Hello Kids Therapy Hub
“We’re here to help children find their voice.”
Darcie and Remy Blair-Thomson, sisters and speech pathologists, are the heartbeat of Hello Kids Therapy Hub in North Melbourne.
Darcie, with a background in psychology, and Remy, with her roots in journalism, chose speech pathology not just as a career but as a calling. Something about speech pathology, with its blend of teaching and health science, captivated them both.
Immersed in their parents' education business from a young age, Darcie and Remy were inspired to create a meaningful venture of their own.
“Our parents are both educators, so we grew up learning valuable lessons on nurturing young minds,” Darcie recalls.
“The impact we can make on children's lives is profound. We always knew we wanted to give back by creating our own inclusive space,” Remy shared.
In 2023 Hello Kids opened its doors - a labour of love and a dream realised for the sisters.
“We use play-based therapy to work with kids with a range of communication differences, such as literacy challenges, language, autism, social communication, stuttering and early language. Basically, we help kids to become more confident communicators,” explains Remy.
So, what makes Hello Kids Therapy Hub stand out?
"We are neurodiversity affirming speech pathologists," Darcie explains. "We work with each child and their family on embracing and enhancing that child’s strengths and natural abilities, whether that is a child who has autism or ADHD."
"We help build up the world around them to recognise them for who they are, rather than changing the child to fit the environment," she adds.
This philosophy is central to Remy and Darcie’s practice. They don't see 'deficits'; they see strengths and uniqueness.
When it comes to working with family, each sister brings a unique skill set to the table.
In terms of clinical specialisation, Remy, with her focus on early language delay, complements Darcie’s passion for literacy and the science of reading.
“In the business, Remy has the creative flair and is great at marketing, while I’m more into systems and processes. We have a lot of fun, formulating ideas and brainstorming everything that we want this business to be,” smiles Darcie.
The future is bright for Hello Kids Therapy Hub. Plans for expansion and the addition of more allied health professionals are on the horizon.
"That would be our long-term vision. To have different allied health professionals working together," Darcie envisions.
“We want Hello Kids Therapy Hub to be a warm and inclusive space where children can blossom and where families feel welcomed and supported,” beams Remy.
“Helping children meet their goals, empowering them to communicate in a way that’s meaningful for them and to share their voice confidently - that’s what we’re passionate about.”.
Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio