ABOUT US
OUR STORY
The Speech & OT Co. was created from a shared vision to make allied health services accessible to all, and a combined passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children and families.
We are incredibly passionate about neuroaffirming practice, celebrating all bodies and brains, and ensuring that the stigma of disability is slowly shed by advocacy and appreciation of differences within the paediatric allied health space, and beyond.
leadership team
LEDIA - Strategy and Connection Officer & Director - SHE/HER
Ledia completed her degree at La Trobe University. She has worked with people across the lifespan to improve their speech and language, phonology, and feeding.
She works with a broad and diverse caseload of children of all ages and abilities. Ledia’s areas of interest include developmental language and early communication, paediatric feeding difficulties and fussy eaters, and developmental disorders. She also works with children who have Apraxia of Speech.
Ledia speaks Assyrian/Chaldean and is particularly interested in children who have additional languages as she understands the importance of a language rich environment. Ledia works from the Glenroy clinic and provides mobile based service in the Hume region.
Ledia has undertaken additional training in: Hanen It Takes Two to Talk, Lidcombe Program for Stuttering, Gestalt Language Processing, Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), Babble and Munch Feeding, Learn to Play, Cued Articulation, Key Word Sign, DIR Floortime, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding and Revolutionary Methods for Autistic Kids . Ledia is also a Certified Children's Yoga Instructor, and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
MEGAN - regional manager (south), Chief Operations Officer & Director - SHE/HER
Megan is a paediatric speech pathologist who completed her degree at La Trobe University. She has worked with people across the lifespan to support the development of their speech and language, fluency and social communication skills.
Megan's areas of interest include working with the autistic community, children with developmental delays and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Megan is passionate about providing holistic and family-centred, community-based services. She believes the key to effective therapy is incorporating the child's strengths and interests, and using play to ensure therapy is fun, motivating and easy to implement into every-day life. Megan works from the Chelsea clinic and mobile based service in the South East.
Megan has undertaken additional training in: Hanen It Takes Two to Talk, Hanen More Than Words, Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP), Cued Articulation, Key Word Sign, Revolutionary Methods for Autistic Kids, and Gestalt Language Processing. Megan is also a AGOSCI member, and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
When Megan isn’t at work, you will find her running after her crazy puppy Java, by the beach or finding something new to cook!
AYESHA - Regional Manager (north) - SHE/HER
Ayesha completed her Master's degree at The University of Melbourne. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor's degree, majoring in Psychology. She has worked with people across the lifespan to improve their speech, language, phonology, fluency and feeding.
She works with a broad and diverse caseload of children of all ages and abilities. Ayesha’s areas of interest include working with the Autistic community, developmental language, early communication, paediatric feeding difficulties and fussy eaters.
Ayesha works from the Glenroy clinic and offers mobile based service one day a week.
Ayesha has undertaken additional training in: Hanen More Than Words, Gestalt Language Processing, Babble and Munch Feeding, Learn to Play, Key Word Sign, DIR Floortime, Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding . Ayesha is also a certified member of Speech Pathology Australia.
When she is not at work, Ayesha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, fostering kittens, keeping active and exploring new places.
JANET - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LEAD - SHE/HER
Janet graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Monash University. Since graduating she has worked with children, young people and adults in private practice settings. She feels strongly about advocating for inclusion and loves nothing more than seeing the world through children’s inquisitive eyes.
Being a big kid at heart, Janet enjoys helping kids and families improve their independence, well-being and mental health with simple, fun and accessible strategies. She works both at the Chelsea clinic and mobile based service in the South East.
Janet has undertaken additional training in: Executive Functioning by Sarah Ward, Proactive Solutions Approach by Ross Greene, Beyond Behaviours by Mona Delahooke, Working With Families From Refugee Background, DIR Floortime Intro and DIR Floortime, Dynamic Assessments for Social Cognition and Related Skills.
When she is not at work you can find her cooking up storm, going out Latin dancing and spending time with her family.
MARISA - SPEECH PATHOLOGY LEAD (CHELSEA) - SHE/HER
Marisa is a paediatric Speech Pathologist who completed her degree at La Trobe University in 2019. Since then, she has channeled her dedication and expertise into working with neurodivergent children and focusing on early intervention. She also loves working and interacting with clients in their natural environment, whether that be at home, at school, or in their kindergarten.
Marisa has most recently completed the Meaningful Speech course to better understand and support gestalt language communicators. She is a big advocate for keeping sessions fun and as interactive as possible to develop a meaningful bond with her clients and their families.
