Meet Our Team
We respect & connect. We find the fun. We’re in it together. We hustle.
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Ellie Thornycroft
Director
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) -
Joellee Nicholas
Clinical Operations Manager
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) -
Siaan Mason
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Helin Baldemir
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Emma Telford
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Hannah Charlton
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Vinuji Leelarathna (Vin)
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Kiera Hardstone
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Petena Ballis
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Rose Gilmour
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
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Tessa Mutimer
Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)
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Jordan Mackenzie
Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)
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Sophia Bolton
Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)
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Carmel O'Hair
Client Care Team
Client Experience & Culture Lead -
Monika Tregurtha
Client Care Team
Operations Lead -
Sophie Ciardulli
Client Care Team
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Bluey
Team Mascot
Join Our Team
Are you looking for a fun, friendly and supportive work environment? We are currently accepting expressions of interest applications for 2026.
Ellie Thornycroft
Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia
Ellie graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology from La Trobe University. Over the past 10 years, she has gained extensive experience working with paediatric clients and providing intervention in a range of practice areas.
Ellie founded Wonder Words Speech Pathology in 2021 and is continually striving to offer a service that is evidence-based, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming.
She currently offers Telehealth services only and is supporting the Wonder Words team remotely from Sydney while providing services to clients in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney.
Ellie has a special interest in supporting children with speech sound disorders, stuttering and literacy challenges.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys heading to the beach, training (Pilates, running, boxing), and playing with her golden retrievers!
Qualified & Trained In:
It Takes Two To Talk – Hanen
Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention
Little Learners Love Literacy
Sounds-Write
Cued Articulation
Colourful Semantics
Key Word Sign
Story Champs
Helin Baldemir
Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia
Helin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Health Sciences from La Trobe University, followed by a Master of Speech Pathology from The University of Melbourne. Helin has experience working in childcare centres, kindergartens, primary schools, and private practice.
Helin has a special interest in fluency of speech, childhood apraxia of speech, and literacy development. She is passionate about providing neurodiversity-affirming practices, ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and empowered in their communication journey.
Outside of work, Helin enjoys going on beach trips, walks and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Qualified & Trained In:
Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention
Sounds-Write
Key Word Sign
Liberator AAC Training
Story Champs
DIR Floortime
Tessa Mutimer
Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)
Tessa is currently in her fourth year of University, studying a Bachelor of Speech and Language Science at Victoria University.
Tessa is passionate about creating bright futures by bringing joy, hope and professional assistance to children and their families. Tessa has discovered this over the years working as a nanny, and assisting in primary schools.
Tessa currently supports some of our clients at WWSP with AHA sessions in the community and also at the clinic.
Outside of work, Tessa enjoys spending time in nature, going for walks and bike rides, practising yoga, and spending time with her family.
Emma Telford
Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia
Emma graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and went on to complete both a Master of Applied Linguistics and a Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne. Her strong academic foundation and passion for language have shaped her dynamic and thoughtful approach to speech therapy.
Emma has experience working with preschool and school-aged children across a range of practice areas. She takes pride in creating individualised, engaging interventions that support children in reaching their communication goals.
Emma has a special interest in early intervention, emphasising a collaborative team approach where families play an integral role in setting and achieving language goals. She also enjoys helping children with speech sound difficulties, using evidence-based techniques to build their confidence and communication skills.
Outside of work, Emma loves to travel, spend days at the beach, and flex her brainpower as part of her Monday night trivia team.
Qualified & Trained In:
Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention
The Oakville Program
Sounds-Write
Story Champs
Meaningful Speech for Gestalt Language Processors
Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme (NDP3®)
Assessment & Implementation for AAC - Liberator
Carmel O'Hair
Client Care Team (Client Experience & Culture Lead) - Malvern East
You will find Carmel at our Malvern East clinic supporting our wonderful clients with their appointments, requests and questions.
Carmel has found her passion in paediatrics, and prides herself on being a friendly and familiar face for children and their families.
Carmel has had the opportunity to develop this over her many years of tutoring, nannying and working within the early childhood education sector.
Outside of work, Carmel loves to spend her time painting, reading books, travelling and practising pilates.
Siaan Mason
Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia
Siaan graduated with a Master of Speech Pathology from the University of Technology Sydney. She has experience working with children across a variety of settings, including schools, preschools, private practice, community health, and in-home environments.
Siaan has a special interest in early language development, social communication, and stuttering intervention. She is passionate about creating fun, individualised therapy sessions that foster meaningful communication and confidence in her clients.
Outside of work, Siaan enjoys exploring new restaurants, travelling, soaking up the sunshine, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Qualified & Trained In:
It Takes Two To Talk – Hanen
Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention
Oakville Stuttering Program
Little Learners Love Literacy
Sounds-Write
Colourful Semantics
Hannah Charlton
Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia
Hannah graduated with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Australian Catholic University. She has experience working in private practice and special developmental schools, supporting children with a wide range of communication needs.
Hannah has a special interest in early language development and in supporting children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She is passionate about helping children find their voice and empowering them to communicate in ways that are meaningful and effective for them.
Outside of work, Hannah loves travelling back to regional Victoria to catch up with family, practising Pilates, and trying out new restaurants around Melbourne!
