Meet Our
Dedicated Team

Graduating in 1984, I knew I was heading into a working life in a valuable helping profession. But I could not have predicted then what I know now. That I have loved every minute of being a speech pathologist. That supporting communication is to support flourishing; and to support what it is to be human. That reciprocity is truly reciprocal; so the joy of a person making achievements in language and connection become joy for everyone in the interaction. It is work that nourishes all.

I had a few public jobs in my early career, then started working privately when my two sons began school. I wanted the flexibility to go to their sports carnivals and to do ‘mother’s help’. I found working privately served in other ways well beyond personal flexibility. I have learned broad horizons for what is possible in service delivery. And now I work amongst creative, imaginative, big-hearted people whose willingness to expand themselves and their practice in their clients’ best interests is… well… inspirational!

I love working with people of all ages with language, literacy and social communication challenges. I’ve learned how to teach people to express and connect and read.

These skills are expansive in people’s lives; they matter for justice in our world. Justice for the individual most certainly; but also for justice across all of society – for society is its people. There’s just us.

I first arrived in Tasmania in 1987 after graduating from Curtin University in W.A. I instantly fell in love with this beautiful state and my new profession. My passion for working with school-aged children blossomed during my first role with the Department of Education, where I collaborated closely with parents and teachers.

After a few years away for family reasons, I returned to Tasmania in 2005, bringing with me diverse experience from community health, private practice, and student supervision. Working with the dynamic, kind, and committed team at Speech Pathology Tasmania (SPT) since then has been a true pleasure.

From the beginning of my career, I have been fascinated by the complex interrelationship between oral and written language. My love of reading echoes Dr. Seuss’s sentiment: “The more that you read, the more things you will know.” This passion has driven me to seek further training, developing expertise in assisting children with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties using evidence-based methods, including Orton-Gillingham multisensory principles. I am also an Accredited Orton-Gillingham practitioner and a member of the Australian Dyslexia Association, serving as its advisor in Tasmania.

It is a privilege for me to provide a fun, engaging environment where students can develop essential communication skills. Witnessing life-changing progress, such as a parent sharing a photo of their child curled up with a book, brings me immense joy.

I bring a diverse background of skills and experiences to my role as a speech pathologist. In 2000, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, which laid the foundation for my understanding of language. Afterward, I pursued my creative interests as a performer and artist before feeling a strong pull back to my passion for speech and language.

Initially, I taught English as a Foreign Language, both in Australia and abroad. This journey ultimately led me to complete a Master’s in Speech Pathology at the University of Queensland in 2008. Since then, I have focused on supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families, using play-based and relationship-based interventions to foster communication and connection.

My strong interests lie in voice therapy and accent modification. To enhance my expertise in this area, I have undertaken Estill voice training, drawing on my skills as a singer and language teacher to create engaging therapeutic experiences.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I am a proud mother of two, a dedicated gardener, and an occasional performer. My multifaceted experiences contribute to my empathetic approach as a speech pathologist, allowing me to connect with clients and families effectively while helping them navigate their unique communication journeys. I am truly passionate about supporting individuals in developing their communication skills and enhancing their overall quality of life.

I was born and raised in Hobart and left to pursue my education at university in Sydney. Since graduating in 1992 I have dedicated my career to working as a paediatric speech pathologist in both New South Wales and Queensland. My experience spans various settings, including community health, private practice, and schools, where I have developed a strong foundation in assessing and supporting children with communication difficulties.

I am thrilled to be back in Tasmania with my family, contributing to the incredible team at Speech Pathology Tasmania. Our large, supportive group of clinicians brings a diverse range of skills, creating a collaborative environment that enhances our ability to help our clients.

I particularly enjoy working with preschool-aged children and their families, where I can make a significant impact during these formative years. I provide assessments and therapy in schools and during home visits. This flexibility allows me to tailor my approach to each child’s unique environment and needs, ensuring that they receive the best possible support.

My approach is focused on creating a nurturing and engaging atmosphere for learning, and I believe in the importance of partnering with families. Empowering parents with strategies to support their child’s development is crucial. It is deeply rewarding to witness the progress of the children I work with, knowing that I play a role in helping them find their voice and communicate effectively.

I was fortunate to meet Rosie through a mutual friend when I was 14, which introduced me to the rewarding profession of speech pathology. She kindly let me gain work experience with her as I finished high school, inspiring me to pursue this career path at the University of Queensland.

