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, 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
Marilyn Pattison
General Manager - Allied Health
Dip. C.O.T. (UK), B. App. Sc. (OT), MBA, FWFOT
Marilyn Pattison, graduated as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in 1975 and has committed her life to outcome focused rehabilitation using a bio-psycho-social approach.
Marilyn’s contribution to occupational therapy in Australia has been acknowledged through the conferring of the OT Australia National Award and the Sylvia Docker Lectureship, OT Australia’s highest professional accolade.
Additionally Marilyn’s voluntary work as Executive Director and most recently President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) has allowed her the opportunity to participate in rehabilitation on a global level through her involvement in World Health Organisation projects and initiatives.
Throughout her career Marilyn’s unique experience as both a successful Occupational Therapy practitioner and an experienced business manager has allowed her to better identify both the needs of the client and the organisation or community of the individual. This results in enabling people to live meaningful lives.
Internationally Marilyn has been conferred an Honorary Life Membership of the Swedish Occupational Therapy Association and has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists for her contribution to the development of the profession internationally – the highest international honour an occupational therapist can receive.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Davide Zerillo
Occupational Therapy Manager
Qualifications: Masters of Occupational Therapy (Graduate Entry), Bachelor Applied Science (Health Science & Human Movement)
Since graduating as an Occupational Therapist in 2013, Davide has had extensive experience in working with a diverse range of clients of all ages across multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including aged care, hand therapy, rehabilitation, complex injury management and community.
Along with his clinical caseload, Davide provides clinical support and management to the occupational therapy team. Davide is passionate about ensuring that the staff are supported and Talking Matters is continuing to grow and expand. Along with his interest in management and business development, Davide has a strong interest in working with clients who have complex needs, working with them to overcome these challenges and improve their quality of life and wellbeing.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Stacey Nelson
Speech Pathology Manager
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 in the office. 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, 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.Areas of Expertise: Speech Feeding Speech Pathology
Speech Pathologists
Hannah Enright
Speech Pathology Team Leader
BAppSc (Speech Pathology)
Hannah graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) in 2015. Hannah became passionate about working with children through her work in preschools and schools and decided to pursue a career in Speech Pathology. She has spent the last five years working as a speech pathologist in Sydney gaining a range of experiences working with children in both clinic and school environments.
Hannah enjoys working collaboratively with children and their families. She is passionate and dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals by using effective, evidence based therapy techniques and incorporating her client’s interests, strengths and needs into sessions. Hannah has a particular interest in working with preschool and school aged children with speech, language, and literacy difficulties. She also enjoys working collaboratively with her team and other professionals in the health and education sectors. Hannah is working at the Elizabeth Downs office and surrounding schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Shauna De Jong
Senior 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. Since starting at Talking Matters, Shauna has grown her skills in clinical education and supporting Flinders University students in both a school and clinic environment. Shauna also has a passion for supporting the clinical team through mentoring.
Shauna has completed training in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Sounds Write Phonics (literacy) training and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) speech sound therapy approach.
Shauna has a keen interest in pre-school and school aged speech, language and literacy goals. Shauna is committed to providing fun and engaging therapy, as well as building relationships with families to facilitate your child’s development.
Areas of Expertise: Speech Speech Pathology
Le Phan
Senior 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 joined us as a fully qualified speech pathologist.Le has now progressed into a Senior role with Talking Matters after developing a strong passion for working closely with chidlren to support their communication, feeding and social needs. Le works in the office, as well as providing services in schools.
Areas of Expertise: Speech Feeding Speech Pathology
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: Speech Language Speech Pathology
Nadine Brack
Senior Speech Pathologist
Nadine graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2018. Nadine initially gained experience throughout her placements working with clients in a special school, an early intervention clinic and 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 is also Hanen Certified speech pathologist, providing evidence-based therapy for early intervention clients. Nadine has now begun imparting her knowledge to university students, completing their placements at Talking Matters. Nadine provides services in clinic and schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Cassandra Raulinaitis
Speech Pathologist
Hashini Madushika
Speech Pathologist
Annie Paterson
Speech Pathologist
Jasmine Przibilla
Speech Pathologist
Lucy Palm
Speech Pathologist
Alannah Pix
Speech Pathologist
Alycia Maxfield
Speech Pathologist
Andrew Dam
Speech Pathologist
Emma Margrison
Speech Pathologist
Erin Robinson
Speech Pathologist
Anastasia Foumakis
Speech Pathologist
Stephanie Nguyen
Speech Pathologist
Occupational Therapists
Kimberly Ridley
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
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
Lisa Turnbull
Occupational Therapy Team Leader
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
Kate Arbon
Senior Occupational Therapist
Kate graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Australia in 2016.
Prior to starting at Talking Matters, Kate gained experience in aged care and paediatric hydrotherapy. Kate has a passion for working with children with developmental, social and sensory difficulties. She is enthusiastic and compassionate with her clients and their families.
Kate is dedicated to providing fun and engaging therapy along with a collaborative and holistic approach with clients and their caregivers.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Brooke Pitt
Senior Occupational Therapist
Brooke graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of South Australia.
Working with children has always been one of Brooke’s passions and this was highlighted whilst completing a paediatric placement in her final year of study. Since graduating, Brooke worked at Talking Matters as an Allied Health Assistant before travelling to the UK on a working holiday.
Brooke re-joined the Talking Matters team as an Occupational Therapist in 2020 after returning from overseas. Her bubbly and compassionate nature allows her to develop genuine connections with families. Brooke is dedicated to making therapy fun and engaging for all her clients.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Sabrina Alameen
Senior Occupational Therapist
Sabrina completed her Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia in 2018, following completion of a Health Science Bachelor degree at the University at Adelaide in 2016. After working as a mental health support worker in 2019, Sabrina joined the Talking Matters team in 2020 to pursue her interest in increasing the independence of children and youths. She strives to ensure her clients and families feel heard and supported and is dedicated to running therapy sessions that help children reach their goals in a fun and engaging way.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Aidan Zannettino
Occupational Therapist
Aidan graduated with a bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy from UniSA in 2020. Aidan's interest in Pediatric Occupational Therapy stems from his own childhood learning challenges and the positive role that various allied health professionals have had in his personal growth and development. Aidan has become inspired by these positive role models throughout his life and is determined to help others achieve their goals so that they too can grow into the best versions of themselves.
Aidan is dedicated to providing fun, engaging and meaningful therapy for all of his clients. Aidan strongly believes in the importance of client centred practice and the role of collaborative and holistic approaches to therapy. He is determined to integrate these approaches into his practice to ensure that his clients are optimally supported to achieve their personal goals.
In his spare time, Aidan enjoys trail walking, going to the gym, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Daniel Didas
Occupational Therapist
Josiah Oakley
Occupational Therapist
Jose Escanuela
Occupational Therapist
Stephanie Lawton
Occupational Therapist
Cadiene Clarin
Occupational Therapist
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Denise Stols
Occupational Therapist
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Alaura Minoza
Occupational Therapist
Hayley Sawley
Occupational Therapist
Amelia Marchese
Occupational Therapist
Hannah Hinchliffe
Occupational Therapist
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Support Team
Meg Oakley
Operations Team Leader
Kelly Lee
Administration Assistant
May Chao
Receptionist
Katherine Matthews
Finance / Operations Clerk
Emeliah Boardman
Receptionist
Jo Baker
Receptionist
Jessica Lynch
Receptionist
