Empowering communication, enriching lives

Supporting adults and teens in the Shoalhaven with tailored speech therapy. Discover compassionate, expert care designed to help you connect, express, and thrive—at every stage of life.

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About us

Who are we?

We are an adult and late teenager focused service providing swallowing and communication assessment and management to people living in the Shoalhaven. We are highly experienced Speech Pathologists with decades of experience to draw on. We strive to upskill continuously in our practice to ensure we provide an evidence based and thorough service. We specialise in providing client centred, holistic and practical Speech Pathology services to people living with swallowing and communication needs. Our services are both mobile between Berry and Sanctuary Point and in clinical rooms in Nowra.
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Speech for Life works together with our clients to provide an open, honest and respectful service. We will discuss options available to you and support you to decide how you would like to proceed with therapy. Our aim is to collaborate with you so that you can be the best you can be.

Ruth Hartman
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Principal Speech Pathologist
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June 2025
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Ruth
Hartman
Principal Speech Pathologist

Ruth Hartman, BA Hons Mod Lang, MSpLngPath, is a certified practising Speech Pathologist with over 20 years experience working with adults and six years working with developmental disability (particularly Autism, ADHD and Intellectual Disability). Ruth specialises in working with adults and teenagers with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's Plus, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, MND, CBD, MSA, MS, Primary Progressive Aphasia and other dementias. Ruth has additional training in voice disorders and management for adults. She has a keen interest in assisting people with building their capacity in literacy as an adult (learning to read, improving reading and writing skills) both for adults post stroke and for those with a developmental disorder. Ruth also runs PEERS® for Young Adults, a social skills course for those who wish to learn about or feel more comfortable with social interactions.

Ruth has worked in many areas of Speech Pathology. She has worked across large acute hospitals, in rehabilitation centres, in Residential Aged Care Facilities, community based services, Not for Profit organisations for children with developmental disorders and in her own private practice. Ruth currently works full time in her private practice as well as contracting to Nowra Private Hospital and providing communication training to doctors as part of the Rural Doctors Network.

Ruth is accredited with most aged care providers, Health Funds, Medicare for Chronic Disease Management Programme, iCare and is an NDIS provider (only for those who are plan or self managed).

Acknowledgement of Country

Speech for Life acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which it is based, the lands of the Yuin Nation, land which was never ceded. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their unique connection to the land of the beautiful Shoalhaven area, and their knowledge that has been passed down through generations. Speech for Life acknowledges the great sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as their cultural resilience and pride.