After graduating in 2012, I was thrilled when Rosie offered me a job on the North West Coast of Tasmania. Now, I work as a generalist speech pathologist in Burnie and Devonport, with outreach clinics in Launceston, Smithton, and Queenstown. My caseload includes children, adults, and families with diverse communication support needs, such as speech sound disorders, language delays, and social communication difficulties.

Being part of the supportive team at Speech Pathology Tasmania means I always have colleagues to consult and training opportunities to enhance my skills. I enjoy using evidence-based practices and innovative strategies tailored to each individual, facilitating meaningful communication experiences.

The variety my work brings is one of the aspects I love most, from the changing scenery to the different families and schools I engage with. The most rewarding moments come when I support a child’s success across all areas of life. Witnessing how relationships built on love and trust foster communication development is truly inspiring. I am passionate about empowering individuals to find their voices and express themselves, making a lasting impact on their lives.

I first realised I wanted a career in communication support when I designed a simple choice board for a man with autism I worked with as a support worker. The joy in his eyes as he became empowered was a revelation. 

I completed my training as a Speech and Language Therapist in London in 2008, building on my undergraduate degree in Psychology. My interest in underlying neurology and cognition has deepened over the years through my work with adults who have brain injuries.

I have also gained valuable experience in primary schools and various unique voluntary settings across different countries. These experiences allowed me to meet incredibly resilient individuals and families, reinforcing my belief that being a speech pathologist is a true privilege. I am grateful for the diverse opportunities that have shaped me into a generalist clinician.

As a parent, I now view child development from a different perspective. Much of my free time is dedicated to reading with my children, fuelling my passion for literacy and fostering a love for reading and writing.

I enjoy being a part of a supportive team at Speech Pathology Tasmania and the opportunities I have to connect with the community in the North West region. My work with clients is making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in our area.

I completed my Masters in Speech Pathology at Curtin University in Western Australia and I was fortunate to join the wonderful team at Speech Pathology Tasmania in early 2019. After spending time between Western Australia and Tasmania, it has been fantastic to return full-time to the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness, where I now call home.

My introduction to speech pathology came while working in the disability sector, supporting adults with acquired brain injuries. This initial exposure led me to transition into working with children with various disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Throughout my studies, I continued working in this field and found a deep passion for helping children. Witnessing both children and adults become empowered to communicate in ways they hadn’t before was incredibly fulfilling. I quickly realised just how broad and multi-dimensional communication is, and how vital speech pathologists are in unlocking these abilities. From then on, I knew I had found my calling.

Currently, I work as a generalist clinician at Speech Pathology Tasmania, and I love collaborating with children, adults, and their families to achieve their communication goals. I have a strong interest in supporting children with autism, helping them develop their language and social communication skills. Additionally, I am passionate about assisting children in building their literacy skills, ensuring they have the tools for success in both communication and education.

I’m another local Tasmanian therapist who grew up in the foothills of Cradle Mountain. I lived and studied for four years at LaTrobe University in Bendigo, before returning to the North-West Coast to work for the local Education Department. After two and a half years I decided I was ready for a pace change, put my career on hold, and went to work as an English teacher in Japan.

During my two years in Japan I taught English classes for students from Grade 1-9 in a small, farming community. I also had the opportunity to develop an English phonics curriculum for the primary school English program in Nagasaki City and provide a number of professional development workshops in conjunction with Nagasaki University.

Upon returning to Tasmania in late 2018 I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the Speech Pathology Tasmania team. I’m currently working as a generalist speech pathologist, with a keen interest in the areas of language and fluency (stuttering). I love to play games (even though I always seem to lose) and can confidently say that I have the best collection of soft, fluffy toys in the clinic. When I’m not popping pirates and building beetles, I enjoy theatre, traveling and dabbling in a little freelance Japanese-English translating.

I enjoy working in this wonderful team at Speech Pathology Tasmania after relocating from Western Australia. I am a generalist speech and language pathologist with experience working across all age groups in both community health and private practice settings.

Although I came to speech pathology later in life, my early career in child development, adult education, literacy, and advocacy for vulnerable communities has given me a deep understanding of the barriers that can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. This background allows me to approach speech pathology with a rich perspective on social, developmental, and academic challenges.