Marisa will be working full time in the Chelsea Heights clinic, and completing mobile sessions in the South East.
When Marisa is not at work you can find her enjoying quality time with her doggo Zion and indulging her love for soccer alongside her partner.
gina - practice manager
coming soon
senior therapists
CARLA - SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/HER
Carla is a paediatric Occupational Therapist who graduated from Deakin University in 2019. Since then, Carla has been working within the early intervention space, supporting children aged between 0-12 years and their families.
Carla enjoys providing intervention across a variety of natural settings including the home, kinder and school environments.
Carla loves supporting children in all areas of their daily living skills, however, has a strong passion for motor development and social-emotional wellbeing. She loves working collectively with families to work towards achieving meaningful goals and loves nothing more than seeing a child with a big smile on their face as they celebrate their success!
In her spare time, Carla enjoys living an active lifestyle, spending time outdoors and going on adventures. Carla loves road-tripping with her partner and puppy, and spending time with her family and friends.
MONICA - SENIOR SPEECH PATHOLOGIST, STUDENT PLACEMENT COORDINATOR - SHE/HER
Monica is a paediatric Speech Therapist who graduated from La Trobe University, completing a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Rehabilitation Counselling, before completing a Masters of Speech Pathology. Since graduating, she has worked with children aged 2 – 18 in private practice, kindergarten, primary, and high school settings.
As a therapist, Monica is an advocate for strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming therapy, while striving to support children and families through a holistic and engaging approach. Sessions will entail creativity, excitement, and play-based learning, to ensure every child has the opportunity to feel empowered in their own growth.
Monica is dedicated to building rapport and developing a collaborative relationship with the important people in the child’s life, to allow for ongoing, tailored, optimal support.
Monica is a huge believer in the concept of ongoing learning and development and has engaged in many additional courses and professional development in the areas of neurodiversity-affirming therapy, gestalt language processing, PDA, self and co-regulation, cued articulation, and key word sign.
When Monica isn’t at work, you’ll find her brunching around Melbourne, gigging at local venues, or watching the formula one.
hat - Senior sPEECH PATHOLOGIST
coming soon
TAYLAH - SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/HER
Taylah is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from La Trobe University completing a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Rehab Counselling before going onto completing a Masters of Occupational Therapy. Since graduating she has worked in a range of settings in both adults, adolescence, and children. Taylah has also worked with kindergarten educators in the School Readiness Program.
Taylah is dedicated to using her creativity to make her session fun and engaging for each child and ensuring families feel supported and empowered. Taylah is passionate about developing collaborative relationships with those involved in helping a child reach their goals.
Taylah has undertaken additional training in: Learn to Play, DIRFloortime, Tuning Into Kids, The Alert Program, Zones of Regulation, SPARK Communication-Hanen Program, The Traffic Jam In My Brain, and Interoception based approaches.
In her spare time Taylah enjoys going out for brunch, reading, camping and traveling to new places.
SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS
BRYLIE - SPEECH PATHOLOGIST - SHE/HER
Brylie is a Speech Pathologist who graduated from Australian Catholic University in 2022.
Brylie has an interest in working with children with speech sound disorders, early language intervention, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Brylie is passionate about providing play-based, engaging therapy, that is tailored to her children’s interests. She is also dedicated to creating a collaborative therapy environment with the child’s family.
Brylie has undertaken additional training in: Gestalt Language Processing, Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) and Key Word Sign.
She works in the North at the Glenroy clinic Monday to Friday and provides mobile based service in the Hume/Moreland region.
When Brylie is not at work, you will find her going out for dinner, on a walk or spending time with her family and friends.
PAIGE - SPEECH PATHOLOGIST - SHE/HER
Paige is a paediatric Speech Pathologist who graduated with her Masters from Latrobe university. Having worked with children across the lifespan in schools, community and private practice, Paige has supported clients in the areas of speech, language, AAC, feeding and play.
Paige channels her expertise and passion into providing neurodiverse-affirming therapy and strives to provide holistic care. She applies a family-oriented, strengths-based approach, and works with the child’s strengths and interests, to empower and support them.
Paige values ongoing learning and has engaged in further learning in the areas of neurodiversity-affirming therapy, gestalt language processing, PDA. She has also undertaken additional training in: LAMP, Key Word Sign and Sounds Write Literacy training.
In her spare time, you will find her teaching Pilates, walking her dog (Millie) and exploring different cafes in search for the best latte.
