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
Operations Manager
Jodie has a wealth of experience in administration, operations and finance. In 2013 she completed her Diploma in Business Management and fulfills a vital role managing the many operational requirements of both the North and South offices of the practice. Jodie manages client services including NDIS participant engagement, the operations team, business finance, accounts oversight, facilities, technology and systems, 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.
Speech Pathologists
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
Hannah Enright
Senior Speech Pathologist
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
Katherine Tran
Senior 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.Areas of Expertise: Speech Language 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
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
Lisa Dangerfield
Speech Pathologist
Lisa graduated with her Masters degree in Speech pathology in 2020 from Flinders University, following a Bachelor's degree in Languages. Lisa gained experience through engaging in several metropolitan and rural placements, working with children needing support with speech, language and fluency skills. These placements confirmed Lisa's passion for working with children with communication needs, whilst employing a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Lisa is dedicated to providing client-based services, focussing on the specific needs and wants of the client and their families.
Lisa works in the office, as well as providing services in schools.
Areas of Expertise: Speech Language Speech Pathology
Fiona Le
Speech Pathologist
Fiona graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2019. Fiona discovered her passion for working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and literacy and speech difficulties through her placements in schools, hospitals and at Talking Matters.
Fiona has a strong focus on creating a functional, personalised and fun therapy environment for children with communication needs to reach their goals. Fiona is a passionate adovcate for speech pathology and family education, and is committed to providing a safe and friendly learning environment. Fiona provides services within clinic and in local schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Gabrielle Vermeulen
Speech Pathologist
Gabby graduated from Flinders University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. She developed her passion for working with children with speech, language and literacy difficulties while completing her placement at a variety of schools located in the northern suburbs.
Gabby is committed to creating a safe and comfortable space for children and their families. She has a strong focus on getting to know each child and their family to ensure that therapy sessions are tailored to each child’s specific goals and interests. Gabby strives to make therapy sessions fun to create a positive and engaging learning environment.
Outside of her time at Talking Matters, Gabby is committed to coaching her primary aged netball team and has a background in umpiring children’s netball.
Gabby provides services in clinic and at surrounding schools.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Shirene Yee
Speech Pathologist
Shirene graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2020. Throughout Shirene’s degree, she developed the skills to work and connect with children across different age groups with speech, language, literacy, and complex communication needs.
Shirene is passionate about providing a fun, comfortable and effective learning environment for children to maximise their motivation to participate and engage in therapy activities. Shirene believes that effective communication between families and clinicians provides the opportunity for parents to discuss their worries and expectations with their clinicians promoting better therapy outcomes.
Shirene provides services in clinic and at schools.
Madeline Hannam
Speech Pathologist
Madeline graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2020. She gained experience through several paediatric and adult placements including a rural placement working in schools with junior primary students.
During her placements Maddy discovered a passion for creating a therapy environment that is a safe, enjoyable, and an active space so her clients can work towards their communication goals. She aims to create an environment that allows for clients and their families to feel supported as well as ensuring that the specific goals and requirements of the client are targeted in an engaging way.
Maddy consults from our Elizabeth Downs office.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Melissa Leong
Speech Pathologist
Melissa graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Master of Speech Pathology in 2021. Melissa is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and a member of the Speech Pathology Australia. Prior to her speech pathologist role, Melissa equipped with BA (Hons) and Master of Science (Ed Admin) credentials, has extensive experience in a variety of education and management roles.
Melissa gained her clinical experience in hospital, school, clinic and telehealth settings, providing speech pathology services for adult and paediatric clients. One of her placements in a special developmental school has inspired her to support children with complex communication needs.
Melissa takes pride in building a collaborative relationship with caregivers and their extended network to address clients’ functional needs and interests. She is committed to facilitating client/family-centred care services in supporting clients to optimise their strengths and achieve their goals. Melissa provides clinic and school-based services from the north office.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Kaylah Bishop
Speech Pathologist
Kaylah graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2020. Kaylah’s passion for working in paediatrics sparked when granted the opportunity to complete a placement overseas in Thailand’s orphanages and Autism centres. This provided Kaylah with experience working with non-verbal children and those from complex socioeconomic backgrounds.
Kaylah discovered her interests in assistive communication and speech difficulties when completing a placement at a special school and Talking Matters. Kaylah has a strong focus on establishing a fun and creative environment to build and develop new and existing skills. Kaylah prides herself on getting to know her families to develop trust and deliver a holistic service approach. Kaylah provides services in clinic and surrounding schools from the northern office.Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Grace Hunter
Speech Pathologist
Grace graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2020. Throughout her degree, Grace gained experience in a variety of paediatric workplaces and in aged care. Grace loved working at Talking Matters amongst a dynamic, passionate team for her placement in 2020, and joined the TM family formally at the beginning of 2021.
Grace is committed to creating a personalized, safe, and fun environment for her clients and their families so that they can reach their potential as young communicators. She strives to be a pillar of support for her families and enable her young clients understand their strengths and personal value.
In her spare time, Grace enjoys staying active, cooking, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Grace is working at schools and from the northern office.
Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Phoebe Amos
Speech Pathologist
Qualifications: Bachelor of Speech Pathology- Flinders University, Animal-Assisted Therapist- Therapy Dogs Australia.
Since beginning her career as a Speech Pathologist, Phoebe has worked with a varied caseload, including complex adult and paediatric disability in both metropolitan and rural settings as well as stroke and traumatic brain injury at both the inpatient and home rehabilitation stages. Phoebe also has a strong appreciation of the role of animals in the therapeutic process, and as a result, has completed her Animal-Assisted Therapist qualifications with her therapy dog Cooper, the Border Collie. Phoebe and Cooper strive to provide a welcoming, stress-free environment within Speech Pathology sessions, with a focus on making the sessions not only fun, but also practical. Phoebe has a passion for equipping children and adults with practical life skills that will help them to attend the curriculum, get a job, and develop healthy relationships.
Phoebe currently provides services at the South Office.Area of Expertise: Speech Pathology
Cooper
Animal Assistant
Cooper is a Border Collie who is qualified as a Therapy Dog, providing support within Phoebe's Speech Pathology sessions. Cooper loves meeting new people and making new friends at Talking Matters. In his spare time, Cooper loves all things food, playing with his brothers and sisters at home, practicing and competing in agility, and swimming at the beach. Cooper is a fun and lovable addition to the Talking Matters team.
Areas of Expertise: Autism Speech Pathology
Occupational Therapists
Kimberly Ridley
Senior Occupational Therapist - Maternity Leave
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 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
Lisa Turnbull
Senior 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
Brooke Pitt
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
Adrian Stone
Occupational Therapist
Adrian graduated with a Masters of Occupational Therapy from Flinders University in 2018. Since graduating, Adrian has had a passion for working with children after his experience on a placement opportunity during his studies. With a background in strength and conditioning, Adrian enjoys getting children to move their bodies. Adrian aims to help children develop into the best possible version of themselves by supporting the child, their family and their support networks.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Justin Ridley
Occupational Therapist
Justin graduated with a Masters of Occupational Therapy from University of South Australia in 2019 and has a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours. Previously to starting at Talking Matters, Justin worked as a Case Manager/Counsellor for five years, with children and families at risk of mental ill health. Justin has experience with acceptance and commitment therapy, child centered play therapy and theories of attachment.
Justin has lived experience with children with disabilities and is passionate about supporting children to obtain their full potential. He has a particular interest in emotional and behaviour regulation, sensory integration and arousal regulation.
Justin enjoys camping, astronomy and spending time with his family.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Sabrina Alameen
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
Renee Dale
Occupational Therapist
Renee graduated from the University of South of Australia with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2020. During her time as a student she gained experience in the mental health setting, planning and implementing structured group programs for children with Autism in a community setting, as well as paediatric experience at Talking Matters. During her time at Talking Matters she gained a strong enthusiasm for motivating and empowering children and young adults to achieve their goals. She has also gained experience working with children at a summer camp in America, as well as past employment as a child disability support worker.
In her spare time she enjoys being around her friends and family, including her dog!
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Emily Davidson
Occupational Therapist
Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of South Australia in 2020. Working with children has always been one of Emily’s passions and is highlighted through her previous volunteer work as a play therapist at the Women’s and Children’s hospital, support worker with Camp Capacity and role as a junior netball coach. During her final year of study Emily gained experience through her placement at Talking Matters and in community rehabilitation settings. Emily has a strong focus on creating a safe space and friendly learning environment for the whole family and is dedicated to making therapy fun and engaging. Emily is working from the northern office.
Area of Expertise: Occupational Therapy
Kate Jacobs
Occupational Therapist
Kate graduated from UniSA with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2020. She gained experience from placement at Talking Matters, in a mental health setting, in community equipment prescription and at a rural children’s centre.
During her placements, Kate discovered her passion for working with children and their families, through helping children reach their goals in a fun and collaborative setting. She is enthusiastic and dedicated to providing client-centred practice throughout therapy sessions. Kate enjoys staying active, going hiking and travelling.
Kate provides services in school and from the Elizabeth Downs office.
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
Support Team
Tina Lee
Office Supervisor
Tina joins Talking Matters with over 20 years experience in administration, and has taken on the role of office supervisor. Tina has developed a keen interest in the area of NDIA and assisting clients, and has taken over management of resources for clients, operational staff rostering and supports Jodie with other operational tasks. 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.
Meg Oakley
Receptionist
Meg joins the Talking Matters team with previous experience as a receptionist and administrator before taking time off to raise her two daughters. While having time away from the paid workforce, as well as enjoying being a mum, Meg used the opportunity to continuing her personal studies undertaking a Certificate III in Community Services.
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 (Maternity Leave)
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.
Samantha Collins
Receptionist / Admin Assistant
Samantha joins Talking Matters as the first full-time receptionist / admin support for our Christie Downs office.
Cheryl Wetherley
Receptionist / Admin Assistant
Cheryl has started with Talking Matters in a reception / administration capacity and will be working from the Elizabeth Downs office.
