Talking Matters Team of Consultants
Are you looking for someone to support you in helping your child develop communication skills and reach their potential with learning? Our speech pathologists, occupational therapists, disability consultants and admin team are all passionate about children's development. The team work with children and families to develop skills and learning across a broad range of areas. Contact us to see how our friendly team can partner with you and your child to help your child reach their potential.
Management Team
Operations Manager
Jodie has a wealth of experience in administration and operations. In 2013 she completed her Diploma in Business Management and fulfills a vital role managing the many operational requirements of the practice. Jodie manages client services, the admin team, accounts, resources for clients, facilities, technology, first aid and more. She is extremely busy ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible. Her role ensures clients experience a professional service from booking and beyond and that clinicians are supported so they can get on with their job of providing high quality services.
Stacey Nelson
Clinical Manager - Speech Pathology
Ba Spath (Hons) MSPA CPSP
Stacey graduated her degree with Honours, completing her thesis on "Pragmatic Development of Children with Hearing Loss". Stacey is engaged at Talking Matters as the Clinicial Manager, a position she earned with her passion and many skills. Stacey provides valuable leadership in the practice, managing the responsibility of the clinical service provision and support of the clinical team. She is also a skilled clinician who works with children both in the office and in a school. She also has specialised skills in supporting fussy eaters and uses these skills in upskilling others, including students on placement from university. She is often a key organiser and contributer to student training, providing workshops, social event organising and all of the 'extra' things Talking Matters does, such as the client Christmas Party. Stacey makes a considerable contribution to the overall running and management of the practice, bringing her positivity and 'can do' attitude to everything she does.
Janine Franz
Clinical Manager - Occupational Therapy
Janine graduated from the University of Cape Town in South Africa in 2007 and joined the Talking Matters team in January 2018. She completed her community service year in 2008, working between 3 different hospitals within a rural setting. Janine has always had her main interest in paediatric occupational therapy, specifically within development therapy and sensory processing and has been working within this area since 2009.
Janine has been working within private practice seeing individual clients. She has experience developing and running groups programs including fine motor skills, gross motor skills, lifeskills and sensory based intervention. She has helped to plan and participate in running learner camps with children aged 5-10 years of age. She is also a qualified Interactive Metronome Practitioner. Her future interest areas would be to continue to develop her skills with Neurodevelopmental Therapy, Play Therapy and Biodanza Therapy. Janine is always looking at how to work holistically with the client and their family.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Speech Pathologists
Shauna De Jong
Speech Pathologist
Ba Health Sc. MA Spath MSPA
Shauna graduated from Flinders University in 2016 with her Masters in Speech Pathology, following a Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of South Australia. Shauna developed her clinical skills within a range of placements, Her experience includes time at the Repatiration General Hospital, a Community Childcare Centre, various schools within the Elizabeth region and finally at Talking Matters. Shauna has developed a passion for helping children and their families to develop their speech, language, and social skills. Shauna works from the office, as well as providing services to local schools. She will also be available alternate Saturdays in the Elizabeth Downs office for families who need out of school hours appointments.Area of Expertise: Speech
Natalie McAllister
Speech Pathologist
Ba Sc (Speech Pathology)
Natalie graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) in 2013, before returning to Adelaide to work as a speech pathologist. She joined our team early in 2016. Natalie has gained experience in a number of clinic and school based environments prior to starting at Talking Matters. Natalie is interested in working with the deaf community and has pursued additional training outside of her speech pathology degree in Auslan. She has also been an active member of Girls' Brigade groups and has completed additional studies in Health Administration. Natalie provides services in the office at Elizabeth Downs as well as at a number of schools in the local area.Area of Expertise: Speech
Le Phan
Speech Pathologist
Ba Spath MSPA
Le completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree at Flinders University in 2016. She has experience in working with children with various speech and language difficulties, feeding difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Le completed her final placement at Talking Matters in 2016 and has now joined us as a fully qualified speech pathologist. She has developed a strong passion for working closely with chidlren to support their communication, feeding and social needs. Le works in the office, including alternate Saturdays, as well as providing services in schools.
