Constanza (Coni) Peñaloza Johnson

Speech Language Therapist

Coni is a kind, creative, and experienced speech pathologist who brings warmth, passion, and over seven years of experience to her work with children and families. Originally from Chile, she has worked across Australia since 2019, supporting children of all abilities to grow in confidence, connection, and communication.

Coni holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Therapy from Chile, along with post-graduate training in swallowing, paediatric neurorehabilitation, speaking and language disorders. Her diverse background has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to support children across a wide range of needs—always with a focus on what makes each child beautifully unique.

What Approach Does Coni Take?
Coni employs a neuroaffirming and holistic approach to therapy, believing that every child should be understood and supported in a way that acknowledges their unique neurodiverse needs. Her therapeutic practice is deeply grounded in collaboration with families and caregivers, ensuring the support provided is meaningful, child-led, and tailored to each individual's needs. Coni is passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and playful environment where children feel empowered to explore and develop their communication skills, self-confidence, and social interactions.

Coni also has a special interest in supporting communication through art. As an abstract painter herself, she loves using drawing and painting as part of her sessions—especially for children who find it tricky to express themselves verbally. This creative approach helps children feel safe, seen, and supported, while also opening up new ways to connect and communicate.

Coni brings warmth, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to every session. She’s deeply committed to building positive, trusting relationships and supporting each child’s development across home, school, and community settings.

 

Experience

  • Preverbal and Early Communication Development

  • Language Differences

  • Autism and ADHD - Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist

  • Articulation Difficulties / Speech Sound Development

  • PROMPT certified trained therapist

  • School-Age Child - Language and Speech Supports

  • Multimodal Communication - Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):

    • Low-Tech Communication Aids - Visual schedules, communication books (including PODD), Aided Language Displays (ALDs), and Chat Boards

    • Speech Generating Devices - Trials and funding applications plus therapeutic support to implement devices

    • LAMP - Language Acquisition through Motor Planning training

    • Auslan Key Word Sign (KWS)

    • PODD - Books and High-Tech Apps

  • Holistic and Neuroaffirming Approach

  • Children with complex communication needs

  • Peadiatric feeding and swallowing difficulties

  • Telehealth Sessions Across the World - Supporting autistic teenagers with social skills and high cognitive abilities

  • Neuroaffirming Assessments - Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning (DASEL)

  • Bilingual therapy (Spanish / English)