Frances Brennan, Speech Pathologist, and owner of The Speech Tree, has been working with children with additional learning needs for over a decade, as an integration aide, tutor and speech pathologist. Frances enjoys working with children and families with complex needs and is passionate about working with children and adolescents who are struggling to engage in learning.
At the age of 30 Frances was diagnosed as neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD). Frances is passionate about changing the way we talk and think about Autism, particularly countering the experience of shame many young Autistic people experience. Frances is a regular speaker for Autistic advocacy organisations such as Yellow Ladybugs (you can hear her speak on the Yellow Ladybugs podcast on Spotify) and Reframing Autism.
Frances completed her Honours and Masters degree at La Trobe University and conducted research examining the applicability of a frequently used language assessment tool to Victorian children and presented her findings at the Speech Pathology Australia conference in 2013.
Frances has experience working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech and language impairments, Down Syndrome and Literacy difficulties. More recently Frances has worked as part of the CELF-5 Standardisation Team and is working in conjunction with a publishing company to produce classroom literacy resources.
Frances strives to provide holistic therapy that empowers her clients to succeed and thrive in their daily lives.
Frances is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist.
Alison Gamble, Speech Pathologist, and Operations Manager at The Speech Tree. Alison (we call her Ally) is a Speech Pathologist and has started at The Speech Tree in the new role of Operations Manager. Ally previously worked for over 12 years with the Department of Education in the Outer East as a Speech Pathologist and more recently as a Student Support Services Team Leader. Ally has experience in supporting children/young people and schools with communication, wellbeing, behaviour and disability inclusion. She is particularly passionate about neurodiverse affirming practice both professionally and within her own family.
Joanna, Senior Speech Pathologist & Clinical Team Leader, joined The Speech Tree team in 2018. Joanna completed her Masters degree at La Trobe University and is passionate about providing evidence-based intervention in a fun and motivating environment. Joanna has worked as a disability support worker and has a keen interest in the areas of speech sound disorders, literacy and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Joanna is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist.
Sophie, Speech Pathologist, joined the Speech Tree team in 2021. Sophie completed her Masters degree at La Trobe University. Sophie enjoys supporting children to achieve their goals in a fun and supportive environment and has a keen interest in early language development, literacy and speech sound disorders.
Morgan, Speech Pathologist, joined The Speech Tree team in 2022. Morgan completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University. She is passionate about therapy that targets functional goals for her clients, along with consulting with families throughout the therapy process. Morgan has a particular interest in the areas of early language/play based therapy, speech sound disorders and pragmatic skills.
Morgan is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist.
Celeste, Allied Health Assistant / Practice Manager, joined The Speech Tree team in 2018. She is one of the faces you’ll find at our reception desk and the voice you’ll hear on the other end of the phone, handling the goings-on of our administrative and management tasks.
Prior to joining The Speech Tree Celeste worked as a veterinary nurse for almost 13yrs. Celeste is a Mum of two children, Karl (7yrs) & Isla (3yrs.) She looks forward to meeting all our clients upon their next visit to The Speech Tree.
Carly, Allied Health Assistant / Client Care Team, joined The Speech Tree team in March 2022 and works with us 2 days a week. Carly is a mum of 3 children – Riley (18), Charlotte (15) & Issy (10). Carly also works part time as an Integration Aide at a local primary school. Prior to commencing at The Speech Tree, Carly worked in a high school setting as an Integration Aide and worked in local council supporting families to access respite. She looks forward to meeting all of our clients when they visit The Speech Tree.
James, Facilities Manager, joined The Speech Tree in 2021 as an ‘all rounder’ doing both facilities management and administration. He is currently studying a Certificate IV in AOD Counselling. He is a passionate foodie, general tinkerer and the very proud father of his 3 year old daughter Lucy.
