About Us
We are paediatric speech pathologists based in Lane Cove West who share a passion for supporting authentic social and functional communication. We provide a safe space where neurodivergent individuals feel connected and affirmed, and their authenticity is nourished.
Alison Evernden
DIRECTOR
(she/her)
Alison is a certified practising paediatric speech pathologist with over 23 years’ experience working with children and teens. She has worked extensively in Australia and overseas, providing assessment, diagnosis and individual and group therapy, for individuals with a diverse range of speech, language, literacy, learning and communication differences.
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Alison is passionate about supporting children and teens of all neurotypes to reach their social communication goals in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. Following a strengths-based approach, Alison’s work with clients, centres around individualised goals and fostering one’s authenticity, self-advocacy and positive self-worth.
Committed to lifelong learning, Alison continues to study and train in a range of clinical areas that extend her knowledge and guide her Neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Reneé Petherbridge
DIRECTOR
(she/her)
Reneé is a certified practising paediatric speech pathologist with over 16 years experience working with children and teens in the disability community. Reneé has a passion for working with Autistic individuals and ADHDers, as well as individuals who are part of the Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X and Rare Syndrome communities. Reneé feels that every child and their family are unique with their own set of strengths and challenges, so they require an individualised approach to help them achieve their goals. Reneé is passionate about assuming ability in order to help her clients reach their true potential.
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Reneé has a passion for supporting individuals through their AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) journey with experience and training in Proloquo2go, GRID3, LAMP, PODD, Movements of Communication and TD Snap. Renee has also worked with a variety of AAC access methods including direct, switch, partner assisted and eye gaze access. It was Reneé’s extensive work with AAC users and their families, that led to the development of the InterAACtors program.
Reneé is trained in a number of therapy approaches to support her clients’ social communication, literacy development and sensory processing. She draws on these techniques, adapting them to suit a Neurodiversity-Affirming framework, to support her students in interacting with their community in a authentic way.
Fiona Wallis
DIRECTOR
(she/her)
Fiona has worked as a certified practising Speech Pathologist for over 23 years. She has extensive experience working in the areas of Language, Literacy, Autism, Specific Learning Disability, ADHD and Intellectual Impariment. Fiona has worked in a range of service provisions, such as; early education, schools, schools for specific purposes, multidisciplinary clinics and community health.
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Fiona is driven by the lasting impact her support can have on a diverse range of people and families. She never sets limits on what an individual can achieve, regardless of their challenges or diagnoses. Fiona adopts a strength-based approach when working with her clients and enjoys the benefits that group therapy has to offer.
Callie Mackenzie
PARENT EDUCATION & SUPPORT FACILITATOR
(she/her)
Callie is an AuDHD’er (late identified) parenting three glorious, multiply-neurodivergent children. She has vast experience in supporting and advocating for her children across educational, medical and social settings.
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Anna-Mieke O’Neill
ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT
(she/her)
Anna-Mieke is an enthusiastic and outgoing allied health assistant currently completing her final year of a Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. Originally from Tasmania, she moved to Sydney to pursue her studies.
Anna-Mieke has a strong background working with children and teens through nannying, tutoring, and pottery instruction. Her placement experience spans preschools, primary schools, and clinics, working in diverse areas including speech, language, literacy, Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Passionate about advocacy, Anna-Mieke aims to support individuals with communication challenges.
Beth Collinge
ACCESS & PARTICIPATION ASSISTANT
(she/her)
Beth is a friendly qualified SLSO. She loves working with children, and especially loves helping children learn through arts and crafts. She is very crafty – there is nothing she won’t attempt to make! She has over 10 years experience volunteering with children of ages ranging from toddler to primary school. She has experience working in SSPs, as well as support units in mainstream schools. She has a nurturing personality and firmly believes in inclusivity, equality and social justice.
She is an animal lover (particularly cats!), enjoys reading, watching TV and having a chat!
Jessica Garrett
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
(she/her)
Jessica is a positive, cheerful, and helpful member of The Sociable Group team. She loves her family, her dog Louie, making loom bands and find-a-words. She is also an athlete, participating in Cheer & Dance as well as Physie, going to nationals for Cheer & Pom. Jessica is organised, tidy, creative, and fun, making her the perfect Administration Assistant. If you see her around, please say “hello” she loves to have a chat and meet new people!
EXPLORE OUR SERVICES
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
