TalkiPlay welcomes leading speech pathologist Kathryn Marrington

Kathryn Marrington, former National Manager of Speech Pathology for Goodstart Early Learning, has joined children’s speech and language startup TalkiPlay.

Ms Marrington was with Goodstart for three years undertaking a range of projects to support inclusive communication. Prior to joining Goodstart she spent her 18-year career working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Northern Territory and Queensland, focused on paediatric disability relating to communication issues while working in private practice.

She is considered an expert commentator on  communication skills and inclusion in early childhood education, and her experience has been welcomed by TalkiPlay CEO and founder Dr Annie McAuley. 

“Kathryn’s impressive experience will be an invaluable asset as TalkiPlay embarks on its next phase to support children with complex communication needs including autism,” she said.

“Her passion and commitment to empowering parents and children to live their best lives is infectious and will contribute significantly to TalkiPlay’s mission to equip children with the skills they need to connect with their world.”

Dr McAuley and Ms Marrington will work to position TalkiPlay as a solution for children whose developmental milestones may have been compromised by the impact of COVID-19, coupled with long delays to access professional advice and therapy. 

“Kathryn’s insights into these current challenges will extend our capacity to work with early childhood educators and more allied health professionals to support speech and language development learning through play” Dr McAuley said. 

Ms Marrington said she was proud of Goodstart’s commitment to incorporating expert speech and language guidance into early learning, and that Dr McAuley’s innovation, lived experience and commitment to making genuine change in children’s lives were big attraction points for her when taking on the position. 

“I want to empower children to explore their world through language,” she said. 

“There are so many unmet needs in speech and language. TalkiPlay can be another tool using screen- free technology that speech pathologists can add to their resources and recommend to parents.”

“A universal approach to communication, speech and language development is vital so vulnerable families are not denied access. There are so many ways TalkiPlay can help with inclusion. I can’t wait to get started.”

Learn more about TalkiPlay here.