Meet your Certified Speech Pathologist – Melissa Choong

Melissa is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with a heartfelt passion for helping individuals find, develop, and strengthen their voice. Her journey began with an undergraduate degree in Psychology with Honours, followed by certifications in Play Therapy and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA, Cambridge). Growing up in a multicultural family and being fluent in English and Mandarin, Melissa brings a rich cultural sensitivity to her work with clients from diverse backgrounds.

As both a teacher and professional singer, Melissa has a profound appreciation for the voice as a deeply personal and expressive instrument. This passion inspired her to pursue a Master of Speech Pathology at Flinders University in 2019, where she deepened her understanding of voice science and therapy. Since then, she has gained extensive clinical experience across schools, hospitals, and private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide variety of speech and voice disorders.

Melissa has a particular expertise in voice therapy, working closely with singers and individuals whose voices are central to their personal or professional lives. She is specially trained in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) — a well-established, evidence-based therapy designed to improve vocal loudness and clarity for people with Parkinson’s disease. Through LSVT, Melissa has helped many clients regain their vocal strength, confidence, and effective communication skills, significantly enhancing their quality of life.

Some key highlights of Melissa’s professional background include:

• Extensive experience with voice disorders and neurological speech conditions
• Working with children and adults in a variety of clinical settings
• Passion for supporting singers, performers, and those who rely on their voice professionally
• Providing individualised therapy tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice

Alongside her clinical work, Melissa contributes to the future of speech pathology as a casual academic and clinical educator at Flinders University, mentoring students at the Fluency and Voice Student Clinic.

Outside the clinic, Melissa is an accomplished musician and vocalist, with years of performance experience in choirs, bands, churches, and weddings. This artistic background enriches her clinical approach, allowing her to blend scientific knowledge with practical insights into voice use and care.