Hello!

I'm Finley

My pronouns are they/them

I am a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with a love of creativity and a heart full of passion for helping others find their voice – whatever that might look like for them.

I believe that every person has something incredible to share with the world, and sometimes we just need a little support to let that brilliance shine through.

As a non-binary and neurodivergent (ADHD) practitioner, I bring my lived experience to my practice. I understand firsthand the unique joys and challenges that come with navigating a world that isn't really built for minds and identities that differ from the mainstream.

This personal perspective shapes everything I do and fuels my commitment to creating truly affirming spaces where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.

My Background

My path to Speech Pathology wasn't exactly a straight line (much like most things in my life!). After completing my Bachelor of Creative Arts with a major in Theatre Studies and Drama, I followed another passion of mine to begin working in Education Support across both mainstream and special developmental government schools to support children with additional needs. I loved this work and kept my creative spark alive by performing in Melbourne's vibrant theatre scene, building up a resume full of delightfully kooky character roles.

It was during those years in education that I discovered my true calling. Watching students find new ways to express themselves, connect with others, and grow in confidence sparked something in me that I couldn't ignore. Meanwhile, my theatre work was teaching me something invaluable: communication is an art form, and everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight. Speech Pathology became the perfect intersection of all my passions – creativity, education, empowerment, and genuine human connection. So I went back to uni and completed by Master of Speech Pathology degree - and the rest, as they say, is history!

My Approach

As a Speechie, I bring together clinical expertise with my creative arts background to offer something a little different. My sessions are evidence-based, absolutely, but I try to also inject as much laughter and imagination as possible.

I believe therapy should be:

• Neurodiversity-affirming – celebrating unique minds and ways of being

• Gender-inclusive – respecting and honouring everyone's identity

• Trauma-informed – creating spaces of safety and trust

• And above all else – genuinely fun!

When you work with me, expect someone who will listen deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and occasionally pull out a silly character voice for a laugh.

My Passion Areas

I'm passionate about several key areas where I love to focus my practice:

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

My approach celebrates neurodivergent minds rather than trying to "fix" them. Drawing from my own experiences as an ADHDer, I focus on building skills while honouring your unique processing style, sensory needs, and natural communication patterns.

Social Communication

I offer therapy focused on social communication that moves beyond outdated “social skills” training. Before anything else, this work begins by identifying, exploring, and celebrating your neurotype, your preferred ways of connecting, and your unique communication style. Together, we explore neurodiversity-affirming frameworks — such as the Double Empathy Problem, which explains that miscommunications between neurodivergent and neurotypical people go both ways and are not the sole responsibility of the neurodivergent person to “fix” (despite what society has taught us for so long). We work to build a strong sense of identity, confidence, and clarity around what authentic communication looks like for you, while affirming the validity of your experiences and communication style.

From there, we might focus on developing your assertive communication skills — not just for everyday interactions, but also for advocating for your needs, boundaries, and preferences. This might involve expressing how you like to connect with others, requesting accommodations, or helping people better understand your natural way of communicating. My hope is that these skills help you feel more empowered to show up as your authentic self in social spaces, with less pressure to shift or shrink your style in order to “fit in”.

That said, I also provide a safe and supportive space to explore aspects of neurotypical communication styles and behaviours — if you choose to. Not because they’re more correct or preferable, but because understanding and selectively using some of these tools can sometimes help you access opportunities, reduce risk, or feel more equipped to navigate certain environments on your terms. These might include things like recognising and responding to body language cues, understanding tone of voice, engaging in reciprocal conversations, or knowing how to join group interactions in ways that are commonly expected in neurotypical settings. This part of the work is always approached with great care. My goal is never to encourage masking — the act of suppressing or hiding your natural way of being in order to “fit in” — as masking is exhausting and harmful to mental health. Instead, I aim to support you in developing a flexible communication toolkit: one you can draw on if and when it feels right for you, in ways that honour your wellbeing, autonomy, and sense of self.

Gender-Affirming Care

As someone who is gender-divergent myself, I'm deeply committed to providing a safe, welcoming space for transgender, non-binary, and gender-divergent individuals. If you or your child identify as gender-divergent, no matter what your goals may be, you can trust that I am a practitioner who innately understands the importance of gender-affirming care, and I will be here for you with both professional expertise and personal understanding.

Speech Sounds and Articulation

From phonological delays/disorders (speech sound error patterns) to articulation challenges (difficulties actually producing certain sounds clearly), I endeavour to bring creative, engaging approaches to help you develop clear speech.

Literacy

Reading, writing, spelling – these foundational skills open so many doors. I bring evidence-based approaches to literacy intervention that tap into your natural strengths and learning style.

Fluency

Whether you're dealing with stuttering or other fluency disorders, we'll work together on strategies that build confidence and communication ease in a pressure-free environment.

Voice

I can assist you with any vocal difficulties or pain you may be experiencing such as hoarseness, strain, breathiness, pitch concerns, and vocal fatigue, plus developing stronger, more confident vocal presence and production that feels authentically you. My theatre background also allows me to offer specialised support with character voice development for those interested in performance or expanding their vocal expression range.

Accent Coaching

Combining my theatrical performance skills with Speech Pathology expertise to provide voice and dialect training to help actors, professionals, or anyone interested in modifying their speech patterns.

Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC)

I’m passionate about supporting individuals who communicate in ways beyond spoken words. AAC includes tools like picture-based systems, communication books, and speech-generating devices — all of which are valid, powerful, and meaningful ways to connect. My approach is centred on finding what works best for you or your child, based on individual needs, strengths, and preferences. For some, AAC may be a primary mode of communication; for others, it may be used alongside speech to support clarity, reduce frustration, or offer a reliable backup when talking is hard. AAC has been proven to also promote speech development if that’s a relevant goal, but above all, it’s about building accessible communication in whatever form feels most natural and empowering.

My Mission

My deepest wish is simple: I want every person who works with me to feel affirmed, validated, and empowered to achieve whatever their heart desires. I believe that every dream deserves wings, and every unique and precious voice deserves to be heard.

Whether you're a little one just starting to explore language, someone navigating the complexities of social communication, or an adult seeking support with speech or voice – I'm here to walk alongside you with warmth, expertise, and hopefully a few laughs.

Let's work together to transform potential into reality, and make sure your voice – in whatever form it takes – is seen, heard, understood, and celebrated.