State Branches
NSW Representative
Stephanie Wong
Stephanie is our NSW Representative, serving as a key link to our state members. She advocates for AAC users, organises workshops and events, and fosters connections with local stakeholders to promote communication rights. Stephanie also supports AGOSCI’s national initiatives, ensuring members stay informed and engaged.
Professionally, Stephanie is the Principal Director of Olive Tree Therapy and a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorder, AAC, PROMPT therapy, parent coaching, and feeding therapy. She is passionate about empowering individuals through communication and is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for her clients.
QLD Representative
Nicola Moten
Nicola is the Queensland Representative for AGOSCI, advocating for individuals using AAC and supporting members across the state.
Nicola is a paediatric speech pathologist, working across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. She is passionate about supporting young children with complex disabilities who use AAC. She has experience working with a wide range of AAC systems (both electronic and non-electronic) and access methods.
Nicola is dedicated to providing services across a range of environments to support meaningful outcomes for both the individuals she works with and their families. She is excited to be part of AGOSCI to further her contribution to the AAC community.
WA Representative
Carissa Chui
Carissa is the Western Australian Representative for AGOSCI and a speech pathologist at ProAACtive Speech Pathology. Carissa brings a broad and diverse skill base to her role, having worked as an educator in Singapore before completing her studies in speech pathology.
As a speech pathologist, Carissa partners closely with educators and stakeholders to foster confidence in AAC implementation and to celebrate student agency. She also works alongside families in the community to create environments where every individual can communicate authentically and be heard.
Carissa is excited to contribute her experience and enthusiasm to champion inclusive communication practices to the AAC community and beyond.
ACT Representative
Jessika Dethick
Jess is our ACT Representative and a dedicated speech pathologist at Eat Speak Learn in Belconnen, ACT. Known for her optimism, energy, and creativity, she infuses fun into her therapy sessions to ensure clients remain engaged and motivated. Before transitioning to speech pathology, Jess spent several years in the entertainment industry in Newcastle. Her desire to assist individuals with communication challenges inspired her career change.
Beyond clinical practice, Jess lectures at universities on complex communication needs, technology, and therapeutic approaches. She also conducts workshops for schools, support workers, and allied health professionals. A passionate advocate, Jess has volunteered with AGOSCI for over six years, championing the rights of those facing communication difficulties.
VIC Representative
Jenna O'Brien
Jenna is the Victorian Representative for AGOSCI, where she advocates for individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supports members across the state.
As a Geelong-based speech pathologist, Jenna specialises in working with children and young people who may not rely solely on speech to communicate. She has extensive experience with various AAC tools and strategies, including electronic communication systems, communication books, and non-verbal methods such as gestures and sign language. Jenna emphasises the importance of influencing communication partners to create supportive environments for AAC users. Pursuing a Master of Disability and Inclusion at Deakin University, she focuses on inclusive education for AAC communicators. Jenna has presented at national and international conferences, including AGOSCI and ISAAC, on topics like family-centered AAC practices and caregiver training programs.
NT Representative
Millie Edwards
Millie serves as AGOSCI's Northern Territory Representative, advocating for individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and supporting members across the region. In this role, she facilitates communication between AGOSCI and local stakeholders, organises events, and promotes inclusive practices within the community.
Millie is dedicated to enhancing communication access and inclusion, working closely with individuals, families, and professionals to ensure that AAC users have the resources and support they need to thrive. Her commitment to social justice and passion for empowering others make her a valuable asset to AGOSCI and the broader AAC community.
TAS Representative
Sheridan Forster
Sheridan is not only our bi-annual 'AGOSCI In Focus' Magazine editor, but also our State Representative for Tasmania.
Sheridan has over 25 years experience as a speech therapist. She currently balances private practice, university teaching, and writing, focusing on improving interactions between support staff and adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities—a topic she explored in depth during her PhD, completed in 2011. Since 1997, Sheridan has worked across government, non-government, and education sectors, consistently dedicating her efforts to optimising shared communication through methods including body language, facial expressions, sounds, words, pictures, touch, and more.
SA Representative
Amelia Edwards
Amelia is the South Australian Representative for AGOSCI, supporting our members across the state.
Amelia is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with over 12 years of experience and serves as a clinical lead speech pathologist at Novita in South AUstralia, focused on supporting communication autonomy for individuals with communication disabilities.
She is a certified Key Word Sign presenter and a certified PODD presenter, and a current board member for Inclusive Educators Australia.
In 2015 Amelia completed a PhD exploring how parents of children on the autism spectrum make decisions about interventions for their children. She is interested in inclusive education and passionate about supporting the inclusion of students who use AAC.