Heidi Cornwell, B.App.Sc (Speech Pathology), CPSP, Clinic Director, has been working as a Speech Pathologist within the Northern Beaches for a number of years. Heidi has experience in early intervention for children with speech and language delay, with a special interest in the area of Childhood Apraxia of speech (Dyspraxia). Heidi has worked closely with preschools and schools in the area to provide support for educators working with children with communication difficulties. She is trained in Lidcombe Program for stuttering, PROMPT, Sounds-Write, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and many more. If you have any questions about the clinic please feel free to contact her at any stage.
Farran De Wet, B. Arts Speech Language and Hearing therapy, CPSP Senior Clinical Speech Pathologist. Farran received her qualifications from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa just over 20 years ago. Over the course of her career, Farran has accumulated a wealth of experience working with families and clients of diverse backgrounds and age groups in South Africa, New Zealand and Qatar before moving to Sydney in 2016 with her family. Farran has undergone specialised training in various areas such as Sounds-Write (Years K-2 and Years 3-6), Hanen (It takes two to talk and Target word), Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing, Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment and the Kaufman Speech to Language protocol. Farran has also trained in Oro-facial myofunctional therapy. This reflects her commitment to staying updated with the latest research and techniques in the field. As a Senior Clinical Speech Pathologist Farran not only provides direct clinical services but is also passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of speech pathologists.
Kathren Lemmetty, B.App.Sc (Speech Pathology), CPSP. Kathren completed her Speech Pathology Degree at Sydney University and has been working with a diverse range of families for over 20 years in private practice in Sydney’s West, QLD’s Gold Coast and now Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Kathren is committed to helping clients and strives to make a difference in their lives from initial assessment to providing evidence-based intervention. Kathren’s areas of interest include speech, language, fluency and literacy. Kathren is knowledgeable in the use of the Hanen Program “It takes Two to Talk”, a program designed specifically for parents of young children (0-5years) where parents are taught practical strategies to help their children learn language naturally throughout the day. She is trained in the Lidcombe Program, a behavioural program for young children who stutter. Kathren is a Spalding trained literacy instructor, teaching children to read, write and spell integrating explicit, sequential, systematic and multi-sensory teaching of phonics and spelling rules. Kathren is passionate about addressing the unique needs of children by providing parents with the tools, strategies and support they need to help their children reach their full communication potential. Kathren enjoys liaising with parents and teachers regarding progress of therapy and ideas for the classroom and provides recommendations for therapy in the writing of comprehensive assessment and progress reports for GP’s, paediatricians and schools.
Kathren is a mum to two teenage boys and spends her free time shopping, cooking and cleaning and is a committed soccer mum!
Lydia Cole BA(Hons) PgDip Speech & Language, CPSP is an experienced Speech Pathologist who has worked for several years in London and Sydney in both the private and public sector. Lydia’s clinical experience includes working with preschool and school aged children with a range of speech, language and communication needs in a variety of settings. She has gained valuable experience working collaboratively with teachers, parents, educational psychologists and other professionals to provide a holistic approach to working with children and their families. Lydia has an interest in Developmental Language Disorder and speech disorders. Lydia is trained in Key Word Sign (KWS), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Sounds Write, and Shape Coding. Lydia works on Thursday in schools.
Natalie O’Connor, MSLP, CPSP. Natalie completed her Speech and Language Pathology degree at the University of Sydney. Natalie knows the power of learning through play and she loves to play when working with young children who require early intervention.
Natalie works with children of all ages and has had experience in the areas of speech sound disorders, language difficulties, stuttering, literacy, and social communication difficulties. Natalie is trained in a range of treatment methods and programs, including Sounds-Write (a synthetic phonics literacy program) and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (a treatment method designed specifically for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech). Natalie is dedicated to implementing therapy using the most recent, evidence-based practice.
In her spare time, Natalie enjoys staying active, and catching up with family and friends.
Sophia Snaidero (Nee Mellino), MSpPath, B.SpHLSc, CPSP, is a passionate and motivated Speech Pathologist who strives to help every person to reach their full, communicative potential. She is committed to working closely with clients and their families to achieve functional communication goals in a supportive environment. Sophia completed her Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at Macquarie University, followed by her Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Technology, Sydney.
Sophia has had the opportunity to work with children and adults in a range of settings such as disability day programs, community health and in private practices in Sydney. She has had experience providing assessment and intervention within the clinic and via telehealth.
Sophia is well-versed in providing intervention for literacy, phonological and motoric speech sound disorders including Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), stuttering, early language intervention, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), and providing affirming therapy approaches for neurodivergent children.
She has completed training and professional development in Sounds Write, The Lidcombe Program, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) and The Nuffield Dyspraxia Program (NDP3). Sophia continues to expand her knowledge and learning through courses and workshops. She is committed to keeping up to date with the latest evidence-based research to best inform her practice. Sophia can speak English and Italian. Outside of work, she loves to play netball and catch up with friends.
Jasmine Fung, M.SpPath, B.Arts, MSPA, CPSP is a Speech Pathologist who completed her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Psychology at the University of New South Wales, followed by her Master of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Sydney. Jasmine has a passion for working with individuals with communication difficulties, using a family- centred approach and collaborating on goals that are functional and specific to their everyday lives, and delivering the most recent and evidence-based therapy. She is dedicated to providing a supportive and safe learning environment to individuals to achieve their full potential, and more importantly to enjoy and have FUN in therapy!
Jasmine has had experience working with children in a range of clinical settings including schools, disability services, hospitals, public health and other private practices in Sydney. She has had experience in delivering assessments and therapy in the areas of speech, language, swallowing, voice, fluency and multi- modal communication in the clinic and via telehealth. Jasmine is trained in Sounds- Write (by John Walker), Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (by Dr Edythe Strand), Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (by Tricia McCabe) and Gestalt Language Acquisition (by Marge Blanc).
In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys going on coastal walks, dining in cafes, catching up with friends, watching movies and spending time with her cats. Fun fact, Jasmine is scared of goldfish and frogs!
Ashleigh Bortz, MSpPath, B.SpHSc, CPSP is a dedicated and compassionate Speech Pathologist who is committed to helping children unlock their full speech, language and communication potential. Ashleigh completed her Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Macquarie University, followed by her Master of Speech Pathology at the University of Technology Sydney. Ashleigh is a bilingual speaker of French and English and has achieved a Diploma of Advanced French (DALF C1, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). With a holistic, personalised and family-centred approach, Ashleigh believes in fostering strong relationships with clients and families.
Ashleigh has had the opportunity to work with children with a varied needs across a range of clinical settings including community health, disability services, aged-care facilities, hospitals, public health, and other private practices. She has had experience in delivering assessments and therapy for children in the areas of speech, language, fluency, voice, and multi-modal communication via tele-health and in the clinic. Ashleigh is also trained in Basic Key Word Sign. On the weekends, Ashleigh loves playing hockey, going rock climbing, walking her dogs, and spending quality time with friends and family.