Speech Pathologists
Fiona Ross
Fiona understands that every child is different and believes in quality, individualized care. With nearly 30 years' experience working both in Australia and the UK, Fiona is aware that families have varied lifestyles and needs. Experience, of both teaching and using many therapy approaches, and in how to implement these for varied ages, allows Fiona to be adaptable. Fiona believes that, in order to achieve desired outcomes, building relationships and working collaboratively with families, schools and others involved in her clients’ lives is vital. Fiona has worked at The University of Sydney, the National Health System (UK), the Australian Stuttering Research Centre (ASRC), La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University, and as a trainer for Continuing Professional Development, teaching speech pathologists how to administer evidence-based stuttering treatments. Fiona has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology), an Associate Diploma (Diversional Therapy) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Health Management. She is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia, and a member of The Victorian Stuttering Interest Group. In 2022 she commenced her Masters/PhD at the Australian Stuttering Research Centre, exploring using technology to deliver the Lidcombe Program. When not at work, Fiona spends time with her family and friends.
Fiona consults on Fridays at the Malvern East centre and provides both in-clinic and telepractice services.
Fiona consults on Fridays at the Malvern East centre and provides both in-clinic and telepractice services.
Shane Erickson
Shane joined Brenda’s team more than 15 years ago after graduating from La Trobe University with a Master of Speech Pathology. Shane also achieved his doctorate from La Trobe University with a scholarship from the Australian Stuttering Research Centre. His doctoral thesis investigated the development of a self-administered web-based treatment program for adults who stutter. He has published several research papers in stuttering, has recently presented papers at international and national conferences and was an author on the Speech Pathology Australia stuttering clinical guideline document.
Shane has a passion for integrating the best available research evidence into his clinical practice which consists of treating people who stutter across the lifespan. This passion comes from Shane’s combined role as a speech pathologist, researcher and lecturer at La Trobe University. He is the stuttering area of practice lead at the university and also teaches speech pathology students about the important role of using evidence in clinical decision-making.
Shane has two young children, so he understands many of the challenges families who attend the clinic face. In addition, Shane has published research investigating the impact of stuttering on adolescents and their families. Shane believes that building a strong relationship with clients and their families is integral to a successful outcome in treatment and recognises that no two clients are the same.
Shane is a trained Lidcombe Program therapist and has been extensively involved in the provision of speech restructuring treatment programs (Camperdown Program and Smooth Speech) for adolescents and adults who stutter. He is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia. Shane is available for telepractice appointments on Tuesdays.
Shane has a passion for integrating the best available research evidence into his clinical practice which consists of treating people who stutter across the lifespan. This passion comes from Shane’s combined role as a speech pathologist, researcher and lecturer at La Trobe University. He is the stuttering area of practice lead at the university and also teaches speech pathology students about the important role of using evidence in clinical decision-making.
Shane has two young children, so he understands many of the challenges families who attend the clinic face. In addition, Shane has published research investigating the impact of stuttering on adolescents and their families. Shane believes that building a strong relationship with clients and their families is integral to a successful outcome in treatment and recognises that no two clients are the same.
Shane is a trained Lidcombe Program therapist and has been extensively involved in the provision of speech restructuring treatment programs (Camperdown Program and Smooth Speech) for adolescents and adults who stutter. He is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia. Shane is available for telepractice appointments on Tuesdays.
Peta Newell
Peta joined Brenda Carey’s Speech pathology in 2009 after completing her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University. In the final year of her study, Peta was awarded the Victorian Speak Easy Association Award for demonstrating academic and clinical excellence in the area of stuttering and its treatment. Peta loves her job and feels incredibly privileged to work with clients and their families to achieve their communication goals.
Peta has broad experience in the field of speech pathology, allowing her to bring a strong research base to her clinical practice. Peta has worked as a Research Clinician on multiple preschool stuttering research projects at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (based at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne). These projects evaluated the efficacy of the Lidcombe Program, Westmead Program (syllable-timed speech) and variations on of each. She has also been involved in research projects investigating the genetics of stuttering and preschool language and literacy development.
Peta has taught speech pathologists how to deliver the Lidcombe Program. She has also worked as a Clinical Educator at The University of Melbourne. Peta is a Speech Pathology Australia Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, which means that she ensures her professional knowledge remains current, relevant and evidence-based. She is a trained Lidcombe Program and Camperdown Program Therapist. Peta has experience working with children, adolescents and adults with fluency, speech and language disorders in both face to face therapy delivery and Telepractice.
Peta is a Certified Hanen Therapist having completed Hanen: It Takes Two To Talk and More than Words. She has completed training in the areas of articulation and speech sound disorders, play skills, social skills and childhood anxiety. Peta has expertise working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyspraxia and other complex communication needs. Peta is a member of the Victorian Stuttering Interest Group and the Victorian Speak Easy Association. Peta consults only via telepractice.
