Melbourne Speech Pathologist

Hi,

My name is Jessica Stiles, but most clients call me ‘Jess’ or ‘Jessie’. As the owner of Speech Made Simple, let me tell you a little bit about myself and my journey as a Paediatric Speech Pathologist to date.

I completed my double degree, Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology, at La Trobe University in 2012. After graduating, I worked at a private practice in Williamstown with a specific focus on literacy. This is where my passion for helping children with reading and spelling difficulties ignited!

I subsequently worked for Catholic Education Melbourne in a multidisciplinary team at the Western Regional Office. I worked with students and staff at approximately 63 mainstream schools across the Western suburbs of Melbourne. This experience not only provided me with invaluable insight into how a child with speech and language difficulties might present in a classroom, but also highlighted the importance of collaborating with teaching staff.

Prior to establishing Speech Made Simple, I joined a private practice in Werribee. My caseload comprised of children aged between 18 months and 18 years presenting with a range of communication impairments related to articulation, fluency, oral language, pragmatic language and literacy. This experience enabled me to expand my knowledge base and skill set in the area of Paediatric assessment and therapy. It also provided me with a myriad of opportunities to work closely with children formally diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to ongoing professional development. I participated in Speech Pathology Australia’s mentoring program and have attended the following evidence-based workshops:

• • Best practice in the management of speech sound disorder in children: Making every session count – Elise Baker
  • The Lidcombe Program – Brenda Carey and Elisabeth Harrison
  • It Takes Two to Talk – Hanen
  • More Than Words – Hanen
  • Learning Language and Loving It – Hanen
  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Level 1 Training
  • Assistive and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Community of Practice – Speech Pathology Australia
  • Oral Language Competence in Early Life and the Transition to Academic Success: Lessons Learnt from Vulnerable Young People – Pamela Snow
  • The differential diagnosis between cognitive and language disorder: Is it IQ or language? – Valerie O’Keefe and Angela Kinsella-Ritter
  • Supporting older school-aged children and adolescents with language and literacy difficulties – Julia Starling

I am passionate about creating a positive, nurturing and stimulating learning environment for children of all ages, backgrounds and personalities. I strive to work collaboratively with family members, other health professionals and teaching staff to assist children in achieving their maximum potential.