Meet Michelle (Shell)

Graduating as a speech pathologist in 2012, I’ve spent over a decade walking alongside people through every season of life; from first words to final goodbyes. My experience spans early intervention, school-aged support, adolescence, adulthood, aged care, and end-of-life planning. Along the way, I’ve witnessed just how deeply communication shapes identity, self-determination, autonomy and connection. This is especially significant when those needs are complex, evolving or misunderstood.

As a neurodivergent woman, I bring lived experience to my work; not as the focus, but as a lens. I understand the invisible scripts, the energy cost of masking, and the unspoken parts of communication that don't always fit neatly into boxes. This perspective guides my neurodiversity-affirming approach, where differences are not deficits. We start with who you are, not who you're expected to be.

But Unspoken isn’t only for neurodivergent folk. I’ve worked alongside people with a wide range of rare conditions syndromes, Functional Neurological Disorder, progressive neurological conditions, and intellectual disability — often in contexts where traditional models of communication don’t quite fit. Whether it’s supporting someone to build connection through AAC, navigate the sensory world, advocate for themselves, or find joy in shared mealtimes, I bring a flexible, creative, and person-centred approach. Whatever the context, my work is grounded in respect, collaboration, and a deep belief that everyone deserves to feel heard.

One of the greatest privileges in my work is supporting people in the later stages of life. Whether through voice banking, legacy projects, storytelling, or simply creating space for someone’s thoughts be seen and heard. It’s an incredible honour to help capture who they are, not just what they need. Being trusted to walk alongside someone as they reflect, reconnect, and express what matters most is one of the most sacred parts of this role. Everyone deserves to leave a mark, to be remembered in their own words — spoken, signed, typed, or felt.