I’ve worked in various areas of speech therapy including literacy, learning disorders, fluency, and speech and language development. I have a particular interest in developmental speech-sound disorders and language delays caused by hearing loss. Having been diagnosed with congenital profound deafness in my left ear at five years old, I used literacy as a tool to support my own language development. I learned the meaning and context of words through reading before speaking them, so I am a strong advocate for literacy and play in learning language.

I am passionate about providing equitable, high-quality services. I believe everyone has the right to be heard, express their needs, and feel valued in their relationships—so they can flourish and achieve independence. No one should be left behind!

I graduated with a BA (Speech and Hearing Therapy) from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg in 1996. I soon found my place and my passion as a speech therapist at a school for children with learning disabilities in Gauteng, South Africa.

The main focus of my work was language and literacy development, providing various levels of support to learners from Grade 1 to Matric. It was rewarding to watch them grow from little children to young adults, and help them get ready to make their way in the world.

I was privileged to work as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team which included teachers, remedial therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, counsellors and a paediatric neurologist within the school setting. Inspired by this diverse team, I completed my honours in Psychology, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, focusing on learners with barriers to learning and development.

In 2021 we move our family of five to Australia and were fortunate to secure a Regional State Sponsored Skills visa to Tasmania within a year. We arrived in Tasmania in June 2021 and have settled in Kingston. We are loving our new home and spend our weekends exploring the beauty of Tasmania.

I enjoy working with the Speech Pathology Tasmania team, and work both in the clinic and in schools.

I graduated in 2016 as a speech pathologist, and spent the next few years working with adults with a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders.

One of my favourite parts of the role was supporting adults with aphasia, an acquired language disorder which affects the person’s ability to speak or understand language. These clients showed me the immeasurable value of being able to communicate effectively. We worked collaboratively to tackle their difficulties so that they could do the things that mattered most to them. Many of these clients told me it was the perceived ‘small things’ that had made the biggest difference in their lives… like having the confidence to make small talk with the neighbour, or simply being able to order their coffee independently.

I hugely enjoyed this work, and when I moved to Tasmania in 2020, I knew I wanted to branch out and begin working with younger people too. Joining the wonderful team at SPT has enabled me to pursue my interests in literacy and social communication skills.

Above all, my absolute passion in speech pathology is working with people who stutter. I have completed specialist training in treating stuttering in adults and children, namely using the Van Riper approach (which is popular in the UK) and the Lidcombe Program.

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My journey into speech pathology began when my father heard Rosie speaking on local radio about one of her projects. Knowing my passion for languages and reading, he downloaded the podcast and sent it to me. Little did I know that just a few years later, I would be working alongside that very same Rosie at Speech Pathology Tasmania!

After completing my degree in arts and science in Hobart, I moved to Adelaide to complete my Master of Speech Pathology at Flinders University in 2021. At university, I had the opportunity to study the Indonesian language in Indonesia and teach English there. This experience inspired me to provide English tutoring to international students of all ages. I also completed levels 1-3 of community-level Auslan through Expression Australia and Sign Language Australia.

In my final year of study, I was thrilled to accept a position at Speech Pathology Tasmania, where I work as a generalist speech pathologist. I particularly enjoy working with school-age children and teenagers to enhance their literacy and communication skills. I have a strong interest in helping individuals with autism develop their communication and language, and working with multilingual clients.

Outside of my professional life, I love bushwalking, swimming, and reading, and I’m always eager to learn new languages. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a welcoming, caring, and knowledgeable team at Speech Pathology Tasmania.

My earliest memories are of farm-life in the Tamar Valley: of orchards, cows and electric fences. Moving to the mainland saw me graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and a South Australian accent. I experienced the heavy reliance on speech, language, and communication in client interviewing, briefing, and in the courtroom.

I first became interested in being a speech pathologist after reading Snow and Powell’s research about the speech, language, and communication needs in the youth justice population in 2004. It was compelling.

For a while I juggled family life and a career and returned home to the Island. In early 2024 I graduated with a Masters in Speech Pathology from Charles Sturt University and have since been working with paediatric clients and their families to support their speech, language, and communication.

I have a particular interest in motor speech and literacy and have undertaken additional training across these areas.

I love facilitating growth in an individual’s abilities – to see the realisation dawn on their face as they experience success in making new sounds, understand and communicate in new ways – it’s enormously rewarding. I believe in deeply investing in children and their families, gently equipping them to be clearer speakers, communicators, and more confident participators in their world. I also bring a quietly justice-minded presence to the SPT team.

