About Us

Our Story

It all begins with growth. Like a magnolia tree, progress in speech, swallowing, or communication is built step by step, with strength developing over time.

At Magnolia Allied Health, we believe every step forward, no matter how gradual, supports confidence, independence, and connection.

Your journey with us is like the magnolia’s growth: steady, resilient, and full of potential. Together, we help your progress take root and continue to grow beyond today.

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)
Talking Mats
Pragmatically Organised Dynamic Display (PODD) AAC
Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP)
SOS Approach to Feeding

Our Values

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy

We celebrate and nurture people's differences and identities and listen to neurodivergent voices. We promote self advocacy and self-empowerment.

Compassionate Care

We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your therapy journey. With honesty, integrity, and a commitment to always acting in your best interest, we provide the highest level of care and support.

A gentleman being pushed in a wheelchair

Personal and Flexible Support

We believe support should be flexible and accessible to everyone.

We deliver a service that is both personal and genuine.

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