TAYLAH - SPEECH PATHOLOGIST, GROUP PROGRAM FACILITATOR - SHE/HER
Taylah is a Speech Pathologist who graduated with her masters from La Trobe University in 2020.
Taylah has an interest in working with children and their families from vulnerable backgrounds as well as with complex needs to assist with the development of their speech, language and communication skills.
Taylah is enthusiastic and motivated about providing a holistic, fun and family-centred approach to therapy to ensure that the children and families she works with achieve the best outcomes and that therapy is easy to. Taylah works at the Glenroy clinic and also provides mobile based service in the Hume/Moreland region.
Taylah has undertaken additional training in: Hanen 4 I's to Socialise, Key Word Sign, Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) Introductory Workshop, Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) and Family Centred and Strength Based Practice.
When Taylah isn’t working, you might see her outside taking her dog for a walk, spending time at the beach or reading a good book.
CHALINI (CHARLIE) - SPEECH PATHOLOGIST - SHE/HER
Charlie is a Speech Pathologist who graduated from Australian Catholic University (ACU) in 2022.
Charlie has a passion for working in early language intervention, speech sounds, and working with children who have complex needs and use Augmentative Alternative Communication.
Charlie believes that building rapport and tailoring sessions to the child's special interests make sessions fun and keep the children motivated! Charlie enjoys collaborating with children and their families to meet their specific communication goal.
Charlie has undertaken additional training in: Hanen – More Than Words, Meaningful speech Gestalt Language Processing, and Key Word Sign.
When Charlie isn't at work, you'll find her playing with her doggo Loki, finding new places to eat, playing games on her Nintendo Switch, or spending time with friends and family.
SOPHIE - SPEECH PATHOLOGIST - SHE/HER
Sophie is a paediatric Speech Pathologist who completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the Australian Catholic University in 2020.
Sophie has since worked in private practice, working with clients of all ages and has a passion for speech and language disorders. Sophie loves being able to support clients and their families in overcoming their communication challenges, which allows them to thrive in a variety of different settings.
Sophie is passionate about creativity and engagement and always thrives to make sessions fun and enjoyable, whilst working towards achieving the clients’ specific goals.
Sophie works in the South East clinic Monday to Friday.
When she is not at work, Sophie enjoys spending her time walking her dog Harry on the beach, catching up with family and friends, or reading a good book.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
JAMES - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - THEY/THEM
James completed their Bachelor (Honours) of Occupational Therapy at Monash University and has worked in paediatrics ever since.
James’ practice is guided by a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, reflective, and responsive lens that is dedicated to ongoing learning and un-learning. James mostly works with neurodivergent children and their families.
They support all the classic OT areas centered on meaningful activities and routines for the child and family. Self-advocacy, connection, identity, emotion coregulation, and sensory needs are fundamentals to supporting these meaningful routines and activities too, so they are often a focus within James’ OT approach too.
They hope to provide a safe, authentic, fun and caring space for the children and families they work with.
Outside of work, James currently loves bouldering, music, sudokus and Lego (only time knows which of these passions will last long).
MADDY - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/HER
Maddy completed her Occupational Therapy degree at Australian Catholic University.
She has a passion for working with children and young adults to improve on their abilities in all areas of life including self-care, social and play skills and in fine and gross motor skills.
Maddy believes it is important to incorporate children’s strengths and interests into therapy to keep it fun and motivating! Maddy works at the Glenroy clinic and also provides mobile based service in the Hume/Moreland region.
In her spare time, Maddy enjoys listening to music, going to the beach, and doing anything creative!
NOAH - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - HE/HIM
Noah is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from Monash University in 2022. Noah previously worked as a support worker and developed a keen interest in both paediatrics and neurodiversity.
Noah's focus areas include toileting, emotional regulation, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). He believes in integrating fun into therapy sessions and tailoring interventions to a child's interests. Noah adopts a holistic approach by closely collaborating with families, offering a blend of parent coaching and individual therapy to achieve children's goals.
Continuing his professional growth, Noah has pursued further education in neurodiverse affirming practice, supporting school can't, mental health and neurodiversity and the parent coaching approach.
Noah enjoys meeting new people with diverse backgrounds and supporting them to meet their goals. Located at the Glenroy clinic, Noah also extends his services through a mobile-based service to the Hume/Moreland region.
When Noah is not at work, he enjoys listening to music, painting, travelling, or playing football.
YASEMIN - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/HER
Yasemin is an Occupational Therapist who has a background in Health Sciences, majoring in Rehabilitation Counselling, and a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from La Trobe University. Throughout her career, she discovered a passion for working with children and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, family-centered approach in her practice.
