ABOUT US

Mobile Therapy:
We come to you!

Our passionate and skilled speech therapists are here to support your child and your family.

We work in homes, daycares and schools, closely with you and the team around your child to embed strategies into everyday interactions.

Neurodiversity Affirming speech therapy in your child’s familiar environment.

What We Do

Our Dedicated Team at Speech and Language Sydney brings vast experience working with children and young people across diverse settings, including mainstream schools and SSPs, pre-schools, homes, and clinics. We have a strong focus on working with neurodivergent children, with a focus on autistic children and their families.

We are also experienced in supporting children with language difficulties, speech sound difficulties, stuttering, literacy difficulties and communicating with peers. We excel in supporting individuals through transitions, whether from High School to College, University, or into employment, all while championing neurodiversity affirming practices .

How We Work

Being mobile, we work differently to clinic practices by identifying communication goals that impact your child’s everyday communication. We work collaboratively with families and the rest of your child’s team for best outcomes. We work together as a team with parents to set goals that are functional and relevant to your child and your family. Our therapy practices are evidence based and focus on supporting communication skills, not just in a clinic room, but across home life and across your child or young person’s day.

Who We Help

We love working with children and young adults ages 0-21. We have a particular passion for helping autistic children and those with other neurodivergence, and can support the following...

Gestalt language processors, those using high and low tech AAC (alternative and augmentative communication), language difficulties (difficulties with understanding language and using language), speech sound difficulties, stuttering / disfluency, literacy difficulties, feeding difficulties. Additionally, those with other diagnoses (but not limited to) such as Global Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Down’s Syndrome.

On booking, you will be matched with the best therapist for your child, depending on your child’s support needs and the therapist’s experience and personality.
Get in Touch

Meet our team

Meet the lovely faces behind SaLS!
Emma McRorie
Director and Speech Pathologist
Emma is a neurodivergent speech pathologist whose journey from a solo clinician to starting her private practice speaks volumes about her passion for Speech Pathology and her commitment to making a difference. Her aim was to create a practice that focused on practical, useful, and functional communication objectives. Understanding the importance of familiar environments in facilitating progress, Emma and her team prioritise working closely with parents and educators, whether at home or in school settings. Their Neurodiversity affirming approach to therapy is evidence based and is informed by listening to the lived experience of neurodivergent people themselves. These things combined mean that client supports extend to and are integrated into everyday life, ensuring a more comprehensive impact across home and school contexts.

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Emma's journey began in Scotland, where she studied Speech Pathology in Edinburgh, qualifying in 2009, before delving into her career in London's NHS. During her seven-year span as a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Emma discovered her passion for supporting autistic children and their families. She eventually made the significant move to Sydney; working as a Senior Speech Pathologist in a private practice. She then transitioned to a disability service, assuming the role of Speech Supervisor, where she could continue her dedicated work supporting autistic children.

Emma is a neurodivergent speech pathologist whose journey from a solo clinician to starting her private practice speaks volumes about her passion for Speech Pathology and her commitment to making a difference. Her aim was to create a practice that focused on practical, useful, and functional communication objectives. Understanding the importance of familiar environments in facilitating progress, Emma and her team prioritise working closely with parents and educators, whether at home or in school settings. Their Neurodiversity affirming approach to therapy is evidence based and is informed by listening to the lived experience of neurodivergent people themselves. These things combined mean that client supports extend to and are integrated into everyday life, ensuring a more comprehensive impact across home and school contexts.

Emma has embarked on a journey of self-discovery, having recently received an ADHD diagnosis. Her personal journey has not only shaped her therapy approach but also made her sessions deeply relatable for neurodivergent clients. Emma's dedication extends beyond her individual practice; she is committed to instilling a neurodiversity-affirming approach within our team. Her passion lies in ensuring that neuro-affirming practices are not just a part of what we do at Speech and Language Sydney but at the very core of our mission. Rather than aiming to change individuals, she focuses on celebrating their strengths and collaboratively developing skills based on their chosen areas of focus. This approach fosters an environment of acceptance, empowerment, and collaboration, ultimately supporting individuals in their growth and development. Emma's extensive experience covers various speech and language difficulties. She has a strong passion for supporting neurodivergent clients, their families and the team around them. Her expertise extends to aiding clients who use both high- and low-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods.

Emma's collaboration with Occupational Therapists highlights her comprehensive approach, utilising strategies that address sensory and emotional regulation in her therapy sessions. This holistic perspective ensures a well-rounded and supportive environment for the children she works with. Emma also has experience in working with children with speech sound delay/ disorder, dysfluency (stuttering), language delay/disorder. Emma's commitment to continuous learning is evident through her extensive training, encompassing various methodologies to better support her families and the SaLS team. Her dedication to neurodiversity affirming practice is reflected in her emphasis on staying updated with the latest research and providing professional development centred around these principles. While Emma prioritises neurodiversity affirming practices, her vast knowledge ensures a comprehensive understanding of various approaches, enabling her to adapt and provide the most effective support for the children and families she works with. Emma has undertaken training in Meaningful Speech course (for supporting Gestalt Language Processors), AAC for Gestalt Language Processors Course, The SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Supports), Nuffield Dyspraxia Training, Therapy Approaches for Speech Sound Disorders in Children, Autism & Deafness, An Introduction to Shape Coding, Sensory Integration and Video Parent Child Interaction. Emma's dedication to her work at SaLS is balanced with her family time, hobbies, and interests. Whether she's enjoying quality moments with her loved ones or indulging in dance classes and crafting with friends, she values the balance between her professional commitments and personal life.

