• NDIS Registered Provider
Book an Appointment
Make a Referral
Click to refer
click to book

Speech Pathology in Cessnock

Communication is how we connect with the world. When that connection is hard, it can feel isolating. Our Cessnock Speech Pathology team is here to bridge that gap. We do not just look at speech. We look at connection. Whether it is supporting a child to express their needs, helping an adult navigate swallowing difficulties, or building social capacity, we work at your pace. Our goal is to support independence and maximize your ability to advocate for yourself.
Start Your Enquiry
Find Your Closest Clinic
Speech therapy session with a child at Optimum Health Solutions in Cessnock.

Who We Support With Speech Pathology in Cessnock

We support anyone finding it hard to connect with others or manage mealtimes safely. Communication is the bridge between people, and when that bridge is broken, life can feel lonely and frustrating.

We are here to help you rebuild that connection and regain your confidence. Whether it is finding a voice for a child or ensuring a stroke survivor can eat safely, we work alongside you to restore capacity and joy in interaction.

Speech clarity & fluency
Language Development & Understanding
Literacy support
Voice concerns
Social communication
AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
After Stroke or Brain Injury

Speech Pathology Services Available at Cessnock

Personalised Communication Plans

We build capacity with a plan shaped around your life. Speech, language, or social communication, we focus on what matters to you and support independence day to day.

Language & Communication Support

Find clear ways to share your thoughts. We help children and adults maximize autonomy with practical strategies for understanding, speaking, and expressing themselves.

Swallowing & Mealtimes

Eating should feel safe and enjoyable. We provide strategies to navigate chewing and swallowing difficulties and set up mealtime plans that fit your routine.

Social Connection Skills

We help you connect with others. Learn cues, start conversations, and build confidence at home, school, work, and in the community.

How Speech Pathology Works at Our Cessnock Clinic

1.

Listen & Assess

We meet where you feel comfortable. We check current communication or swallowing skills in a relaxed way. Simple chat. Play for kids. Clear questions for adults.
2.

Plan & Roadmap

Together, we set priorities and build a therapy plan. We navigate your funding with the Optimum Roadmap, mapping assessments, sessions, and case conferences so you know what’s next.

3.

Active Therapy

Short, practical sessions. We use everyday conversation, mealtime strategies, and tools like AAC when helpful. The aim: build capacity and support independence.

4.

Real‑Life Practice

We take therapy into your world, home, school, work, or community so new skills stick. Simple steps you can use between sessions.

5.

Review & Adjust

We check what’s working and fine tune the plan. If needed, our team holds MDT case conferences so everyone stays aligned, no repeating your story five times.

6.

Maintain & Prevent

We set up easy routines, tips, and supports to keep progress steady. You keep communicating clearly for the long term and maximize autonomy day to day.

Meet Our Cessnock Speech Pathologists

Morgan Meola

Morgan Meola

Discipline Area Manager & Speech Pathologist

BSLP, MSPA, CPSP

Sabeeka Aga

Speech Pathologist

BSpHSc, MSLP, MSPA-CPSP

Georgina Edwards

Speech Pathologist

BAppSc, MSpPath, CPSP

Georgia Triffitt

Speech Pathologist

BLL, MSpPath

Emily Watters

Speech Pathologist

B.SpPath (Hons)

Claudia Matek

Speech Pathologist

BAppSc(SpPath)

Amy Kelleher

Speech Pathologist

MSLP, BPsych, BSHLS

Joyce Lee

Joyce Lee

Speech Pathologist

BAppSc (SpPath)

Gayle Rogers

Gayle Rogers

National Head Of Clinical Development & Speech Pathologist

BAppSc(Speech Pathology), GradCertBA

Brittany Fritz

Brittany Fritz

Speech Pathologist

BCommDis, MSc

April Ju

April Ju

Speech Pathologist

B.A. (Hons), MSpPath

Isabella Moloney

Isabella Moloney

Speech Pathologist

BSpHSc, BSpPath

Gabrielle Leung

Gabrielle Leung

Speech Pathologist

Olivia Bolivar

Olivia Bolivar

Speech Pathologist

BSpHSc, BPsych, MSLP, MSPA-CPSP

Hayley Laurendet

Hayley Laurendet

Speech Pathologist

MSpeechPath

Jessalin Goh

Jessalin Goh

Speech Pathologist

Kalliope Stivaktas

Kalliope Stivaktas

Speech Pathologist

BAppSc (SpPath)

Referrer’s Hub

Whether you’re a new referrer or you’ve used our services before, the Optimum referrers hub has all your needs. With one click you can make enquiries, make referrals and check all of our clinics’ service capacities.

Visit The Referrers Hub Here
Speech pathologist working with child to support communication and language development at Optimum Health Solutions clinic
We Support the NDIS. Registered NDIS Provider

NDIS Speech Pathology in Cessnock

Clear Funding, Collaborative Care. Therapy works best when you aren’t stressed about the admin. We map out your NDIS funding into a clear schedule of assessments and therapy sessions. You see the whole picture on day one and no hidden surprises, no “funding burnout.”

Because communication impacts everything, our Speech Pathologists regularly “Case Conference” with our OTs and Behaviour Support practitioners. We share strategies behind the scenes so you get a consistent approach. You are a person, not a collection of appointments, and we treat you that way.

Learn about our NDIS Service

Start Your Enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions

No, private clients do not need a referral. You can book directly. Referral is only required if you are claiming through Medicare (EPC) or DVA. We accept NDIS participants directly with their plan details.
No, it covers all communication and swallowing. We support language comprehension (understanding), expression (speaking/using devices), social skills, literacy, voice control, and safe swallowing (dysphagia). It is about connecting with your world safely.
It depends entirely on your goals. Some clients need a few sessions to navigate a specific challenge; others partner with us for years to build long-term capacity. We review your progress regularly to ensure we are adding value.
Yes, we are trained in dysphagia management. We can assess mealtime safety, recommend texture modifications, and work with our Dietitians to ensure nutrition is maintained while keeping eating safe and enjoyable.
We require 48 hours’ notice. Late cancellations incur a 100% fee. Consistency is key to building communication skills, so this policy protects your therapy momentum and ensures fairness to other families on our waiting list.

Living your Optimum life

What is Positive Behaviour Support? Your Complete Guide

11 May 2026

What is Positive Behaviour Support? Understanding Behaviour, Not Controlling It Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based approach to understanding why behaviours of concern happen and developing strategies that improve a person’s quality of life. It is not about controlling behaviour. It is about understanding it. The approach works with people

View Article »
an exercise physiologist assists a patients trendelenburg gait

Trendelenburg Gait: Causes, Test and Exercises That Help

28 April 2026

What is Trendelenburg Gait? Trendelenburg gait is an abnormal walking pattern caused by weakness in the hip abductor muscles, most commonly the gluteus medius. During normal walking, the hip abductors on the standing leg keep the pelvis level. When these muscles are weak, the pelvis drops on the opposite side

View Article »

Positive Behaviour Support vs Psychology: What is the Difference?

24 April 2026

Two services, two different approaches Psychology focuses on what is happening inside the person. Positive Behaviour Support focuses on what is happening around them. They are different services, funded differently under the NDIS, and many people benefit from both. “Should I be seeing a psychologist or a behaviour support practitioner?”

View Article »
See all our blogs