My Best Me Paediatric Services

Get to know My Best Me Paediatric Services

From My Best Me Paediatric Services's website.

• Our approach

  At My Best Me, the focus is on learning what drives each child and building trust through play-based therapy. Sessions are dynamic, creative and child-focused, with therapists working together with families to unlock each child's full potential through engaging interactions and meaningful communication. The team believes every child is unique with individual skills, quirks and sensory needs, and they aim to meet children where they are at to inspire joyful interactions. Speech pathology services include individual therapy sessions, small group sessions, and peer-based learning in educational settings, with specialisations in autism, developmental delays, language delays, ADHD, eating concerns and literacy support.

• Working with families

  The service is built on working together with families and engaging both children and families in therapy. From the initial contact, families are invited to share their child's concerns and preferences when joining the waiting list, and the clinic discusses service delivery options suited to individual needs. The therapists are committed to collaborating with clients and their families at their level, meeting them where they are at to support their child's goals. The approach emphasises building meaningful connections and working holistically to unlock each child's full potential through partnering with parents and carers throughout the therapy journey.

• Meet the team

  The team consists of four certified practicing speech pathologists. Cara Williams is the Director with over 20 years' experience working with children and families, specialising in autism support across early intervention, mainstream schools and autism-specific services in Australia and England. Caitlyn Eldridge graduated from the University of Melbourne's Masters of Speech Pathology and has a passion for supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Lani Baensch also holds a Masters from the University of Melbourne and brings warmth and fun to sessions, with years of experience volunteering and working with children. Emily Smith, also a University of Melbourne graduate, previously worked as a qualified kindergarten teacher and in childcare for eight years, bringing strong expertise in play-based early intervention.

• Your first visit

  The first step is to fill out a contact form to join the waiting list. Once your form is received, the clinic will contact you to discuss wait times and service delivery options available for your child. At this initial contact, you'll have the opportunity to share your child's concerns and preferences, including your preferred appointment day and time (morning, afternoon or afterschool). The team will also discuss your funding situation, whether through NDIS, private health insurance, Medicare referral, or exploring funding options together.