Dr Sarita K Hamall is the Director of Little Star Speech Therapy and has over 18-years experience working as a speech pathologist. She is a highly experienced clinician in the treatment of stuttering disorders in clients preschool-age to adults. Sarita is knowledgeable in the Lidcombe Program and modified treatment approaches for severe stuttering. In 2012, Sarita completed a PhD at the University of Newcastle, where she contributed to the evidence-base of early stuttering treatment delivery. She has mentored speech pathologists and students for over 10-years and continues to share her expertise with those in the community. Sarita has a true love of the profession and feels the happiest when she sees the achievements of each and every client.
little star staff
Emma is a speech pathologist who was born and raised in Newcastle. She completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) degree at the University of Newcastle. Emma is committed to helping children achieve their goals in all areas of communication. She has a special interest in stuttering, and is trained in both preschool (Lidcombe Program) and school-aged stuttering intervention. She also enjoys assisting children with their literacy skills. Emma is a 'Sounds-Write' certified practitioner, and is trained in delivering strategies to assist children of all ages with reading and spelling difficulties. Her warm personality and enthusiasm creates a positive environment in which children feel confident to achieve success. She is committed to delivering a high standard of effective and enjoyable services to all clients.
Isabelle completed a Bachelor’s degree of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. She has experience working with a range of paediatric clients in speech, language and disability. She is knowledgable in the assessment and treatment of stuttering disorders. Isabelle has completed training in PROMPT targeting children with severe speech sound disorders. She is committed to helping all children reach their communication goals in a supportive and fun environment. She utilises evidence-based treatment approaches whilst individualising goals for the child. Isabelle’s kind nature and enthusiasm is seen in her dedication to children. She loves watching children’s confidence grow as a result of their improved communication.
Sharon is a speech pathologist who completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) degree at the University of Newcastle. She grew up in Newcastle, is married and has two daughters. Sharon has a particular interest in assisting clients of all ages with special and complex communication needs. She is experienced in evidence-based programs, such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Key Word Signing (KWS), The Social Communication Intervention Program (SCIP), as well as programs to assist children with severe speech production problems associated with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), including Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC). Sharon's extensive knowledge coupled with her patient and gentle nature enables her to guide clients towards reaching their full potential.
Emily completed a Bachelor’s degree of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. Emily has been a member of the Little Star team preceding the commencement of her employment. Now practicing as a Speech Pathologist, Emily enjoys working with children of all ages to help overcome their speech, language and literacy delays. She has experience working with children with various disabilities, including Autism and Cerebral Palsy. She has helped improve the lives of non-verbal children with her knowledge of Key Word Signing (KWS). Emily is trained in the assessment and treatment of preschool stuttering disorders with the Lidcombe Program. Emily’s warm, friendly and can-do attitude enables her to develop great rapport with clients. She strives to ensure that individual goals of the child are met and the best possible results are achieved.
Ruby completed her Bachelor’s degree of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle after relocating from the Mid North Coast. Ruby loves working with a diverse range of clients, from preschool-age to high school students. Ruby has experience treating complex communication needs and individualising treatment goals for children with disability. She is proficient in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, literacy and stuttering disorders. Ruby is committed to using evidence-based treatment to help clients achieve their communicative milestones. Her areas of interest include early language development, literacy and phonological disorders. Ruby’s positive, fun and enthusiastic nature helps clients feel at ease as she facilitates their success towards their communication goals.
Alia completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) degree at the University of Newcastle. Before beginning her journey at Little Star Speech Therapy, Alia worked for a number of years in South Western Sydney providing assessment and therapy services to children and adults presenting with speech, language, voice, stuttering, literacy and social difficulties. Alia has worked with children with developmental, genetic and behavioural disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Alia is particularly passionate about empowering parents and carers to effectively facilitate a child's communication skills in meaningful, everyday situations. Alia’s enthusiastic and encouraging nature allows her to deliver functional and effective services to her clients and their families.
Casey is the first point of contact and she plays an important administrative role at Little Star Speech Therapy. After relocating from Tamworth, she completed a diploma in Office Procedures (with Honours) at Passmores' Business College in Newcastle. Casey has a true love for all children and families which is evident in her warm demeanour. She has vast professional experience in client relations, office administration and management. Casey is passionate about providing high quality customer service to our clients with professional administrative support. She has a positive, friendly and gentle nature and welcomes all clients with a smile.