A Warm Welcome to Ms Nicole Skea

Q1: Why did you choose to become a Neuropsychologist?
“My passion for neuropsychology first stemmed from my desire to work with people, as I am a social and outgoing person who loves to chat! In my undergraduate degree, I worked with a neuropsychologist and from then on I knew that this was the career path for me.

I was drawn to the field as neuropsychology as it involves evidence-based tests and measures that help support your clinical judgement and opinion. Furthermore, I am fascinated by the intricate relationship between the brain and behaviour, and how it manifests differently in varying conditions. But above all, neuropsychology provides an opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients from different backgrounds, injuries and levels of impairment. Building my knowledge and knowing that my assessments, recommendations and compassionate and detailed approach can positively influence the lives of individuals and their families is a deeply motivating factor for me.”

Q2: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
“One particularly rewarding experience was 1:1 cognitive rehabilitation work with clients who had suffered severe traumatic brain injuries. Over an extended period I had the privelege of building strong relationships with these clients and their families and it was fulfilling to witness their progress first hand. I developed individualised and innovative strategies, often incorporating technology to enhance their daily living skills despite the severity of their injuries. Seeing such tangible improvements was truly remarkable.”

Q3: What do you like to do in your free time?
“I have two young daughters and so most of my free time is spent chasing after them! We spend a lot of time in the pool, at kids birthday parties or playgrounds. Otherwise, this year I have been trying to practice what I preach about healthy ageing, and I have spent more time exercising. I also love a good wine and socialising with friends!”

Q4: If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
“I would love to learn from Brenda Milner. She is one of the pioneers of neuropsychology and studied the famous patient H.M. Over her long career, she has significantly contributed to understanding the human brain and how brain structures govern learning, memory and speech.”

Bonus points – Are you cooking or heading to a restaurant?
“This one is easy – unless she fancies baked beans on toast for dinner, then definitely a restaurant. Everyone has strengths or weaknesses, and cooking is not on my strength list!”

Bonus Questions

Tell us something surprising about you
“At just 25 years old and despite having no prior medical history or family history, I suffered a stroke with right-sided weakness. During the two weeks I spent in hospital, a multitude of specialists provided both exceptional care but also highlighted some areas where clinicians choice of wording or decisions could improve.

Whilst I am incredibly fortunate that I had no lasting effects from the stroke and it remains a blip in my history, the experience profoundly impacted my clinical style and my understanding of “patient-centred care”. As a result, I ensure that my appointments always commence on time, I communicate the process of an assessment, my findings are backed by evidence and I make it a priority to ensure that my reports are completed promptly and that findings are communicated as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.”

Do you prefer cats or dogs?
“Very much a dog lover!”

Which season speaks to you, summer or winter?
“I would choose summer. However, having just moved back to Brisbane from a stint in Sydney, the Queensland heat is something else. Most of our time this last Summer was spent in the air conditioning or in the pool.”

Does pineapple ever grace your pizzas?
“An unfavourable opinion and my Italian friend strongly disagrees with my choices but yes, I love a good Hawaiian pizza!”