Lisa Rickard
Practice Manager
Lisa is our dedicated Practice Manager, combines hard work with warmth and friendliness. She's committed to facilitating a seamless experience for our families and team members, ensuring enquiries, questions, and payments are handled with efficiency and a welcoming demeanour. Lisa fosters a safe and inviting environment at Speech and Language Sydney, striving for positive experiences for everyone involved.

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Her integral role involves supporting our speech pathologists, enabling their effective and efficient work. With extensive experience in the Allied Health Industry, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge. Her genuine passion for speech and language shines through her commitment to helping families achieve their therapy goals. Lisa is always available to offer assistance and expertise, eager to support and address any questions or concerns. Lisa's profound passion for speech and language shines through with her extensive industry knowledge. 

Lisa is patient, kind and caring. She is skilled in reception and administrative duties, customer service, human resources, payroll, leadership, social media and has strong communication and administration skills. Her dedication to continuous learning allows her to excel in any role she undertakes, taking ownership and executing responsibilities effectively. Known for her excellent customer service, communication skills, and ability to build strong connections, Lisa's approach is marked by patience, kindness, and care.

Lisa's dedication to fostering a positive work environment for the team at Speech and Language Sydney is commendable. She focuses on collaboration, clear communication, and support for therapists, enabling them to devote their attention to families while nurturing a vibrant team culture. Outside of work, Lisa embraces quality time with her fiancé Shane, her fur baby Hugo and loved ones, she relishes in shopping adventures, exploring new dining experiences, and indulging in travel and pampering.

Ewelina Zak
Speech Pathologist and Clinical Educator
Ewelina holds a Masters of Speech Language Pathology from the University of Sydney. Ewelina brings a bright, bubbly, and compassionate approach to her service delivery. Her fun and friendly nature plays a key role in establishing strong connections with both her clients and their families. Ewelina is dedicated to fostering enjoyable and interactive sessions, striving to create an engaging environment. Her particular passion lies in supporting autistic children and their families.Throughout Ewelina’s professional journey, she has engaged with diverse age groups and various disorders. Her experience as a Speech and Language Pathologist spans across multiple settings including schools, daycares, preschools, and homes.

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Ewelina has effectively supported a wide range of children facing speech, language, and literacy challenges. She has experience working with and assisting autistic children, those with intellectual disabilities or global developmental delays. Ewelina has experience supporting clients who use both high and low-tech AAC for communication. From guiding families in the initial stages of introducing AAC to finding the most suitable system for a child or young person, to optimising the use of established AAC systems, Ewelina ensures comprehensive support for her clients and their families.

Ewelina's passion lies in adopting a family-centered approach to intervention, working closely with teachers and allied health professionals. Her aim is to craft the most comprehensive and holistic approach, aligning individual goals with the needs of families.

Ewelina is dedicated to continuous learning and has completed courses in Hanen More Than Words, Sounds Write, and The SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Supports). She actively contributes to our clinical education program, overseeing and supporting university speech pathology students during their placements. Furthermore, Ewelina's bilingual proficiency allows her to provide therapy in both English and Polish.

Outside her work at SaLS, Ewelina finds joy in Polish dancing, hiking, beach outings, reading, relishing good food, and spending quality time playing with her cat.

Rachel Chen
Speech Pathologist
Rachel holds a Masters of Speech Language Pathology from the University of Sydney. Her service approach is delivered with patience and empathy. She strongly believes in the power of learning through play, advocating for activities seamlessly integrated into daily tasks. Rachel aims for children to flourish not just within therapy but also in their home, school, and community settings. Rachel has a commitment to advocating for families and individuals, fostering collaboration to defeat challenges and attain meaningful outcomes. Her focus lies in aiding families to formulate functional goals, fostering meaningful interactions, and encouraging active participation in daily tasks.

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Throughout Rachel’s professional journey she has supported children with speech, language, fluency, and literacy challenges in diverse settings, including schools, preschools, daycares, and homes. Rachel has extensive experience supporting children facing additional difficulties, including autistic children, global developmental delay, and intellectual delay.

Rachel places strong emphasis on parent education and training. She passionately champions a holistic intervention approach, engaging closely with all family members to ensure therapy is enjoyable, purposeful, and engaging.

Rachel maintains a firm commitment to continual growth, enhancing her knowledge and skills through professional development courses such as It Takes Two to Talk (Hanen), Key Word Sign (KWS), Sounds-Write and Meaningful Speech course (for supporting Gestalt Language Processors). Additionally, Rachel's bilingual proficiency enables her to provide therapy in both English and Mandarin.Outside of her role at SaLS, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, playing the piano, exploring acrylic painting, delving into novels, and unwinding with the Nintendo Switch.

