Meet Natalie James

Hi, I'm Natalie. I'm a Specialist Neurological Speech Pathologist with more than 25 years of experience helping adults with neurological and chronic conditions improve their communication, voice, cognition and swallowing.

I graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 1998 and completed a Master of Applied Linguistics in 2008. Throughout my career, I have worked across hospital, community and private practice settings in Australia and the United Kingdom, supporting adults living with a wide range of neurological and chronic health conditions.

I founded Neuro Connect Speech Pathology to provide the kind of care I believe people deserve—specialist, evidence-based therapy that is personalised, unhurried and centred on what matters most to each individual. My goal is to help people communicate with confidence, stay connected with the people around them, and continue participating in the conversations and activities that give their lives meaning.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling outdoors, wearing a light-colored blazer and a white top.

My experience

Before establishing Neuro Connect Speech Pathology, I worked for many years across NSW Health, including Sydney Virtual Hospital's vRehab team, other specialist neurological services and private practice. I was the Lead Speech Pathologist in the St Joseph's Hospital Motor Neurone Disease Clinic and Communication & Assistive Technology Clinics, where I supported people with complex communication and swallowing needs and helped them access technologies such as speech-generating devices and eye gaze systems.

My approach

Every person's situation is different. I take the time to understand your goals, priorities and everyday life, and I work closely with you, your family and your healthcare team to develop a therapy plan that is realistic, meaningful and tailored to your needs.

I have extensive experience supporting adults living with:

  • Stroke and aphasia

  • Parkinson's disease and atypical Parkinsonian disorders

  • Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

  • Dementia

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Traumatic brain injury

  • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

  • Long COVID

  • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Alongside my clinical work, I have a strong commitment to research, innovation and excellence in healthcare. I continue to collaborate as a clinical researcher on speech pathology research projects and clinical trials, ensuring my clients benefit from the latest evidence-based assessment, therapy approaches and communication technologies.

Above all, I believe every person deserves to be heard, understood and included—and I'm privileged to work alongside people and their families as they work toward meaningful improvements in communication, swallowing, confidence and quality of life.

Professional credentials

  • Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP)

  • Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia (MSPA)

  • NDIS Provider (self-managed and plan-managed participants)

  • iCare Provider

  • Better Conversations trained clinician (Acquired Neurological Conditions)

  • SPEAK OUT!® Certified Provider

  • LSVT LOUD® and LSVT eLOUD® Certified Clinician

  • McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) Certified Clinician

How I can help

I provide assessment and therapy for:

  • Speech, voice and communication changes

  • Aphasia and other language difficulties

  • Cognitive-communication changes

  • Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

  • Assistive and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

  • Communication partner training for families and carers

Appointments are available in Mosman, through my home visiting service across Sydney, and via telehealth across Australia.