Meet the Team
Lizzy Laing
Principal Speech Pathologist (She/her)
Lizzy Laing (nee Gengos) started The Social Gym in 2017 after recognising the need for increased support for teenagers and young people in Australia. She developed a passion for working in this age group during her time living, working and studying in Vancouver, Canada. Lizzy returned to North America in 2019 and completed the Social Thinking® Clinical Trainee program run by Michelle Garcia Winner and Pam Crooke in Santa Clara, California.
Prior to moving overseas Lizzy studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at the University of Sydney. She has worked in both private practice and community health settings in Australia and Canada. Lizzy is one of few Speech Pathologists in NSW with a Graduate Certificate of Autism Diagnosis from the University of Western Australia and is qualified to administer Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS) assessments.
Lizzy is originally from Tamworth in North West NSW and when she is not at work she will often be found riding horses, hiking, skiing or honing in on her surfing skills. She is an avid traveller and has explored Europe, Africa, South East Asia and North America on her many trips abroad. Lizzy brings her contagious enthusiasm and love of people and community to create fun and engaging sessions.
Jessica Harris
Speech Pathologist (She/her)
Jess has the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She studied a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at The Australian Catholic University achieving the Executive Dean’s Commendation for Outstanding Performance upon graduation. Speech Pathology has taken her right across the country including time at the Majarlin Kimberly Centre for Remote Health in Broome, Western Australia and at Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) in Wollongong. She has also enjoyed the challenges of rural practice in and around Bowral on the NSW south coast.
Jess is born and bred on Sydney’s northern beaches and can regularly be found in the ocean, going to yoga, walking her dog or spending time with friends and family. Jess brings her bubbly personality and love of social connection to make a positive impact to the team.
Aleisha Newberry
Speech Pathologist (She/her)
Aleisha’s joy and energy is felt by all those around her. She studied a Bachelor of Health Science, Human Function and Structure and then completed her Masters of Speech Pathology both at The University of Technology, Sydney. Aleisha has previously been working in private practice across Sydney and the Northern Beaches where she developed her passion for teenagers and young adults.
Aleisha grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and can’t imagine living a life away from the ocean. When she is not at work, she can be found camping by a beach, at the gym or eating something delicious with friends and family. Aleisha brings her fun and compassionate personality to The Social Gym team.
Doireann (aka Dee) Molloy
Speech Pathologist (She/her)
Dee is a delight to all who know her and connects with young and old with her warmth and gentle Irish charm. Prior to moving overseas, Dee studied a Bachelor of Clinical Speech and Language Studies (Speech Pathology) at Trinity College Dublin. She has worked in both Ireland and Australia with a diverse background spanning clients of all ages. Dee has discovered a particular passion for working with teenagers as they develop into young adults.
Dee loves exploring everything Australia has to offer and will be endlessly appreciative of the warm Australian weather, beautiful coastline and finding new hidden swim spots around New South Wales. Her kind approach quickly develops a strong rapport with all of her clients.
Catherine (Cat) Healey
Speech Pathologist (She/her)
Cat loves working and goofing around with teenagers and young adults. Cat has a degree in Science from UTS. She also has a graduate diploma of Speech and Communication along with a Masters in Speech Language Pathology from Macquarie University. Cat has worked in various clinics on the Central Coast in a multidisciplinary team (Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Paediatricians) since 2013 with young people and the Paediatric population. Catherine is ADOS trained and has been part of multi-disciplinary Autism diagnostic teams for 7 years. Her client base has primarily been the Autistic and ADHD community.
Outside the clinic you will find Cat with her head stuck in a book (she has an emotional support kindle…..) or listening to a podcast. She loves music and will happily go to any live music event available to her. She has two young adult kids and a much-loved husband - her family includes two over-spoilt dogs. She loves the bush and walking in Sydney’s national parks. Cat takes great joy in finding out new things. She feels it pays to be curious about people and their passions - no learning is ever wasted.
Zachary Blue
Speech Pathologist (he/him)
Zac charms all he meets and has an innate ability to connect with young people and make them feel at ease. He previously completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (Spanish) at UTS, before working in the media industry. Zac later returned to university to pursue his interests in language and communication, completing a Master of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Sydney. He began his Speech Pathology career working in hospital before realising that working with teenagers and young adults is where his passion lies.
He is originally from Australia and has lived across Sydney, England and Spain. He enjoys music, playing video games, and practising the saxophone and piano. He has a passion for writing and has previously published and edited academic & poetry works for university. Zac’s quiet confidence leads to engaging, thoughtful sessions allowing students to feel heard and understood.
Vicki Daley
Administration/Allied Health Assistant (She/her)
Vicki joined The Social Gym in 2019 as bookkeeper extraordinaire and Chief Organiser. Although she continues in this role, Vicki has been developing her skills as an Allied Health Assistant and has supported a number of students during group programs including our Budgy Smuggler Program. Vicki has owned and run a number of Cafe’s in the Eastern Suburbs and is head chef during all Social Gym cooking experiences. Her warmth and calm approach make her loved by all who meet her.
Pepper
Pepper is an integral part of The Social Gym team eagerly greeting all members of our community. Pepper loves showing off her many tricks and offers a calm, relaxing presence for anyone wanting extra puppy cuddles. She has been training as a therapy dog and regularly sits in on sessions for those who enjoy her company.
