Clinical Educator Awardees Celebrated at This Year’s Convocation Ceremony
(L to R) Clinical Educator Award Winners Natalia Perez-Velez and Abby Llewellyn.
Alongside the class of 2025, who received their diplomas at this academic term’s convocation in October, also stood their mentors.
A close-knit group, the graduates of the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the Faculty of Health Sciences, celebrated together in the Great Hall on campus after walking across the stage earlier that day. As they lined the three long tables in the Hall, Valedictorians reminisced of the time these cohorts had spent together, highlighting memorable moments from pinning their clinical nametags to completing those final exams.
And while recalling their professors and friends, this year’s class also honoured their Clinical Educators: clinicians who had mentored select students throughout the past year, guiding them as they eventually transition into their roles after graduation.
This year, the student-nominated awards were bestowed to Abby Llewellyn, Speech-Language Pathologist at London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital, and Natalia Perez-Velez, audiologist at Connect Hearing in Windsor, Ontario.
For Llewellyn, this award “acknowledges the time, care, and passion I put into mentoring students and supporting their growth as future clinicians,” as she looks forward to taking on more Western students in the future.
Working with Llewellyn, students from across novice, intermediate, to entry-to-practice levels learn the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders in the acute care setting, preparing for their future in the field.
When reflecting on her time mentoring, she notes how rewarding it is to work closely with those just starting their career. “Their curiosity, energy, and fresh perspectives continually inspire me. Guiding them as they develop confidence and clinical reasoning skills reminds me of the impact mentorship can have on both individual growth and the advancement of our profession.”
Perez-Velez, who guides students through comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, follow-up care, and patient counselling, echoes the statement, stating that “It’s inspiring to see their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning; it reminds me of the importance of continuous learning in our profession. Knowing that I can play a small part in shaping their careers is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.”
As an international audiologist, Perez-Velez recognizes this award as incredibly meaningful to her, admitting that it motivates her to continue growing and contributing to the ever-growing healthcare field, where rapid technological advancements are changing the way clinicians are able to help and support patients.
“The integration of technology, research, and holistic care is expanding our ability to improve quality of life for the individuals and families we serve,” Llewlyn remarks of the changing landscape. “Western students are becoming skilled, compassionate professionals who are already shaping this next generation of healthcare.”
Look back on 2025's Fall Convocation Ceremony for the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
After graduates crossed the stage at Canada Life Place in downtown London, Ontario, the group gathered in the Great Hall at Western University to celebrate with family, friends, and members of the School.
