Jess is a paediatric Speech Pathologist at Hastings Macleay Speech Pathology. After completing a Bachelor of Nutrition Science in 2019, she chose to pursue a different career path and went on to complete her Master of Speech Pathology. During her studies, she gained valuable experience working as an Allied Health Assistant while completing her degree.

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Originally from Launceston, Tasmania, she moved to Port Macquarie in 2023 with her fiancé and their two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her dogs, attempting to catch a wave, and making the most of the beautiful coastal sunshine.

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Her passion for Speech Pathology stems from her love of working in Early Intervention. She finds it incredibly rewarding to support children’s communication development and empower families, witnessing growth in connection, confidence, happiness, and joyful communication experiences.

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Jess has supported children in rural areas across Tasmania and the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, and is passionate about continuing to learn from families of diverse cultures and complex backgrounds. Her therapy sessions are guided by a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based approach, tailoring assessment and intervention to suit each child’s individual needs holistically. She values working in partnership with families and collaborating with other allied health and medical professionals to achieve meaningful communication and feeding goals.

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Jess has developed a strong interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), gestalt language processing, sensory regulation, literacy development, and paediatric feeding, particularly for autistic children and other neurodivergent populations.

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Additional Training & Certifications:

• Certified Sounds-Write Practitioner

• Brisbane Feeding Training – Introduction to Feeding Basics (Assessment & Intervention)

• Certified in The Hanen Program – Hanen Launchpad to Literacy™

• MSPA & CPSP – Speech Pathology Australia

• Feeding Therapy Australia – Responsive Feeding House Model: Postgraduate Paediatric Feeding Workshop