Our Values

  • What’s more important in life than happiness? We work with our clients and their families on developing goals that bring about the most amount of meaningful change, and in turn, the most amount of happiness!

  • We support our clients and their families on developing the tools they will require to navigate therapy and the ups and downs and roundabouts that supporting a child with complex needs can bring.

  • We advocate, support and promote social inclusion in all the ways that we work. Whether supporting successful placements in childcare, primary or secondary school or developing communication supports to assist employment, we will be there for our clients supporting their right to participate where they want to.

  • We strive to deliver therapy interventions and information that is the most up to date and current.  We work with other professionals and paraprofessionals to develop their knowledge and skills on all things communication.

Who is at The Happy Space?

  • CARLA

    CO-FOUNDER & LEAD SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Carla brings a wealth of experience with her to The Happy Space as lead Speech Pathologist, with expertise in supporting the development of children’s communication, language, speech and social interaction. Carla also has a Master's Degree in Education (Special Inclusion) and is an advocate in ensuring children thrive in their preferred educational settings.​

    Carla is passionate about providing evidence-based and holistic interventions to children while working in partnership with their families to achieve best outcomes. Carla also works to further the speech pathology profession, supervising speech pathologists and allied health assistants.

  • JAMIMA

    CO-FOUNDER & SENIOR SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Jamima is a Speech Pathologist who works to support children and young people to communicate in and enjoy their day to day lives, whatever that looks like! Jamima has a keen interest and expertise in complex disability, following the social model of disability, to support children to thrive in any environment.

    Jamima works collaboratively with families to achieve the best outcome for their children, using a strengths based, dynamic and neurodiversity affirming approaches, so that everyone can feel safe to be themselves. Jamima also provides supervision to early-career therapists and speech pathology students to support therapists to provide high-quality and dynamic supports.

  • LIV

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Liv is a Speech Pathologist who is passionate about client led and neurodiversity affirming healthcare, where children and young people feel empowered, have fun, and develop their communication skills in a meaningful way.

    Liv is from the Central Coast in NSW and found home in Melbourne 5 years ago. She worked as a teacher's aide while studying and finds immense joy and fulfilment in supporting children and young people to achieve their goals.

  • OLIVIA

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Olivia is a Speech Pathologist who has been an integral part of the Happy Space team coming up to two years now, after working with the Happy Space as an allied health assistant throughout her studies. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team as she begins her Speech Pathology journey. Olivia’s caring, gentle and approachable nature is a huge hit with the kids!

    Olivia moved from Far North Queensland to Melbourne for her studies and enjoys travelling and camping outside of work.

  • RUBY

    SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

    Ruby is a Speech Pathologist who approaches her practice with a mix of curiosity and compassion. She is passionate about providing inclusive and holistic care, ensuring that children and their families feel supported while they develop their communication skills.

    Before becoming a clinician, Ruby spent years as a support worker and after-school educator, which shaped her into a calm, organised, and adaptable professional. Whether she’s navigating complex needs or celebrating a new milestone, Ruby finds immense joy in helping young people achieve their goals and thrive.

  • SOPHIE

    PLAY THERAPIST

    Sophie is a masters qualified Play Therapist dedicated to supporting children and families within her community. As a local inner west mum to two autistic children, she understands the complexities and unique joys that come with parenting differently. Sophie has experience working with neurodivergence, language delay, anxiety, and situational mutism.

    Sophie has a background in improvisational theatre and drama, and brings her sense of playfulness and joy to the playroom. She embraces whatever gets thrown at her, metaphorically and literally!

  • JEN

    CLINICAL MANAGER

    Where would we be without Jen? If you’ve phoned or emailed us, you’ve probably been warmly welcomed by her! Jen ensures our clinic runs smoothly, and handles all of our administrative tasks at The Happy Space with a smile.

  • CLAIRE

    LEAD ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT

    Claire is our incredible lead allied health assistant, working with our clients to support them to reach their therapy goals in their educational settings and home environments. Prior to becoming an AHA, Claire worked as a primary school teacher and brings a wealth of understanding of children and how they learn. Claire loves to develop meaningful connections with clients so that they can make progress and reach their goals in a fun and happy way!

  • LEAH

    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - COMING SOON!

    Leah is passionate about neurodiversity affirming care, helping children and young people build confidence, independence, and participation in their occupations. Whether it be brushing your teeth or participating at school, Leah values all Occupations and the purpose they bring to a person's wellbeing.

    Leah applies a strengths based approach to Occupational Therapy, striving for children and families to feel empowered in their Occupations and every day routines.

    Leah graduated with a Bachelors of Occupational Therapy in 2024, then went on to study Post Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Resilience. In her spare time, Leah volunteers with the State Emergency Service!