"Communication allows us to interact with and participate in the world. Providing a service that enables people to become more independent in their everyday lives is a source of constant motivation for me."

Sophie Alvarado Fantarella

(nee Sophie Fantarella)

Speech Pathologist, BA, MSpPath , CPSP.

Hi! I'm Sophie, and I'm the Director of Talk and Tinker.

I had grandparents who did not speak English as their first language. Everyday activities such as grocery shopping, ordering food or getting directions was difficult! This led me to think that there are people that have these difficulties and do not have the language barrier. My vision for society is to create accessible spaces for everyone to use. This is one of the founding principles behind Talk and Tinker.

While I am not at work I like to spend time with my family, and my pet cat Luna. My husband and I love hiking and being outdoors. Fun Fact! Mauricio proposed while we were hiking in Norway! I love cooking and discovering new cultures through cuisine. Mauricio and I also teach dance. We travelled to Europe to learn from masters in the African style of Kizomba.

My Career Journey

I was born and raised in Tasmania. I completed my Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tasmania, in 2010, and then spent two years travelling both Australia and overseas. My Speech Pathology journey began when I was offered a Masters of Speech Pathology placement at Flinders University.
From 2015, I have worked in regional and metropolitan South Australia across a range of different settings including the Department for Education, private practise, consulting, school-based, aged care, clinic based, home visits and teletherapy.

I have special interest in feeding therapy, I am trained in the the SOS approach for feeding and I am highly committed to keep my knowledge up-to-date within this area.