Katherine Tran
Speech Pathologist
Ba Spath MSPA
Katherine graduated from Flinders University with a bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology in 2017. While studying Katherine discovered great joy in working with children with a diverse range of speech and language difficulties. She greatly enjoyed her work with children on the autism spectrum, with auditory processing disorders and Downs Syndrome. Through these experiences Katherine was driven to work with children and decided to bring her fun and friendly personality back to Talking Matters as a qualified speech pathologist after her time with us as a student clinician. Katherine is committed to providing a fun and safe environment for all children in her care.
Stacey Kennedy
Speech Pathologist
Stacey completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Flinders University. She started with Talking Matters as an allied health assistant during her final year of university and was happy to accept the opportunity to join the team as a speech pathologist in 2018.
Stacey has a special interest in articulation and language structure and loves being able to help children be successful with their learning. Having a young family at home gives her plenty of opportunity to practice her skills and to keep in tune with support needs of her clients’ families. Stacey provides services in clinic and at schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech
Caitlin Pywell
Speech Pathologist
Caitlin graduated from Australian Catholic University Melbourne with Speech Pathologist (Hons) at the end of 2017. Caitlin’s placements included Monash Children’s Hospital, various schools in metropolitan Melbourne, and community health within regional Victoria. With a passion for working with children with disabilities Caitlin joined the Talking Matters team in January 2018. Caitlin has also completed Auslan level 1 and level 2. Being an active volunteer with Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Caitlin has been able to combine her interest in horse riding with a passion for helping children with disabilities.
Area of Expertise: Speech
Michelle Robinson
Speech Pathologist
Michelle graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree from Flinders University. During her study Michelle completed her final placement at Talking Matters. Michelle was also employed by Talking Matters as an allied health assistant prior to her commencement as a speech pathologist. Michelle's placements included various schools giving her experience in working with children with various speech and language difficulties and Autism Spectrum Disorder. A previous role as a student support officer has provided her with a strong interest in working with children to support their social needs, communication and literacy skills.
Area of Expertise: Speech
Jessica Debreceni
Speech Pathologist
Jessica graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2017. While completing a placement at Talking Matters, Jessica enjoyed working with a wide range of needs and was inspired by the enthusiastic staff who share a strong team vision. Jessica was pleased to return to join the team as a qualified speech pathologist.
Jessica is committed to utilising her creativity and flexibility to tailor therapy for children and their family’s needs. Jessica’s patient, gentle and positive nature encourages others to open up about their communication challenges. Jessica is passionate about building children’s foundational communication skills and her vision is to see children grow in confidence, and awareness of their value as individuals with a unique voice. Jessica provides services in clinic and at schools.
