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, psychologist, disability consultants and support workers are 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
Founding Member & Director
Ba Spath MSPA CPSP Senior Speech Pathologist
Carla commenced working in the practice in 2006 when it was formed. Carla is passionate about the practice and has contributed to developing a practice that offered the type and quality of services she wanted for her own children. Over the years she has worked in schools, provided clinical therapy, contributed to the development of the practice and the team that works within it. Carla managed all of the day to day and longer term business needs of the practice until a Business Manager was employed in 2016. She is Hanen certified to run the "It Takes Two to Talk" and "More Than Words" (TM) parent programs. She has completed Advanced PECS training (Picture Exchange Communication System). She has a special interest in children on the autism spectrum and diagnosis of APD, Dyslexia, attention difficulties and speech sound disorders.
Area of Expertise: Speech
Admin Manager
Jodie has a wealth of experience in administration. In 2013 she completed her Diploma in Business Management and fulfills a vital role managing the many administrative 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
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.
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.Area of Expertise: Speech
Michelle Simpson
Speech Pathologist
Ba Spath MSPA
Michelle completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree at Flinders University in 2015. She has completed several paediatric placements and has a passion for working with children who experience speech, language and mealtime difficulties. Michelle has completed placements at the Women's and Children's Hospital speech and language outpatient clinic and Flinders Medical Centre Fluency clinic. She has also undertaken observations in childcare centres and at schools with the Department of Education. She completed her final placement at Talking Matters in 2015, where she gained experience working with a range of areas including speech, language and literacy. She also worked closely to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Global Developmental Delays. Michelle is actively engaged in developing her clinical skills and has undertaking training in PECS, Key Word Sign and mealtime management.
Anna Neck
Speech Pathologist
Anna completed her Masters of Speech Pathology degree in 2017 and has been working at Talking Matters as an allied health assistant prior to commencing as a Speech Pathologist. Anna previously studied a Bachelor of Arts and has also completed language courses including a Diploma of Languages (Spanish) and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Anna has experienced placements at various primary schools, preschools and childcare centres with the Department of Education. Anna’s university experiences have allowed her to develop expertise in the fields of speech, language, literacy and social skills.
Area of Expertise: Speech
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
Nicole Schaumloffel
Speech Pathologist
Nicole completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours at Flinders University in 2012. She has worked across a range of school, home and community based settings with children 2-16 years of age and with a range of skill levels. Nicole has a particular interest in human behaviour and learning theory and will be commencing her Masters degree in Behaviour Analysis through Monash University in 2018. Nicole has a particular passion and interest in supporting children with language, literacy and behavioural difficulties. Nicole has also completed PECS level 1 training. Nicole enjoys participating in dance classes and is not shy to take the stage. Nicole's passion, energy and commitment to evidence based practice comes through in her sessions which are fun, fast paced and tailored to the child's needs.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Occupational Therapists
Jessica Lai
Senior Occupational Therapist
Ba App Sc (OT)
Jessica joined us mid 2015 after graduating in 2014 from the University of South Australia as an Occupational Therapist. Jessica has a passion for working in paediatrics and has had the opportunity to complete placements as a student. Jessica completed a placement at a special school working with children with autism and other developmental delays. Jessica is a quiet achiever who has shown herself to be thorough in her preparation and management of her clients and is always willing to help out a colleague. Jessica works during the week in the offices and in some schools in the area.Areas of Expertise: Occupational Therapy Feeding
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
Pippa Salaman
Occupational Therapist
Pippa worked in a range of fields before returning to university to study her calling, occupational therapy. She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy (Graduate Entry) at the University of South Australia in 2017.
Pippa began working with Talking Matters in 2017 as an allied health assistant while completing her studies, commencing employment as an occupational therapist in January 2018. With a passion for helping children to reach their potential, Pippa brings enthusiasm, creativity and fun to therapy sessions both in clinic and school environments.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Gael Sutherland
Occupational Therapist
Ba Health Sc, MA (OT)
Gael graduated from the University of South Australia as an occupational therapist in 2016 and commenced working at Talking Matters in 2017. She has completed professional development in areas such as social and emotional development, toileting and autism and is dedicated to staying up to date with the latest evidence based practice. With a can-do attitutde and passion for working with children and families, Gael always commits her all to make therapy fun and effective. She has a young family herself and thrives on supporting children to reach their potential. Gael works at Talking Matters four days per week, providing services within the Elizabeth Downs office and in schools.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 Mertin
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
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
Janine Franz
Senior Occupational Therapist
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
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
Autism & Disability Consultants
Chris White
Autism & Disability Consultant
Dip. T (Primary) & B. of Sp. Educ
Chris joined us in 2015 as an Autism and Disability Consultant. Chris has had a long career as teacher, Deputy Principal and Acting Principal within the Department of Education, spending much of her career working in schools within the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Chris spent a number of years coordinating services for children with additional needs and has worked alongside professionals such as speech pathologist, psychologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. She has a thorough understanding of the school system, available supports and options for accessing them. She is well skilled in working with teachers and schools to support children and families in schools. Chris works with schools and families and assists with implementing professional recommendations into children's everyday learning environment. Chris works part-time so her availability is limited to specific days. Please contact the Talking Matters office for further information.Area of Expertise: Autism & Disability
Sharna Loader
Autism & Disability Consultant
Sharna is a registered teacher, having graduated with a combined degree in arts and teaching from the University of Adelaide in 2014. Having a passion for working with children with additional needs, especially ASD, she then completed her Bachelor of Psychological Sciences in 2016, and is now completing post graduate studies in psychology, specialising in working with children with developmental disorders. Sharna is also mum to two children with ASD and so combines personal and professional experience to develop strategies to help children succeed at school and to flourish in the community.
Area of Expertise: Autism & Disability
Support Team
Gillian Hadden
Receptionist
Gillian has worked in previous clerical and customer service positions, and has taken on the role as casual 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.
Amanda Walmsley
Receptionist
Amanda joins the Talking Matters administration team as a receptionist and comes from an administration and customer service background. She has joined this field as she loves interacting with children. When not working at Talking Matters, she enjoys spending time with her young family and any free time reading or playing with her rescue greyhound.
Andrea Richardson
Receptionist
Andrea joins the administration team and is also currently studying her honours in psychology. Andrea has relocated to Adelaide from Darwin to attend university. Andrea’s goal is to be a clinical psychologist in a few years. Andrea enjoys exercising, travelling and spending time with friends and family.
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.
