years Podcast

2SER SpineCare's 40 Voices for 40 Years Podcast

Growing up with Spinal Cord Injury

Join us for an eye-opening episode as we explore the vital yet less visible topic of bowel and bladder health in children with spinal cord injury. We kick off the conversation with Jodie Thompson, a seasoned clinical nurse consultant with decades of experience in paediatric spinal cord injury care. Jodie shares her expert insights into how spinal cord injuries can impact these critical bodily functions and provides practical strategies for establishing healthy routines early on. She discusses the potential health risks associated with neglecting these areas and offers empowering tips to help children gain independence in managing their personal care.

Next, we hear from Clare, an entrepreneur and devoted mother of three, whose journey includes navigating family life with a child with a spinal cord injury caused by a tumour diagnosed in utero. Clare shares practical advice drawn from supporting her son's bladder and bowel health from infancy through to teenage years, while highlighting the significance of community support and the power of connecting with others facing similar challenges. Tune in to discover how addressing these foundational aspects of health can greatly  enhance the well-being and quality of life of children with spinal cord injury.

Meet our guests:

Jodie Thompson

With over 32 years of nursing experience, Jodie has dedicated much of her career to specialising in the care of children with acquired brain and spinal cord injuries at a leading tertiary children’s hospital. Her extensive background also encompasses aged care, adult rehabilitation and broader paediatric practice. 

In the recent years, Jodie founded Kids Collaborative, a private nursing service that provides Paediatric Continence Assessments and Independent Nursing Assessments for children and adults with complex needs. 

Jodie is an active member of the Agency for Clinical Innovation’s Transition Executive, serves as chair of the Nurse Continence Specialists in Private Practice Interest Group and is engaged with several professional organisations, including Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and the Spinal Injury Nurses Association. A passionate advocate for innovation in healthcare, Jodie frequently attends and presents at conferences and workshops, sharing her vision for a collaborative future in healthcare and the essential role of building strong networks among clinicians to support children and families.

Clare Conroy 

Clare holds extensive experience in Stakeholder Management, Community Engagement, Disability Advocacy and Policy. She is a passionate advocate for disability rights and community engagement, currently serving as the Stakeholder and Policy Manager at a leading health-tech platform. She is also Trustee and advocate for the Evander Conroy Foundation, an organisation focused on promoting awareness of paediatric spinal cord injury and supporting optimal recovery. 

Previously, Clare was the Chief Experience Officer at loop+, a health management system designed for wheelchair users, has held pivotal roles in community engagement and partnerships at an innovative disability tech company, as well as online marketing and content production for high profile international companies. Clare is also the founder of an online lifestyle directory for women that operated across multiple cities. 



Image by: Shutterstock provided for by SpineCare Foundation.