Tennessa Chan
Speech Pathologist
Tennessa holds a Masters of Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Sydney. Her kind, caring, and patient nature define her therapeutic approach. She is deeply passionate about collaborating with children, striving to attain functional and meaningful communication goals to unlock their potential. Tennessa's specific interests lie in fluency and literacy. Her professional experience encompasses addressing speech, language, fluency, and literacy challenges in diverse settings such as schools, preschools, daycares, and homes. Tennessa has experience in supporting children with additional difficulties, including autistic children, children with a global developmental delay, and/or intellectual delay.

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Tennessa actively engages with children, families, teachers, and allied health professionals to craft a holistic approach aimed at achieving individual goals. Her calm and nurturing demeanour fosters an engaging and secure therapy environment, nurturing children's growth. Her passion lies in assisting children, adolescents, and young adults to accomplish their goals and participate in meaningful activities that resonate with them and their families.

Tennessa's dedication to expanding her knowledge reflects her commitment to providing a high level of support and care to families. She has received training in Authentic AAC - Learn Play Thrive, Sounds Write, Meaningful Speech course (for supporting Gestalt Language Processors) and The SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Supports).

Tennessa's multilingual capabilities allow her to provide therapy in English, Mandarin, or Cantonese.Outside her work at SaLS, Tennessa indulges in exploring new restaurants, savouring different cuisines, playing musical instruments such as the piano and harp, watching movies, enjoying games on the Switch, and indulging in a spot of shopping.

Michelle Bedford
Senior Speech Pathologist
Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm from her studies at the University of Sydney, holding a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Speech and Hearing along with a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. Her passion lies in supporting children across diverse ages and abilities, employing a range of creative, evidence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming strategies.She strongly advocates for early identification of communication differences, emphasising collaborative teamwork to ensure the best support for both the child and their family. Michelle fosters a holistic and client-centred approach to achieve the most beneficial outcomes for all involved.

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Michelle's professional background spans across various environments, encompassing private practice, schools, early childcare centres, and non-profit organisations. Her specific focus lies in supporting young children—infants, babies, and preschoolers—alongside their families.She emphasises relationship-building as the cornerstone for client-centred, functional, and collaborative interventions. Michelle thrives on witnessing children achieve their goals and firmly believes that this progress is best nurtured within fun, supportive, and caring environments.

Michelle's compassionate and empathetic approach in her work emphasises learning through play, embedding activities seamlessly into daily routines. Advocacy and collaborative efforts with families and individuals form the crux of her passion, aiming to achieve meaningful outcomes together. Her goal is to assist families in setting functional objectives that enable meaningful interactions and participation in daily activities. Michelle's dedication to ongoing growth and development is evident through her completion of various training programs, including Key Word Sign, Hanen More Than Words, LAMP Words for Life, AAC Workshops, and Paediatric Feeding Workshops.

Michelle's role extends beyond direct clinical services to include supervisory and mentoring responsibilities for our team of Speech Pathologists. Outside of work, she cherishes adventures with her husband Simon and their son Archie. Michelle relishes exploring new cafés and coffee shops, reconnecting with friends, enjoying nature through walks, and indulging in a good book.

Lily Hubble
Speech Pathologist
Lily holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) from the University of Sydney. Lily is a passionate speech pathologist eager to make a difference in the lives of those she supports. Her approach to therapy is holistic and family-centered. Lily believes in addressing not just the individual's needs, but also involving and supporting their families every step of the way.   Lily is a fun, patient and empathetic Speech Pathologist. She firmly believes in the efficacy of learning through play. Lily’s goal is to empower children to thrive not only within therapy sessions but also in their homes, schools, and communities. Lily is dedicated to advocating for families and individuals, promoting collaboration to overcome challenges and achieve results. She focuses on assisting families in crafting practical goals, nurturing meaningful interactions, and fostering active engagement in everyday activities.

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Lily’s experience encompasses a range of areas of speech pathology. This includes Speech, Language, and Literacy for Preschool and School-Aged Children. Lily is adept at tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of children at different stages of development, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive academically and socially. Lily is also experienced in supporting Neurodivergent Children. She has a true understanding that every child is unique, and she is dedicated to providing inclusive and supportive therapy to neurodivergent children, ensuring they have access to the resources and strategies they need to succeed.  

With a commitment to lifelong learning and driven by a dedication to continuous growth, Lily eagerly seeks opportunities to refine her expertise and expand her knowledge. She looks forward to collaborating with children and their families, guiding them along their journey towards growth and success. Lily has completed the Adina Levy Affirming Communication for Autistic Children Course and the Liberator AAC FOUNDATIONS course.  

During her downtime, Lily enjoys exploring various crafts and engaging in creative pursuits like pottery, sewing, and art. She finds solace in playing games or immersing herself in a captivating book, often accompanied by the comforting presence of her beloved cat curled up beside her.