Yasemin’s approach to working with children is all about making therapy enjoyable and engaging. She understands the unique strengths and abilities of each child and focuses on making therapy a positive and affirming experience.
Yasemin operates out of the Glenroy clinic in the North, providing her services from Monday to Friday. Additionally, she offers a mobile-based service in the Hume/Moreland region.
Outside of her work, Yasemin enjoys warm days by the beach, exploring different places to eat and traveling. She values sharing moments with loved ones and enjoys taking her dog Ayva out for walkies.
AMELIA - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/HER
Amelia completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from Monash University and has since worked in both New South Wales and Victoria. She is a neurodiverse-affirming therapist and has a special interest in working with Autistic and ADHDer children.
Amelia has experience working with families and children across multiple setting including in the clinic, home, kinder and school. She has completed further training in the areas of emotional regulation, executive functioning, sleep, and neurodiverse-affirming practice. Amelia loves exploring children’s special interests with them and building a trusting relationship with the families she works with.
Amelia works in the Chelsea Heights clinic Tuesday to Friday, and every second Monday.
Outside of work, Amelia loves going to cafés, watching Formula 1, and listening to Taylor Swift.
BONNY - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/HER
Bonny completed her Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Occupational Therapy Practice in 2022 at Latrobe University.
From the beginning of her first year of university, Bonny knew she would end up working in pediatrics as it has unmistakably always been her passion. Being a country girl at heart, she strongly values working with children in a trauma informed, strengths based and empathetic way.
Bonny has a keen interest in working with children and their families to build a safe and trusting connection, and to identify goals that are important to children and their families. Bonny has a passion for advocating for her clients and helping celebrate their brains and differences in a neuro-diverse affirming way.
Bonny works at the Chelsea clinic and provides mobile based service in the South East.
In her spare time Bonny loves going for brunch, baking, travelling and spending time with her beautiful family and friends!
ISABELLE - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/THEY
Isabelle is a paediatric Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University in 2023. Prior to this, Isabelle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology at Swinburne University in 2019.
Isabelle has experience within community, NDIS, and private practice, working with both children and young adults. Isabelle is passionate about advocating and supporting her clients to reach their goals.
Isabelle works in the Chelsea clinic from Tuesday to Friday and provides mobile service to the Casey region. She's always looking to develop her skills in early intervention and has a particular interest in parent coaching and child-led approaches.
In her spare time, Isabelle loves reading fantasy books, crocheting, drawing, and spending time with family and friends.
TESSA - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - SHE/HER
Tessa graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2020. Tessa has always had a strong passion for working with children and families, and has worked in the paediatric space from course completion.
She values engaging in therapy that is child-led, strengths-based, and uses a neuroaffirming lens. Tessa appreciates spending time to build rapport and create a safe and friendly environment for children to meet their needs. In addition to this, Tessa feels very strongly about ensuring that families feel supported throughout the therapy process.
Tessa works in the South East clinic Monday to Friday.
When Tessa is not at work, she enjoys engaging in spontaneous craft activities with her friends, going to pilates classes, and enjoying the outdoors.
administration team
JOANN - Operations & Finance Manager - SHE/they
Joann comes from a background in youth work and operations management and has a deep passion for supporting young people, neuro-affirming therapy approaches, and creating safe, welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds.
Based at our Glenroy clinic, Joann handles SPOT's operations and finances, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for both clients and therapists.
Joann works all weekdays bar Wednesday and speaks both English and Assyrian to support our diverse northern suburbs. In her free time, Joann enjoys soaking up the sun and exploring her latest creative passions.
CHESKA - ADMINISTRATION - SHE/HER
Cheska comes from an admin and customer service background, and has recently moved to Melbourne from London. She loves children and had been working as an Au-Pair during her time in Australia.
Cheska believes that children are our future and wants to help build an amazing life for them.
Cheska works in the North Tuesday-Friday. When she’s not at work, Cheska is seeing her friends, cooking delicious food, and feeding her shopping addiction.
LANI - ADMINISTRATION - SHE/HER
Lani comes from a hospitality and Allied Health Assistant background and has a strong passion for working with people. She loves having a chat and making sure each person she sees leaves with a smile on their face.
Lani plays basketball on Thursdays with some of her best friends - mainly to have a gossip sesh.
Lani works in the South Monday-Thursday. On her days off she can be found going to the beach, walking her dog or going to Pilates.