Peta has broad experience in the field of speech pathology, allowing her to bring a strong research base to her clinical practice. Peta has worked as a Research Clinician on multiple preschool stuttering research projects at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (based at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne). These projects evaluated the efficacy of the Lidcombe Program, Westmead Program (syllable-timed speech) and variations on of each. She has also been involved in research projects investigating the genetics of stuttering and preschool language and literacy development.
Peta has taught speech pathologists how to deliver the Lidcombe Program. She has also worked as a Clinical Educator at The University of Melbourne. Peta is a Speech Pathology Australia Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, which means that she ensures her professional knowledge remains current, relevant and evidence-based. She is a trained Lidcombe Program and Camperdown Program Therapist. Peta has experience working with children, adolescents and adults with fluency, speech and language disorders in both face to face therapy delivery and Telepractice.
Peta is a Certified Hanen Therapist having completed Hanen: It Takes Two To Talk and More than Words. She has completed training in the areas of articulation and speech sound disorders, play skills, social skills and childhood anxiety. Peta has expertise working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyspraxia and other complex communication needs. Peta is a member of the Victorian Stuttering Interest Group and the Victorian Speak Easy Association. Peta consults only via telepractice.
Kylie Smith
Dr Kylie Smith has worked at the practice since 2009.
Kylie completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University, Melbourne in 2000. She has had extensive experience working with clients with a range of communication disorders in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Since specialising in stuttering in 2008, Kylie has worked for the Stuttering Unit, a nationally recognised specialty speech pathology service, the Australian Stuttering Research Centre, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the University of Melbourne, and in private practice.
Kylie has a keen interest in the social and emotional implications of stuttering. She completed her certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2009 and a PhD examining stuttering and anxiety through the University of Melbourne in 2017. Her research findings have been published in peer reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences, including the Oxford Dysfluency Conference 2023. Kylie has authored and co-authored many papers, articles, and blogs related to stuttering in a range of publications. She has been an invited guest on ABC radio, Triple R, and Kinderling Kids Radio to discuss stuttering and her research findings.
Kylie is a member of the Lidcombe Program Trainers Consortium and teaches the Lidcombe Program workshop to Speech Pathologists in Australia, Turkey, and Lebanon. She also teaches and guest lectures in stuttering at a number of universities.
While adhering to evidence-based practice, Kylie works collaboratively with her clients and their families to establish meaningful goals, always considering the social and emotional implications of stuttering and therapy.
Kylie has recently returned from three years living and working in France with her family. She currently consults at our clinic on Tuesdays and via telepractice on Wednesdays.
Kylie completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University, Melbourne in 2000. She has had extensive experience working with clients with a range of communication disorders in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Since specialising in stuttering in 2008, Kylie has worked for the Stuttering Unit, a nationally recognised specialty speech pathology service, the Australian Stuttering Research Centre, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the University of Melbourne, and in private practice.
Kylie has a keen interest in the social and emotional implications of stuttering. She completed her certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in 2009 and a PhD examining stuttering and anxiety through the University of Melbourne in 2017. Her research findings have been published in peer reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences, including the Oxford Dysfluency Conference 2023. Kylie has authored and co-authored many papers, articles, and blogs related to stuttering in a range of publications. She has been an invited guest on ABC radio, Triple R, and Kinderling Kids Radio to discuss stuttering and her research findings.
Kylie is a member of the Lidcombe Program Trainers Consortium and teaches the Lidcombe Program workshop to Speech Pathologists in Australia, Turkey, and Lebanon. She also teaches and guest lectures in stuttering at a number of universities.
While adhering to evidence-based practice, Kylie works collaboratively with her clients and their families to establish meaningful goals, always considering the social and emotional implications of stuttering and therapy.
Kylie has recently returned from three years living and working in France with her family. She currently consults at our clinic on Tuesdays and via telepractice on Wednesdays.
Ishita Budd
Ish has been a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia since 2011 and is also a member of the Victorian Stuttering Interest Group. She has a broad range of experience having worked in universities, schools, private clinics, community health and early intervention both in Queensland and Victoria.
Ish loves working with preschoolers and school-aged children using a family centred approach. Paediatric stuttering, speech, language and literacy difficulties are some of Ish’s areas of interests. Ish is excited by continual professional development. She has trained in the Lidcombe Program, and two Hanen programs, It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words.
When not at work, Ish loves being active, spending time with her daughter, family and friends, learning Spanish and playing with their Labrador, Dudley. Ish is on maternity leave from January 2024.
Ish loves working with preschoolers and school-aged children using a family centred approach. Paediatric stuttering, speech, language and literacy difficulties are some of Ish’s areas of interests. Ish is excited by continual professional development. She has trained in the Lidcombe Program, and two Hanen programs, It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words.
When not at work, Ish loves being active, spending time with her daughter, family and friends, learning Spanish and playing with their Labrador, Dudley. Ish is on maternity leave from January 2024.
