Sensational Kids Pty Ltd Australia 2007
Sensational Kids integrated child therapy
Our 4 Experienced Speech Therapists
Rod Glance - Speech Pathologist
Rod is a rare breed! Being one of the very few male Speech Pathologists in Melbourne. Some children just respond well with a male therapist. He understands young children well - having two of his own (two boys) under the age of four years.
Rod completed his bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2000 and concluded a well rounded education with a masters degree in Clinical Audiology (hearing sciences) at The University of Melbourne.
The combination of these two interrelated disciplines has allowed him to have a strong insight to both paediatric and adult diagnostic
procedures and therapeutic strategies.
Recent intensive training by world renowned Occupational Therapist Sheila Frick in Therapeutic Listening has given Rod the ability to use this non-invasive and easily implemented therapy with any child. (The Sensational Kids web site has further reading about therapeutic listening and its application).
Additionally, Rod has completed an introductory course conference on DIR Floortime which is a relatively new direction in paediatric therapy - developed in the United States by Dr.Stanley Greenspan. In July 2008 Rod went to Washington DC for further DIR Floortime training at the ICDL Institute with Dr. Serena Weider.
Family practice is the key to success in Speech Therapy and Rod will ensure that your family’s values are respected throughout your relationship with Sensational Kids.
Fran Nicholson - Speech Pathologist
Fran completed her bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2000 at La Trobe University. She has a very diverse range of skills in both adult and paediatric populations. Fran enjoys paediatrics and this shows through in her enthusiasm and interactions with the children she sees in therapy.
Fran uses a sensory integration approach with traditional speech therapy while working with children to ensure that they are well regulated during sessions to get the most therapeutic benefit. She designs comprehensive home programs for parents so that they can continue the speech therapy in the home and maximise the their child’s full potential.
Fran has completed the introductory DIR Floortime training in May 2008. This allows her to understand the developmental needs of children to help foster their communication and interaction.
Alyssa Mann - Speech Pathologist
Alyssa is an enthusiastic recent addition to the "Speechie" team at Sensational Kids. She completed her four year Undergraduate degree at La Trobe University, Bundoora, at the end of 2005.
Alyssa is experienced in working with children with a range of communication difficulties and their families, following three years experience in a private paediatric practice in Gippsland. She is keen to be back in the "big smoke", and is excited to be continuing to work with the pre-school age bracket.
Alyssa's main passions include early intervention, and working as a team with parents and other family members. She has seen the huge benefits that intervention can have with children aged 2 to 5 years, and knows that parents and caregivers play the biggest role in making a difference in their child's life.
Alyssa has a high amount of experience and knowledge regarding Autism, language delay, speech disorders including dyspraxia, and early communication skills.
Kate Martignoles- Speech Pathologist
Kate is extremely excited to be one of the new professional team members at Sensational Kids. She came to us from an extensive and varied background in paediatric speech and language therapy.
Kate believes in a holistic approach to the management of speech, language and developmental difficulties. She feels it's important to look at every aspect of a child's functioning in order to gain a solid understanding of the child as whole and how best plan goals that are purposeful and relevant to the child and the family. She has found the DIR-Floortime philosophy to be an invaluable medium for providing therapy which is individualised, functional and lots of fun!!
Kate is incredibly passionate and committed to her work and enjoys working with children and families from a wide range of backgrounds.