Areas of Expertise: Stuttering Speech Language Speech Pathology
Nadine Brack
Speech Pathologist
Nadine graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2018. Nadine gained experience throughout her placements working with clients in a special school, an early intervention clinic and, most recently, at Talking Matters. These placements confirmed Nadine’s passion for working with children with complex communication needs, along with their families, and inspired a supportive, child-centred therapy approach. Nadine has a strong focus on creating therapy sessions that are fun and engaging; combining her creativity with the child’s interests she can meet her client’s unique needs and assist them to reach their goals. Nadine is committed to providing a safe space and friendly learning environment for the whole family, where all members feel comfortable, supported and heard. Nadine provides services in clinic and schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Sarah-Ann Tan
Speech Pathologist
Sarah graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2018. Sarah completed her final placement at Talking Matters, and enjoyed creating a fun, engaging environment to support children with their therapy goals. She is passionate about building relationships with her clients and families in order to best support their learning and communication needs; as well as providing a tailored therapy plan specific to each child. Sarah has been involved in several volunteer roles that include working with children with autism. When Sarah is not engaging children in fun therapy sessions, she enjoys spending time with friends, singing, and playing with her dog Mochi.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Jemma Dougan
Speech Pathologist
Jemma graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Flinders University. After completing her final placement at Talking Matters, Jemma returned to the clinic and worked as an Allied Health Assistant. She is excited to continue her journey with Talking Matters by joining the team as a qualified speech pathologist in 2019. Jemma is passionate about helping children develop their confidence by supporting the communication needs of each family. She is dedicated to providing a fun and engaging learning atmosphere specifically designed with each client in mind. Jemma has experience working with children with a variety of communication and social needs gathered through her placements and personal experience teaching children’s dance classes. This inspired her to ensure each session is as creative and exciting as possible. Jemma provides services within the clinic and in local schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
J-Yi How
Speech Pathologist
J-Yi graduated from Flinders University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology in 2018. While on placement at the Flinders University Speech and Language Early Intervention Clinic, J-Yi found great fulfilment and joy in supporting children with speech and language difficulties while empowering families to do the same for their children. J-Yi strives to create a safe, supportive and interactive therapy environment to make learning fun and achievable for children. J-Yi has completed a range of workshops centred on supporting children to access communication, including Hannen It Takes Two to Talk Program, Traffic Jam in My Brain and When Words Aren’t There Yet. J-Yi delivers services in the office at Elizabeth Downs as well as a number of schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Occupational Therapists
Olivia Hutchings
Occupational Therapist
Ba App Sc (OT)
Olivia completed her occupational therapy degree in 2016 at the University of South Australia. After volunteering with the Starlight Children's Foundation and completing a final year placement at the Women's and Children's Hospital Olivia knew her passion was in working with children. She has a particular interest in children with developmental difficulties and in providing quality early intervention to her clients. Olivia has worked with children with behavioural, developmental and sensory needs, as well as with difficulties in social and play skills. Her caring and enthusiastic personality assists in developing positive relationships with children and their families. She believes in a holistic, family centred approach to intervention.Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Kate Arbon
Occupational Therapist
Kate graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Australia in 2016. Since her graduation she has been working in aged care along with performing hydrotherapy with children. After participating in placement opportunities, Kate realised her passion and interest was in working with children. In particular, Kate has an interest in the early intervention for children with development delays and sensory processing.
Kate has worked with children with behavioural, developmental, social, communication and sensory difficulties. Kate in enthusiastic and compassionate in dealing with clients and their families and is passionate about a holistic approach and working in collaboration / partnership with caregivers.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Ashton Grose
Occupational Therapist
Ashton graduated university in 2017 with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Ashton also volunteered at Talking Matters in school holiday groups whilst completing her degree and worked as an allied health assistant before commencing her role as an occupational therapist. Ashton has also had experience in schools developing handwriting and fine motor skills in group interventions. Ashton is very passionate about working with children and is motivated by helping them progress and achieve their goals. Ashton brings with her a calm and friendly personality and is striving to ensure that therapy is as fun as possible.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Kimberly Ridley
Occupational Therapist
Kim completed Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the end of 2017 and worked as an allied health assistant with Talking Matters during that time. Kim has an outgoing and fun personality that helps build positive relationships with children and their families. Kim has always had a passion for working in paediatrics and helping children reach their goals. Another of Kim’s passions is teaching dance to children, which she has done for 4 years.
