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Meet Ami-Lee

The speech language therapist behind Wild About Words

Hi, I’m Ami and if you’ve landed here, chances are you’re navigating something that feels equal parts important and overwhelming. I get it. And I’m really glad you’re here.

I started Wild About Words because I believe every child deserves therapy that actually fits them, not a programme designed for the average child (whoever that is). My sessions are play-based, child-led, and built around genuine connection. In my experience, kids don’t make progress when they’re uncomfortable. They make progress when they’re having fun.

My journey into speech language therapy started somewhere you might not expect – in Denmark. As a high school exchange student, I experienced first-hand what it feels like to lose your words in a room full of people. That feeling never left me, and it’s a big part of why I do what I do.

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair and blue eyes wearing a green sweater, smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.
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After completing an Honours degree in Speech Language Therapy through Massey University, I began my career working with the Ministry of Education in South Auckland where I worked closely alongside tamariki, whānau and schools to integrate therapy into daily life. I worked closely with families who were navigating the challenges of an education system that simply didn’t feel set up for their child and their needs. Whilst I loved the mission of this role, I realised I wanted more.. more frequent sessions, more time with the children, and deeper relationships with the families I support. 

I have spent the last few years working within private practices in Auckland, focusing on neuro-affirming strengths based therapy. This has given me the space to connect with families on a deeper level, grow creatively, and implement therapy that honours each child’s strengths, needs and unique situations. 

I am deeply passionate about working with children with complex communication needs and neurodivergent populations; specifically in Early Intervention, Autism, Down Syndrome, Gestalt Language Processing and AAC. 

I am a registered member of the New Zealand Speech Language Therapy Association (NZSTA) and Assistive Technology Alliance New Zealand (ATANZ). 

A woman with long hair, wearing a green sweater, sitting on the floor, looking at and pointing to a colorful laminated chart on her lap, surrounded by toy bowls and backpacks.
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I’m also trained in…

  • Communication Assistive Technology (CAT 1)

  • Makaton Tutor Accreditation 

  • More Than Words (Hanen)

  • Way to Play (Autism NZ)

  • Lego-Based Therapy 

  • Language Acquisition Motor Planning (LAMP) 

  • And I am on a (very humbling journey) to learn NZSL.

A few fun things about me…

  • A couple dressed in formal attire outdoors during sunset. The man is holding the woman in his arms, and they are smiling and laughing. The background features rolling hills and a clear sky with warm sunlight.

    01

    I’ve kept my maiden name for all things speech therapy related - mostly because ‘Wildman’ is a simply a cooler last name, but also as a ‘late fee’ for my husband taking so long to propose! 

  • A smiling woman with long wavy blonde hair wearing a bright green sweater, standing outdoors in front of green leafy bushes.

    02

    My Danish exchange year was life-changing, but my vocabulary was... specific. While I can hold a conversation now, I started with the essentials: “Kan du lide kartofler?” (Do you like potatoes?). It’s a great icebreaker, though admittedly less useful in Auckland than it was in Denmark!

  • A woman sitting on the floor, reading a colorful book or pamphlet, surrounded by children's toys and backpacks in a room with an orange door and various notices on the wall.

    03

    I’m not a ‘regular therapist’, “I’m a crawling-through-the-tunnel” therapist… and on that note, I’ve split my pants at work more times than I would like to admit!

  • A children's reading and play area inside a library, featuring a large green block with toy buildings, a table with books, a display of books and visual aids, and a person in a red sleeve with a hand holding a wooden block.

    04

    I am a caffeine-dependent lifeform. I consider a good coffee a basic human right, and the primary fuel for out-pacing toddlers on a daily basis. 

  • A person's legs in white pants and white shoes stand on a black carpeted floor, with a fluffy beige dog partially visible in front. On a desk, there are colorful communication boards with pictures and words, some lying open, a black leashed dog, a smartphone, and various papers, pens, and a brown paper bag.

    05

    I’m a hardcore op-shopper and love the challenge of finding treasures second hand, whether it’s something for my house or my therapy tool kit! 

A young woman with long wavy hair, sitting cross-legged on the floor, holding a picture book with colorful illustrations. She is wearing a green sweater and dark pants, and appears to be in a waiting area or hallway, with a closed orange door behind her and various supplies and toys around her.
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When I’m not in a session, you’ll probably find me…

  • Searching the depths of the opp shop

  • Or being walked by my dog! 

Ready to meet properly?

- Lets Chat

Getting started is simple. Book a free 15-minute call and let’s talk about your child, your family, and what support could look like for you.

No jargon. No pressure. Just a conversation.

Book here
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