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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.
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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

Sabeeka Aga

Sabeeka Aga

Speech Pathologist

BSpHSc, MSLP, MSPA-CPSP

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

Zoe Stimson

Zoe Stimson

Speech Pathologist

BSpPath, CPSP

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

Morgan Meola

Morgan Meola

Discipline Area Manager & Speech Pathlogist

BSLP, MSPA, CPSP

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.

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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.

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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.

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