Kim’s placements in her final year were based at kindergartens and schools working with a variety of clients, their teachers, and their families. These placements confirmed her passion for working with children.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Kate Dinevski
Occupational Therapist
Kate completed her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia in 2017. Kate also worked at Talking Matters as an allied health assistant in late 2017. She particularly enjoyed this, and other paediatric placements during her studies which sparked her interest to follow a career in paediatrics. Kate thoroughly enjoys working with children and their families and is passionate about making therapy fun. Kate works at the Talking Matters clinic and provides services at schools.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Rumbie Mapfumo
Occupational Therapist - Currently on Maternity Leave
Rumbie graduated from the University of South Australia as an occupational therapist in 2017. During her studies she completed a kindergarten based paediatric placement which developed a passion for working with children and their families. Rumbie has a passionate and enthusiastic approach to therapy and believes that occupational therapy should be fun, engaging and specific to the individual to support children to meet their goals.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Rebecca Appleby
Occupational Therapist
Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of South Australia in 2017 and began working at Talking Matters in 2018. The focus of Rebecca’s honours project was on the experiences of families with Autism Assistance Dogs and the overall benefits of Assistance Animals. During her studies, Rebecca completed a three month international development project in Cambodia, upskilling staff to provide parent education to families of children with disabilities.
Rebecca has experience and a passion for working with children with Autism, developmental delays and emotional regulation and social difficulties. Rebecca provides occupational therapy services within the Elizabeth Downs office and in schools.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Katrina Lemence
Senior Occupational Therapist
Katrina graduated from University of Santo Tomas in Philippines in 2010. Prior to joining Talking Matters, Katrina has had extensive experience in the private paediatric sector working with children with multiple developmental and physical needs from 1 to 16 years of age in school, home and in the community.
Katrina has particular interest in running groups to support children’s development of fine motor and play skills. She plans to pursue certification relating to sensory integration and play. Katrina takes pride in supporting families and in building relationships with clients to help maximise their potential.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Lisa Turnbull
Occupational Therapist
Lisa completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia in 2014 following completion of a Health Science (Human Movement and Health Studies) Bachelor degree in 2011. Lisa has spent the past four years working in Adelaide and Brisbane with the Defence Force to manage their rehabilitation in physical and mental health conditions. Lisa worked as a carer for four years while completing her University studies assisting children and adults with physical disabilities. Lisa has made the change to work in paediatrics which is a field she has been interested in working in since completion of her University degrees. She has a particular interest in developmental delays, sensory processing and social, behavioural and communication difficulties. Lisa enjoys keeping active whether that’s playing badminton, netball or going to the gym. She has enjoyed coaching in a variety of children’s sports over five years.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Daniel Costalonga
Occupational Therapist
Daniel graduated with a Bachelor of occupational therapy (with honours) from the University of South Australia in 2018. During his studies, he developed an interest in all areas within occupational therapy, but after experiencing a placement working with children, he knew this is where his true passion lies. Daniel enjoys fine and gross motor activities, developing play, social skills and emotional regulation with children. He believes every child deserves an equal opportunity to grow and develop to be who they want to be. Daniel provides occupational therapy services within the Elizabeth Downs office and in schools.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Support Team
Gillian Hadden
Receptionist
Gillian has worked in previous clerical and customer service positions, and has taken on the role as receptionist with Talking Matters. You may recognise Gillian as she was previously the owner of a Play Café in the northern suburbs. When she is not at Talking Matters she is very busy with her little family.
Kelly Lee
Receptionist
Kelly joins the Talking Matters team with previous experience in the accounting industry, before taking time off to dedicate to raise her 3 children. Kelly is also the fundraising co-ordinator at her daughters school and volunteers a lot of time at the school running various fundraisers.
May Chao
Receptionist
May joins the Talking Matters team with previous experience providing administration support to a privately based psychologist. May has worked in a number of positions simultaneously and brings enthusiasm and a wiliness to learn and contribute to her work.
Tanya Symons
Administration Assistant
Tanya has joined the Talking Matters administration team, having previously worked in the finance sector in accounts and as an administrative assistant for the last 5 years. When not at work, Tanya enjoys spending time with her 4 children.
TINA LEE
Office Supervisor
Tina has over 20 years of of experience in administration, and has taken on the role of office supervisor with Talking Matters. Tina is currently studying a double diploma in Business Administration and Leadership, and Business Management. In her free time Tina enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as breeding Alpacas.
