Jessica Harders

Senior Speech Pathologist / LSL Trainee

Hi, I’m Jess!

I'm a Senior Lead Speech Pathologist, and since January 2024, I've been on an exciting journey to become a certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. I’ve been proudly working as a speechie since 2018, and my passion for supporting children and young people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing ignited when I joined Can:Do 4Kids in 2020.

Beyond my focus on Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations, I’ve worked with kids with Developmental Language Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech Sound Disorders, and literacy challenges. This experience fuels my passion for helping children aged 0-5 and their families on their listening and speaking journey.

I love getting involved in group programs, including Jnr CHAMPS and CHAMPS for school-aged students, Sound Hounds, and the Bright Start kindy program. These programs empower kids with essential skills—like phonological awareness, social and pragmatic communication, and self-advocacy—helping them manage their hearing devices and step confidently into school life.

In therapy, I bring creativity, fun, and a sprinkle of my inner child to every session. Celebrating the small (and big!) wins with children and their families is truly the highlight of my work.

When I’m not at work, you’ll find me playing board games and doing puzzles (I pretend they’re for work—shh!), at the beach, exploring the great outdoors in a 4WD, or indulging in delicious food.

• Bachelor of Speech Pathology
• Sounds Write Certified (SPELD SA) - Literacy Assessment and Intervention
• Introduction to Auslan 1 & 2