Meet the people behind the therapy
Our team combines experienced clinical direction with warm, consistent therapy support. Every child’s program is designed and overseen by a qualified speech pathologist, with trained therapy assistants helping children build skills through focused, engaging practice.
Leah McManus
Speech Pathologist
Leah is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with 15 years of experience across clinical, healthcare, education and research roles. She has particular interests in speech sound disorders, literacy difficulties and solving complex communication needs.
Leah’s strength is working out why a child is having difficulty and what needs to happen next. She develops clear, structured therapy plans focused on practical outcomes—such as being understood by others, progressing with reading and writing, participating at school or communicating with independence.
Leah has worked as a university lecturer and clinical educator. This experience shapes the Vibrance model: Leah assesses each child, selects the appropriate therapy approach and designs their program, while trained therapy assistants can provide the frequent, focused practice many children need to progress.
Parents value Leah’s warm, practical and honest approach. She explains complex information clearly, works collaboratively with families and educators, and recommends therapy based on what will make a meaningful difference in the child’s everyday life.
Holly Rydquist
Student Speech Pathologist
Holly is a speech pathologist in training, and is completing a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Western Sydney University. She also works as an Assistant in Nursing and brings valuable experience from public healthcare settings.
Holly supports clients through individual 1:1 sessions in schools, early learning centres and in the home. She is known for her patient, kind and supportive approach, and enjoys building strong, trusting relationships with children and families to help clients achieve their communication goals.
Holly has recently completed additional training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) approaches and Key Word Sign.
Ella Clarke
Student Speech Pathologist
Ella is a third year Bachelor of Speech Pathology student at Western Sydney University. She also works as an Outside School Hours Care educator and brings valuable experience from working with children in school settings.
Ella supports clients through individual 1:1 sessions, that are patient-centred and fun! She is known for her patient, warm, and supportive approach, and values building strong, trusting relationships with children and families to support meaningful communication outcomes.
Ella has recently completed clinical placements in private practice and in NSW Health.
Lisa Doheny
Student Speech Pathologist
Lisa is a second-year Bachelor of Speech Pathology student at Western Sydney University, with a particular interest in supporting children with speech sounds, language development, and early communication.
Alongside her university studies, Lisa works in a busy medical centre, where she has developed strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills while supporting patients and families. She is passionate about delivering therapy that is fun, engaging, and tailored to each child as an individual.
Lisa takes a warm, patient, and child-centred approach to therapy and values building trusting relationships with children and their families. She is committed to continuing to develop her clinical skills through university learning and supervised placements, while supporting children to build their communication skills and confidence.