Join us for an eye-opening episode as we explore the vital yet less visible topic of bowel and bladder health in children with spinal cord injury. We kick off the conversation with Jodie Thompson, a seasoned clinical nurse consultant with decades of experience in paediatric spinal cord injury care. Jodie shares her expert insights into how spinal cord injuries can impact these critical bodily functions and provides practical strategies for establishing healthy routines early on. She discusses the potential health risks associated with neglecting these areas and offers empowering tips to help children gain independence in managing their personal care.
Next, we hear from Clare, an entrepreneur and devoted mother of three, whose journey includes navigating family life with a child with a spinal cord injury caused by a tumour diagnosed in utero. Clare shares practical advice drawn from supporting her son's bladder and bowel health from infancy through to teenage years, while highlighting the significance of community support and the power of connecting with others facing similar challenges. Tune in to discover how addressing these foundational aspects of health can greatly  enhance the well-being and quality of life of children with spinal cord injury.
Meet our guests:
Jodie Thompson
 With over 32 years of nursing experience, Jodie has dedicated much of her career to specialising in the care of children with acquired brain and spinal cord injuries at a leading tertiary children’s hospital. Her extensive background also encompasses aged care, adult rehabilitation and broader paediatric practice. 
In the recent years, Jodie founded Kids Collaborative, a private nursing service that provides Paediatric Continence Assessments and Independent Nursing Assessments for children and adults with complex needs. 
Jodie is an active member of the Agency for Clinical Innovation’s Transition Executive, serves as chair of the Nurse Continence Specialists in Private Practice Interest Group and is engaged with several professional organisations, including Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and the Spinal Injury Nurses Association. A passionate advocate for innovation in healthcare, Jodie frequently attends and presents at conferences and workshops, sharing her vision for a collaborative future in healthcare and the essential role of building strong networks among clinicians to support children and families.
Clare Conroy 
Clare holds extensive experience in Stakeholder Management, Community Engagement, Disability Advocacy and Policy. She is a passionate advocate for disability rights and community engagement, currently serving as the Stakeholder and Policy Manager at a leading health-tech platform. She is also Trustee and advocate for the Evander Conroy Foundation, an organisation focused on promoting awareness of paediatric spinal cord injury and supporting optimal recovery. 
Previously, Clare was the Chief Experience Officer at loop+, a health management system designed for wheelchair users, has held pivotal roles in community engagement and partnerships at an innovative disability tech company, as well as online marketing and content production for high profile international companies. Clare is also the founder of an online lifestyle directory for women that operated across multiple cities. 
 
Image by: Shutterstock provided for by SpineCare Foundation.

Episode 10  Bladder and Bowel Health

In this episode, we explore the vital topic of pressure injuries, commonly known as skin wounds or pressure ulcers. Joining us are two expert guests: Lis Hunter, a clinical nurse specialist with decades of experience in adult and paediatric spinal cord injury, and Kirsty Kinch, a senior occupational therapist with specialist skills in complex seating and wheeled mobility. Together, they provide an in-depth look at what constitutes a skin wound, detailing the various stages of pressure injuries, common causes in children and adolescents and essential daily practices for preventing and detecting early any signs of skin damage.

Join us for an informative discussion that empowers families with knowledge and tools to protect their children’s skin health and well-being while supporting them to ultimately take ownership of their care.



Kirsty Kinch 

Kirsty is a highly experienced Senior Occupational Therapist with expertise in paediatric and adult spinal cord injury, complex physical disability and early intervention. She has a particular passion for, and proficiency in, complex assistive technology prescription, pressure injury management and manual handling. Currently, Kirsty is a key member of the NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service, a state-wide initiative funded by the Sydney Children's Hospital Network and hosted by Northcott. 



Elisabeth Hunter

Lis is a dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialist with extensive experience in rehabilitation nursing, primarily focused on adult and paediatric spinal cord injury care. Lis has held the position of Clinical Nurse Educator at dedicated spinal accommodation facilities and honed her rehabilitation skills to a specialist level at a renowned spinal rehabilitation centre in Sydney. Lis is also a valued member of the multidisciplinary NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service. 

Harrison Crisp 

Harrison is an accomplished scholar in Engineering and Computer Sciences at one of the world’s top 20 universities (2025 QS World Rankings), with a strong ambition to make his mark in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing. Demonstrating outstanding academic excellence, Harrison was named Dux of his school in 2022—a remarkable honour that underscores his resilience and commitment, particularly as some study was completed from an intensive care bed and rehabilitation facility, following a life-altering mountain bike accident when in year 9 that caused a complete quadriplegia.Harrison Crisp - To Uni and Beyond | Australian Sports Foundation (asf.org.au)

Image by: Shutterstock provided for by SpineCare Foundation

In this episode, we explore the vital topic of pressure injuries, commonly known as skin wounds or pressure ulcers. Joining us are two expert guests: Lis Hunter, a clinical nurse specialist with decades of experience in adult and paediatric spinal cord injury, and Kirsty Kinch, a senior occupational therapist with specialist skills in complex seating and wheeled mobility. Together, they provide an in-depth look at what constitutes a skin wound, detailing the various stages of pressure injuries, common causes in children and adolescents and essential daily practices for preventing and detecting early any signs of skin damage.
Join us for an informative discussion that empowers families with knowledge and tools to protect their children’s skin health and well-being while supporting them to ultimately take ownership of their care.
 
