Meet Pauline van Hemert

Pauline van Hemert
Speech Language Pathologist, Raven Song Community Health Centre

How long have you worked at VCH?

Since 2002.

Your VCH contribution. Tell us what you do at VCH in one sentence.

I love what I do, as each family is so different and I can see kids improving every day. When I see a child I can work on a number of different issues, anything from speech sounds or early language, to helping with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. We often are the first professional a child sees when there are concerns about language or speech, and it’s rewarding to be able to help a worried family with their challenges, or even to be able to tell the family that their child is just fine.

One thing that we might be surprised to find out about you:

I once failed miserably at a singing telegram job. Apparently enthusiasm isn’t all you need to do that job well.

Favorite hobby:

Sewing, working out, biking and reading.

Three things you always have in your fridge:

Spinach box, cheese and hot sauce.

What makes you happy?

Spending time with my daughter and husband, sunshine, and my cruiser bike. Sometimes all three at once.

Most healthy habit:

Drinking water, and doing everything in moderation.

Favourite vacation spot or place you’ve visited:

Italy and the beaches of Cuba.