Speech Pathology Services in Forster
Expert therapy for confident communication and safe swallowing.
Adult speech and communication issues
Welcome to FAST Speech Pathology, where every client is supported to achieve their swallowing and communication goals.
This practice provides exceptional Speech Pathology services to adults in the Forster-Tuncurry region and offers clinic-based, community and telehealth appointments to suit your individual needs.
About Ailie, Speech Pathologist
Ailie is a passionate practitioner dedicated to high quality and person-centred care. She has over 15 years of experience supporting adults with swallowing, speech, language, voice and cognitive-communication disorders. Ailie graduated from the University of Sydney in 2009 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology). She is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and current member of Speech Pathology Australia. She has worked across Australia from metropolitan to remote settings, including hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation, community health, and private practice. Ailie relocated to Forster in 2022 shortly before the birth of her second child. After working for Manning Base and local private hospitals, FAST Speech Pathology was established in 2024.
Ailie provides compassionate evidence-based assessment and therapy, focusing on a functional, goal-directed approach that concentrates on real world outcomes. Known for her warmth and clear communication style, she collaborates closely with family, carers, medical teams and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.
Ailie has a special interest in the management of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), neurodegenerative and acquired neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s, COPD and stroke). She is a Certified Speak Out provider.
Outside of work, Ailie is devoted to her family; her partner, 2 young children and beloved dog, Molly. In her spare time, she loves reading, baking, crocheting and walking.
Areas of clinical practice
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
Dysphagia
Difficulty and/or discomfort swallowing food, liquids, medicine and/or saliva.
Services include a thorough assessment of your strengths and challenges, evidence-based recommendations regarding your optimal diet and a detailed management plan regarding the steps required to achieve your mealtime goals. Speech Pathology care supports your ability to make informed decisions and identify strategies that maximise your confidence, safety and comfort without compromising your quality of life.
Speech & Voice
The production of sounds to express words, feelings and communicate meaning.
This practice offers specialised assessment and management of acquired & degenerative speech disorders (dysarthria and dyspraxia/apraxia), and certain voice disorders (Parkinson’s related dysphonia). An in-depth assessment will identify the underlying cause of your speech and/or voice difficulties and support the development of an intervention plan to achieve your goals, such as improve your intelligibility or loudness. Therapy plans are adapted as your needs change and participating in meaningful communication with those important to you remains the utmost priority.
Language
Language is how people communicate information, ideas and feelings through words. This includes spoken and written words and is supported by other forms of communication including gestures, body language signs and symbols. Acquired language difficulties (aphasia) may impact a person’s ability to understand these messages and/or their ability to express themselves.
My practice supports people who have trouble communicating effectively due to injury or disease. Overcoming these challenges starts with an assessment of your language skills and a shared understanding of your communication style, priorities and goals. An individualised therapy plan is then developed outlining the techniques, technology and strategies you need to understand others and effectively share your thoughts and feelings. Therapy plans are reviewed regularly to ensure the best strategies are used to overcome your current challenges.
Areas of Service (approximately 50km surrounding Forster)
Forster | Tuncurry | Blueys Beach | Boolambayte | Bulahdelah | Bungwahl | Coolongolook | Coomba Park | Croki | Cundletown | Diamond Beach | Dryers Crossing | Elizabeth Beach | Failford | Firefly | Hallidays Point | Harrington | Mayers Flat | Nabiac | Old Bar | Oxley Island | Smiths Lake | Tarbuck Bay | Taree | Tinonee | Tiona | Wallabi Point | Wingham | Wootton
Referrals
Private Health Funds:
Your private health insurance may support Speech Pathology depending on your level of cover. Please contact your insurer to discuss your eligibility.
NDIS
Referrals for self and plan-managed participants accepted. Please refer to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Guide for more information.
Medicare
You may be eligible for a rebate through Medicare if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) provided by your General Practitioner. A CDMP entitles an eligible person to 5 rebated allied health sessions per calendar year. The current Medicare rebate of $61.80 per session may be claimed via the Medicare app.
Aged Care
Support at Home and Residential Aged Care referrals accepted.
Contact FAST Speech Pathology
Please do not hesitate to get in touch via the phone number or email listed below, or using our simple request form.
Business Hours: Mon and Tues 9am-4pm, Wednesday 9am-12pm
I acknowledge the Worimi and Biripi people, traditional owners of the land I am lucky enough to live and work. I pay respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
FAST Speech Pathology embraces the diversity of people we work with. We stand alongside LGBTIQA+ communities and celebrate a multicultural Australia.
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