Meet Our Team

We respect & connect. We find the fun. We’re in it together. We hustle.

  • Ellie Thornycroft

    Director
    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Zoe Hinton

    Team Lead - Clayton & Clinical Supervisor
    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Bridgette Mulhern

    Team Lead - Malvern & Clinical Supervisor
    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Kristiana Sfyridis

    AHA Coordinator / Peer Mentor
    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Helin Baldemir

    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Anju Marasingha

    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Emma Telford

    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Hannah Charlton

    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Siaan Mason

    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Rosie Smith

    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Vinuji Leelarathna (Vin)

    Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Carmel O'Hair

    Client Experience Officer - Malvern East

  • Heather Ryan

    Client Experience Officer - Clayton

  • Tessa Mutimer

    Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)

  • Sophia Bolton

    Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)

  • Rose Gilmour

    Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)

  • 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 2025.

Wonder-Words-Speech-Pathologist-Ellie-Thornycroft

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 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

wonder-words-speech-pathologist-Kristiana-Sfyridis

Kristiana Sfyridis

Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia

Kristiana graduated with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from the Australian Catholic University. She brings a wealth of experience from both private practice and community health settings, working with children aged 18 months to 18 years.

At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, Kristiana wears multiple hatsβ€”she is also the Allied Health Assistant (AHA) Coordinator and a Peer Mentor. In her role as AHA Coordinator, Kristiana oversees the development and support of our allied health assistants, ensuring they provide high-quality, client-centered care. As a Peer Mentor, she plays a vital role in fostering professional growth and collaboration within the team.

Kristiana has a special interest in literacy, speech sound development, and early language. She is passionate about supporting children in their communication journeys and loves creating engaging, evidence-based activities that make learning fun and effective.

Outside of work, Kristiana enjoys reading, spending quality time with friends and family, and exploring new places through travel.

Qualified & Trained In:

  • DIR Floortime

  • Orofacial Myology

  • Sounds-Write

  • Cued Articulation

  • Colourful Semantics

  • Key Word Sign

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.

wonder-words-speech-pathologist-Helin-Baldemir

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

Zoe Hinton

Registered Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia.

Zoe graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology. Zoe has experience working in rural and remote locations within the Wheatbelt and Goldfields of Western Australia working with both private and NDIS paediatric clients.

At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, Zoe is the Clayton Team Leader and a Clinical Supervisor, playing a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring team members while ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care for clients. Zoe thrives on creating fun, dynamic therapy sessions, always incorporating new games and activities to keep her clients engaged and motivated.

Zoe has a special interest in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and is passionate about helping children find their voice through tailored evidence-based intervention.

In her spare time, Zoe enjoys catching up with friends, running and pilates.

Qualified and Trained in:

  • DIR Floortime

  • Sounds-Write

  • Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention

  • PROMPT

  • Hanen - It Takes Two to Talk

  • Talk for Writing approach

  • LAMP Liberator AAC Training

  • Jennie Bjorem - Practical Strategies and Resources: Your Toolkit for CAS

Carmel O'Hair

Client Experience Officer - 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.

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

  • Sounds-Write

  • Story Champs

  • Meaningful Speech for Gestalt Language Processors

Anju Marasingha

Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia

Anju graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, followed by a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Speech Pathology from La Trobe University. She has experience working in private practice, providing interventions for paediatric clients across a variety of practice areas.

Anju is skilled in supporting children with diverse needs, including children who are autistic, have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or have intellectual disabilities.

Anju has a special interest in early language development and loves supporting young children as they build strong foundations for lifelong communication.

Outside of work, Anju enjoys Pilates, calligraphy, exploring new cafes and restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Qualified & Trained In:

  • DIR Floortime

  • Liberator AAC Training

Heather Ryan

Client Experience Officer 

Heather is all about smooth business operations and found her passion for procedures and organisation through her various administrative experiences, but her heart lights up from the joy of little ones!

With her knack for smooth operations, combined with her experience nannying, she's found that β€˜sticker time’ with the kids at the end of their speech therapy session is a highlight of her day.

Outside of work, it's all about her sausage dogs, diving into books and trying to keep her plants thriving!


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

  • Story Champs

Bridgette Mulhern

Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia

Bridgette graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Speech Pathology from La Trobe University. She has diverse experience across various settings, including Catholic Education, private practice, and working in both rural and remote locations in the Northern Territory as well as the Melbourne metro area.

At Wonder Words Speech Pathology, Bridgette is the Malvern Team Leader and a Clinical Supervisor, where she plays a key role in mentoring team members and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based services to clients.

Bridgette has special interests in speech sound disorders, early language development, and stuttering intervention.

Outside of her professional life, Bridgette enjoys spending time at the beach, catching up with friends and family, and going for runs.

Qualified & Trained In:

  • Hanen – Learning Language and Loving It

  • Cued Articulation

  • Colourful Semantics

  • Key Word Sign

  • Little Learners Love Literacy

  • The Writing Revolution

  • PROMPT

  • Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention

  • Liberator AAC Training

Rose Gilmour

Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology Student)

Rose is currently in her fourth year of university, studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University.

She is enthusiastic about supporting children and their families in developing strong communication foundations that lead to successful and positive futures. Rose’s passion for working with children grew from her experiences in babysitting and school sports coaching, alongside her academic studies in speech pathology.

Outside of work, Rose enjoys running, going to the gym, playing with her border collie, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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

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.

Rosie Smith

Registered Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia

Rosie completed her Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne and has further expanded her expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from Victoria University.

Rosie has experience working in private practice, community health, kindergartens, and primary schools, supporting children in a variety of settings to achieve their developmental and communication goals. She has a special interest in early language (+ parent coaching!), speech sound disorders and literacy.

Rosie is passionate about creating safe, connected, and enjoyable therapy experiences using client-led, family-centred, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. She strives to ensure every child feels supported and empowered in their communication journey.

Outside of work, Rosie enjoys running, reading, yoga, drinking chai lattes, and trying new activities with friends.

Qualified & Trained In:

  • Sounds-Write

  • Play-based Speech Sound Therapy

  • Colourful Semantics

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice (Play, Learn, Chat)

  • A 3-Step Approach to Nurturing Interoceptive Awareness (Kelly Mahler)

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.

Follow our journey @wonderwords.speechpathology