Kirsty Kinch 
Kirsty is a highly experienced Senior Occupational Therapist with expertise in paediatric and adult spinal cord injury, complex physical disability and early intervention. She has a particular passion for, and proficiency in, complex assistive technology prescription, pressure injury management and manual handling. Currently, Kirsty is a key member of the NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service, a state-wide initiative funded by the Sydney Children's Hospital Network and hosted by Northcott. 
 
Elisabeth Hunter
Lis is a dedicated Clinical Nurse Specialist with extensive experience in rehabilitation nursing, primarily focused on adult and paediatric spinal cord injury care. Lis has held the position of Clinical Nurse Educator at dedicated spinal accommodation facilities and honed her rehabilitation skills to a specialist level at a renowned spinal rehabilitation centre in Sydney. Lis is also a valued member of the multidisciplinary NSW Paediatric Spinal Outreach Service. 
Harrison Crisp 
Harrison is an accomplished scholar in Engineering and Computer Sciences at one of the world’s top 20 universities (2025 QS World Rankings), with a strong ambition to make his mark in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing. Demonstrating outstanding academic excellence, Harrison was named Dux of his school in 2022—a remarkable honour that underscores his resilience and commitment, particularly as some study was completed from an intensive care bed and rehabilitation facility, following a life-altering mountain bike accident when in year 9 that caused a complete quadriplegia. <a href="https://asf.org.au/projects/harrison-crisp---to-uni-and-beyond">Harrison Crisp - To Uni and Beyond | Australian Sports Foundation (asf.org.au)</a> 
Image by: Shutterstock provided for by SpineCare Foundation

Episode 9 - Love your Skin - preventing and managing wounds

Meet our guests:

Ashlee Morton is a mum to 2 children as well as being a full time wheelchair user. She is passionate about exploring the world and making it easier for others with a disability to do so as well.

Through her work as General Manager at Accessible Accommodation she aims to make the travel sector a more accessible and inclusive place. In her spare time Ashlee plays Para Ice Hockey for the Melbourne Walers and rides a mountain bike.

Dan Slocombe is a proud dad to two daughters, the youngest Hayley who acquired her spinal cord injury as a infant and is now a world-ranked wheelchair tennis player and university scholar. Dan is also a Water Treatment Manager and has an adventurous spirit, enjoying many types of travel over the years with his family.  



Image by:  Ashlee Morton provided for by SpineCare Foundation

SpineCare Foundation recommends that if you are planning to travel by air consult your health care team ahead of time to discuss your unique circumstances.

Meet our guests:
Ashlee Morton is a mum to 2 children as well as being a full time wheelchair user. She is passionate about exploring the world and making it easier for others with a disability to do so as well.
Through her work as General Manager at Accessible Accommodation she aims to make the travel sector a more accessible and inclusive place. In her spare time Ashlee plays Para Ice Hockey for the Melbourne Walers and rides a mountain bike.
Dan Slocombe is a proud dad to two daughters, the youngest Hayley who acquired her spinal cord injury as a infant and is now a world-ranked wheelchair tennis player and university scholar. Dan is also a Water Treatment Manager and has an adventurous spirit, enjoying many types of travel over the years with his family.  
 
Image by:  Ashlee Morton provided for by SpineCare Foundation
SpineCare Foundation recommends that if you are planning to travel by air consult your health care team ahead of time to discuss your unique circumstances.

Growing up with Spinal Cord Injury

2SER Spine Care's 40 Voices for 40 Years Podcast

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2SER SpineCare's 40 Voices for 40 Years Podcast

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