I am privileged to share life’s journey with my husband and our four amazing kids. Occasionally I am also a musician.

I enjoy being part of the team at SPT employed as an Orton Gillingham Educator. I work alongside children and their families using evidence-based instruction to unlock the mysteries of literacy. I have a strong interest and desire to help children with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties.  

I completed my Bachelor of Teaching at UTAS and have subsequently worked for many years in the education sector in Tasmania in a range of roles.  I love working with children and find it highly rewarding, challenging and so much fun.

My particular interest in the literacy field was piqued when I had a very personal experience in my own family. Watching my child struggle to read, write and spell was at times challenging and confusing. 

I embarked on a professional and personal journey to explore the benefits of Multisensory Structured Language Therapy.  Initially I undertook the Spalding Multisensory Instruction of Language Arts training, and then the Yoshimoto Orton Gillingham course, delivered by Linda McKillop. I was totally inspired following the OG course and that’s when I began exploring the possibility of working at SPT. Luckily that exploration led to a job!

When I’m not working I’m madly trying to keep up with my energetic young family and our bonkers puppy. Typically bushwalking, mountain biking, swimming and the odd bit of gardening.

My interest in literacy started when my stepdaughter struggled with reading and writing at school. To support her, I completed Orton-Gillingham training with SPT’s Linda McKillop, and I was quickly drawn into structured literacy. Seeing early progress, I engaged with educators and advocates, leading me to petition Parliament for evidence-based instruction. I wrote Merchants of Illiteracy, which sparked a national ABC News story. Since then, I’ve joined the Code REaD Dyslexia Network as a director and chairman, contributed to literacy platforms, and had work republished in Nomanis. A personal highlight was seeing my writing shared by Prof. Pamela Snow.

I joined the SPT team in 2023 and love the rewarding work of helping clients ‘crack the code’ of written language. I’m quite familiar with kids who may not fit the mould, since my own kids and step kids all have SLDs including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, plus a couple of ASD diagnoses. Add my own adult ADHD diagnosis, and it’s clear why I hyper focused on literacy research! Understanding how children acquire literacy—and how to best support them—drives my practice every day.

I’m passionate about giving every child access to effective literacy instruction and always looking for ways to refine my approach using the latest research. Watching a child gain confidence in reading is the best part of my job.

Elsa is an Orton-Gillingham educator at SPT and is currently studying a Master of Speech Pathology at the University of Tasmania. She brings a rich and diverse background to her role, with experience as both a musician and an educator.

Originally from Launceston, Elsa moved to Melbourne for university, then relocated to Switzerland to undertake a Master of Music Performance (French horn). She met her husband—also a musician—during this time, and together they worked as orchestral musicians in Portugal, Switzerland, and Ireland, where they had three children. Knowing they wanted to live somewhere sunnier, Elsa’s husband transitioned into a new career while in Ireland, and the family were fortunate enough to be relocated to Syndey in 2017. Soon after, their fourth child was born.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Elsa and her family moved to Hobart. When her youngest child began kindergarten, she started working as a teacher aide at their local primary school. This role sparked a keen interest in supporting children with literacy difficulties, prompting her to complete Orton-Gillingham training with Linda in 2022 and MSL (Multisensory Structured Language) in 2023.

At the beginning of 2025, Elsa joined SPT after reaching out to express her interest in working in the field. She is passionate about inclusive education and enjoys balancing her work, studies, and family life. Elsa loves walking with her dogs, reading, and looks forward to future hiking and travel.

I’m a proud Tasmanian with seven years of experience in dentistry and a background as a relief teacher’s assistant. My journey in healthcare has taught me the importance of compassion and communication, which I now bring to my new role as a Speech Therapy Assistant with the Speech Pathology Tasmania (SPT) team. I am excited to embark on this new chapter, eager to dive into my responsibilities and contribute to our shared goals of enhancing the lives of those we serve.

I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact, and I look forward to supporting both clients and therapists in their journey towards improved communication and language skills. My experience in diverse settings has equipped me with the skills needed to connect with individuals and understand their unique needs.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me at reformer Pilates, enjoying the physical challenge and mental clarity it brings. I also love spinning through energetic classes, which keep me motivated and fit. Spending quality time with friends and family is essential to me, whether we’re gathering for a meal or just enjoying each other’s company. Cooking in the kitchen is a passion of mine, and I love experimenting with new recipes to share with loved ones. I am thrilled to be part of the SPT team and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!