Our Team - Beyond Words Therapy Centre

Our Team

Management

Emily Ford

Director | Speech Pathologist

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Sandra Mathison

Office Manager

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Emily Ford

Director | Speech Pathologist

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Emily Ford| Director | Speech Pathologist

My 20 years of paediatric experience has been in a wide variety of settings from the city to the country and in between, this includes: major hospitals; small community health centres; as a private home therapist; in charity organisations; infant play groups; kindergartens; preschools; state schools; high schools; and special schools.

I have worked with children with ASD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and various other well-known as well as not-so-common diagnoses. My primary area of experience is with deaf and hard-of-hearing children, however I love building rapport and connection with each child (and family) that walks through my door. I love seeing each child as a unique and special gift that should be given every opportunity to shine.

My desire is to see my clients take full advantage of their critical developmental years. I have a specific passion for promoting the importance of successfully fostering early language, speech, and communication skills, partnering with parents to nurture their child’s potential and facilitate their best possible future.

I hold certification in Auslan Sign-Language (Beginner, Level 1-3) - Auslan is short for Australian sign language, a language developed by, and for, Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired. It’s a visual form of communication that uses hand, arm and body movements to convey meaning.

Sandra Mathison

Office Manager

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Sandra Mathison| Office Manager

Bio coming soon!

Elaine Haggerty| Administration

Bio coming soon!

Jade Rhodes| Administration

Bio coming soon!

Speech Pathologists

Susanna Runham

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Jessica Vatala

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Susanna Runham| Speech Pathologist

Susanna graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2002. She has worked in both government and private practice and has experience in the areas of disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), speech and language difficulties, swallowing, voice and literacy. Susanna has experience with and enjoys working with both adults and children.

Susanna loves training and has frequently presented the Complex Communication Needs (including AAC and key word signing) and Mealtime Support Training as part of the Queensland Government support worker Induction program – Disability Workforce Capability, Centre of Excellence for Clinical Innovation and Behavioural Support. Susanna has experience in PECS, PODD, key word signing, Proloquo2go, and low tech communication aids. Susanna has also been trained in cervical auscultation and PROMPT.

Susanna enjoys all areas of speech pathology and has a passion to help people to overcome their difficulties to become the best they can be. Susanna is a mother of three and enjoys going to the beach, camping, reading, walking and spending time with family and friends.

Jessica Vatala

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Jessica Vatala| Speech Pathologist

Bio coming soon!

Jasmine Shoginaja| Speech Pathologist

I believe that connecting with each other is the meaning of the human existence - in whatever way that connection is made. I love being a part of dismantling ableist systems that hold us back from expressing our true selves. I love to see/hear/feel/sense the true selves of those for whom communication has been a barrier to expression. I have been so fortunate to be a part of the healing process that occurs when we all commit to breaking those barriers, and realize the incredible potential and value that every human being contributes to their community/ies.

I wholeheartedly believe that diversity in every sense, be that racial, cultural, linguistic, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or ability, enhances the capabilities of our communities and societal wellness.

Creating community partnerships has been immensely important to my practice. Being present in the community that we serve facilitates development of care and humility, and connects us with members of those communities. Working across rural and metropolitan Australia as well as in the United States has given me the great fortune of experiencing the importance of community involvement in services.

Inclusion is effective when we universally design our systems and practices to ensure all individuals have access to and a sense of achievement in a system that works for them. We know that when we change the system to work for everyone, everyone benefits.

Accreditations/Special interests:

Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk accredited clinician and member
Hanen: More than Words accredited clinician and member
Natural Language Acquisition on the Autism Spectrum trained
Bilingual English/Spanish
Culturally Responsive and Trauma Informed practices
Clinical Education

I also love kayaking, swimming, and finding new places to eat!

Occupational Therapists

Jenna North

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Is this you?

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Jenna North| Occupational Therapist

Bio coming soon!

Is this you?

Occupational Therapist

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Is this you?| Occupational Therapist

We have a fast growing referral network and are often looking at ways we can improve the services that are available in our area and better meet the needs of our community. We're always interested in meeting passionate and enthusiastic allied health professionals. So, if you're looking for a new adventure, contact us today!

Physiotherapist

Jessica Leeson

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Jessica Leeson| Physiotherapist

Bio coming soon!