Professor Marleen Westerveld is a speech pathologist and researcher with more than 30 years of clinical and research experience in child language. She is a Fellow of Speech Pathology Australia and an honoured member of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP) and serves on the executive committee of the International Association for the Study of Child Language (IASCL). She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and is widely recognised for her work on children’s spontaneous language development and disorders from preschool through to adolescence. Her research focuses on supporting children’s spoken and written language skills so they can participate fully in today’s society - at home, at school, and in their communities. Her work is characterised by a strong commitment to translating research into practical, actionable strategies and protocols that enhance clinical decision‑making and optimise outcomes for children and adolescents. Dr Westerveld is a Professor in Speech Pathology at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and the inaugural Chair of the Global TALES Network, a globally connected network that champions inclusive, culturally responsive personal narrative research and practice, ensuring that voices of all ages, languages, and abilities are heard, understood, and valued