About Us
Our Story
It all begins with growth.
Like the magnolia tree, progress in speech, swallowing, and communication takes time, each step building strength, confidence, and connection.
At Magnolia Allied Health, we believe that every small step forward is meaningful. Through compassionate, evidence-based support, we help growth take root, nurturing independence and resilience along the way.
Your journey with us is like the magnolia’s bloom: steady, strong, and full of potential that continues to flourish.
About me
Melissa Plummer
Director / Senior Speech Pathologist
Melissa is a dedicated and empathetic speech pathologist who graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2015. She has gained experience working with both children and adults with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties. Melissa is passionate about supporting individuals living with a disability and is dedicated to enhancing her clients' quality of life by providing personalised therapy and support.
Melissa has a strong interest in supporting individuals with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease and Huntington's disease. She has developed expertise in helping adults manage speech, voice and swallowing difficulties associated with these conditions. With this experience, Melissa has presented intensive lectures on the assessment and rehabilitation of adult swallowing disorders at Charles Sturt University.
Another key focus of Melissa’s practice is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC refers to a range of methods and tools used to support or replace spoken language for individuals with communication difficulties. She is experienced in using both low-tech tools, like picture boards, and high-tech devices, such as speech-generating devices, to help individuals express themselves and maintain social connections.
With a deep passion for helping people find their voice in their own way, Melissa has made a positive impact on her participants lives by offering support in communication, AAC, and swallowing challenges. She works closely with families, caregivers, teachers, disability support workers and other healthcare professionals to create customised therapy plans that improve communication and ensure mealtime safety while enhancing overall well-being.
After gaining valuable experience working in the Albury-Wodonga region, she is now returning to her roots in the Illawarra to continue serving and supporting her local community.
Continuous Learning
At Magnolia Allied Health, we value continual learning and growth. By promoting ongoing learning, we help people with speech and swallowing challenges to achieve the best outcomes possible and provide the highest standard of care.
Our approach is evidence-based and well researched, so we know it works. By practicing this approach, we provide the best care that makes a real difference for every client.
Some examples of training we have completed include:
-
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)
-
Counselling Education in Aphasia Rehabilitation (CLEAR)
-
SPEAK OUT!®
-
Talking Mats
-
Pragmatically Organised Dynamic Display (PODD) AAC
-
Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP)
-
SOS Approach to Feeding
Our Values
Celebrating Every Voice
Every voice is valuable and deserves to be heard.
We support all forms of communication, empowering individuals to connect, participate, and express themselves freely.
Compassion and Respect
We listen deeply, act with empathy, and treat every client and family with dignity.
With honesty, integrity, and genuine care, we walk alongside you throughout your therapy journey, always acting in your best interests and providing the highest level of support.
Personal and Flexible Support
We believe support should be flexible, accessible, and personal.
Our approach is tailored to each individual and family, ensuring therapy feels genuine, collaborative, and centred on what matters most to you.
Celebrating Growth
Every step forward matters.
We take the time to recognise and celebrate each moment of progress, big or small, because growth looks different for everyone.
We’re here to walk beside you, encouraging confidence, joy, and pride in how far you’ve come.
Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
We celebrate and nurture people's differences and identities and listen to neurodivergent voices. We promote self advocacy and self-empowerment.