Qualified & Trained In:
Little Learners Love Literacy
Liberator AAC Training
Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention
Monika Tregurtha
Client Care Team (Operations Lead)
Monika is our friendly and organised client care team member, bringing warmth, experience, and a welcoming presence to the clinic.
With a background in both hairdressing and real estate administration, she’s always enjoyed roles that involve working closely with people.
As a mum of two daughters, Monika has a natural connection with children and loves being part of a team that supports their growth and development. She enjoys building relationships with families and helping them feel supported from the moment they walk through the door.
In her spare time, Monika enjoys running and getting creative with knitting and sewing.
Vinuji Leelarathna (Vin)
Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia
Vin completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Monash University and then went on to complete a Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne.
She has experience working with paediatric clients in private practice and home environments, supporting children to develop their communication skills in meaningful, everyday contexts.
Vin has a special interest in literacy, social communication, stuttering intervention, and early language development.
Outside of work, Vin enjoys travelling, going to the gym, and spending time with friends and family.
Qualified & Trained In:
DIR Floortime
Jordan Mackenzie
Allied Health Assistant (AHA) / Speech Pathology Student
Stay tuned - bio coming ;)
Rose Gilmour
Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia
Rose completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University. She is enthusiastic about supporting children and their families to build strong communication foundations that support positive, long-term outcomes.
Rose has a strong interest in paediatric speech and language development and brings a warm, approachable style to her sessions. Rose has experience in private practice and school/educational settings, and has worked as an Allied Health Assistant previously at Wonder Words.
Outside of work, Rose enjoys running, going to the gym, spending time with her border collie, and catching up with family and friends.
Petena Ballis
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
Petena holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. She has experience working in private practice and school environments, supporting different ages - from toddlers to young adults - with a wide range of needs. Her experience extends to working with individuals across a range of developmental and neurodivergent profiles.
Petena has special interests in speech sound disorders, school-based language, literacy difficulties and social communication.
Petena is passionate about providing a neuro-affirming approach that celebrates each person’s strengths and communication style. Every session is thoughtfully tailored to match their needs, interests and goals, fostering engagement and meaningful progress. She places emphasis on creating a positive and enjoyable environment where learning is both effective and fun.
Outside of work, Petena enjoys spending time with family, friends and her pets, exploring new cafes and restaurants, playing sport and travelling.
Qualified & Trained In:
Sounds-Write
Story Champs
Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention
Orofacial Myology Formal Training
Colourful Semantics
Sophia Bolton
Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)
Sophia is currently in her fourth year of university, studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University.
She is passionate about providing meaningful assistance and support to children and their families, aiming to build strong foundations for her clients’ communication skills and future success. Sophia hopes to pursue a career as a paediatric speech pathologist after graduation.
Her interest in paediatrics was sparked through her experiences in babysitting and deepened during her university studies.
Outside of work, Sophia enjoys playing netball with friends, going to the beach, and spending quality time with her family.
Joellee Nicholas
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
Joellee graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) and has built her career supporting children and families across a range of settings, including private practice, early childhood, and school environments. She is passionate about creating a positive impact through high-quality, evidence-informed, and neuroaffirming services.
At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, Joellee is the Clinical Operations Manager, where she plays a pivotal role in leading clinical excellence and operational sustainability. She works closely with the Director to oversee day-to-day clinical operations, mentor team members, and drive key strategic projects — including the expansion of services, community partnerships, and innovation in therapy delivery.
With a background as a Senior Speech Pathologist and a Clinical Team Leader, Joellee is committed to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and values-driven culture. She enjoys helping clinicians grow in confidence and skill, ensuring every client and family experiences meaningful, connected, and empowering care.
Outside of work, Joellee enjoys a morning run, good coffee and spending quality time with her friends.
Qualified & Trained In:
Advanced Certificate in DIRFloortime®
Hanen – It Takes Two to Talk
Mental Health First Aid
MIGDAS & ADOS Autism Assessment
Autism CRC National Guideline Training
Clinical Supervision Training (Michelle Bihary)
Sophie Ciardulli
Client Care Team
Sophie brings a foundation of administrative experience from previous work and loves contributing to the smooth, supportive environment that helps children thrive in their therapy journey.
She’s passionate about her role in supporting both families and clinicians, and takes pride in making things run efficiently behind the scenes.
Currently studying communication, Sophie enjoys bringing fresh and creative ideas to her work—always looking for ways to improve processes and enhance the client experience.
Outside of work, she stays busy playing netball, exploring new food spots, going on getaways, and spending time with her dog.
Kiera Hardstone
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
Kiera holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. She has experience working in private practice, supporting children and adolescents—from toddlers to teenagers—with a wide range of needs, including speech sound disorders, language delays, AAC, and neurodivergent identities.
Kiera is passionate about early intervention and is dedicated to helping children develop their speech and language skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
She brings a neuro-affirming, compassionate approach to her work and believes therapy should always be fun and empowering.
Outside of work, Kiera enjoys exercising, spending time with friends and family, travelling, and exploring new restaurants.
Qualified & Trained In:
Hanen - It Takes Two to Talk
DIR Floortime
Follow our journey @wonderwords.speechpathology