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Constance Alateras
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After completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences and Masters of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University in 2017, Constance worked at Alfred Health for four years in a demanding and highly competitive role. Constance’s time at Alfred Health was spent working within the acute and subacute services with patients in the acquired brain injury unit, stroke, neurology and the general medical wards. There she developed expertise in a broad range of areas including motor speech, swallowing, voice, language, augmentative and alternative communication and cognitive communication impairments.
Constance is excited to work with people of all ages who stutter, including pre-school, school aged, adolescent and adults. She aims to assist her clients, whatever age, to regain confidence within themselves so they can maintain and build positive relationships in the future. She is a patient, kind and passionate clinician who believes that communication access is important for all, but that therapy, whenever possible, should also be enjoyable. She finds building strong, genuine relationships with her clients and their family is the key starting point to helping her clients to find their voice. Constance is committed to lifelong learning and professional development to improve her own practice and the outcomes for her clients. She has trained in the Lidcombe Program and other evidence based treatments, and understands the importance of critical and flexible thinking in her work with clients who stutter. She is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and the Victorian Stuttering Interest Group. In 2023, she began her PhD studies at the Australian Stuttering Research Centre. Constance consults at the clinic on Thursdays.
Constance is excited to work with people of all ages who stutter, including pre-school, school aged, adolescent and adults. She aims to assist her clients, whatever age, to regain confidence within themselves so they can maintain and build positive relationships in the future. She is a patient, kind and passionate clinician who believes that communication access is important for all, but that therapy, whenever possible, should also be enjoyable. She finds building strong, genuine relationships with her clients and their family is the key starting point to helping her clients to find their voice. Constance is committed to lifelong learning and professional development to improve her own practice and the outcomes for her clients. She has trained in the Lidcombe Program and other evidence based treatments, and understands the importance of critical and flexible thinking in her work with clients who stutter. She is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and the Victorian Stuttering Interest Group. In 2023, she began her PhD studies at the Australian Stuttering Research Centre. Constance consults at the clinic on Thursdays.
Merrin Torpy
Merrin Torpy (she/her) holds a Masters of Speech Pathology from the University of Melbourne. Her background is in vocal performance and instrumental music tuition (singing). She successfully continues to work in the education sector as a music teacher, while practising as a speech pathologist.
Merrin has a strong interest in stuttering treatment for both children and adults that stems from student experiences in the clinical setting. Her early clinical work has included work with clients who stutter, those with complex communication needs, autism spectrum disorders, selective mutism, foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, language challenges, swallowing difficulties, and speech sound disorders. Merrin has been trained in the Lidcombe Program and has extensive experience in telepractice. She is committed to ongoing education, and attends workshops, conferences and special interest groups on stuttering.
Merrin’s speech therapy work is founded on a collaborative approach with goals that nestle in the client and family context. Clinical sessions involve evidence-based, best-practice therapy with a dash of play and fun. Merrin consults in clinic on Tuesdays and Fridays and via telepractice on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Merrin has a strong interest in stuttering treatment for both children and adults that stems from student experiences in the clinical setting. Her early clinical work has included work with clients who stutter, those with complex communication needs, autism spectrum disorders, selective mutism, foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, language challenges, swallowing difficulties, and speech sound disorders. Merrin has been trained in the Lidcombe Program and has extensive experience in telepractice. She is committed to ongoing education, and attends workshops, conferences and special interest groups on stuttering.
Merrin’s speech therapy work is founded on a collaborative approach with goals that nestle in the client and family context. Clinical sessions involve evidence-based, best-practice therapy with a dash of play and fun. Merrin consults in clinic on Tuesdays and Fridays and via telepractice on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Annabelle Plant
Annabelle completed both a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Masters of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University and prior to those also obtained a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. Her interests include stuttering, speech sound disorders, oral language, and literacy difficulties in a paediatric population. Annabelle has a passion for working with school-aged clients and preschoolers and prides herself on implementing family-centred care.
Annabelle has been trained in the Lidcombe Program for paediatric stuttering as well as the Hanen Program It Takes Two To Talk. Annabelle is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia and a member of the Victorian Stuttering Interest group. She has experience working in private practice and school-based settings. She also currently works in a community health role at Eastern Health. In her spare time, Annabelle enjoys spending time with her family and with her dogs Ellie and Milo. Annabelle consults at the clinic on Fridays. Christiana Knapman
Christiana completed her Master of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University where she was awarded a scholarship for most outstanding achievement. She also holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Communication.
Christiana joined our Clinic to pursue her interest in stuttering after working across diverse areas of practice in community health services. She is experienced with a range of leading approaches for pre-school and school age children, including the Lidcombe, Oakville and Westmead Programs. Christiana has also undertaken training in RESTART-DCM as a further option available to families. Apart from her professional expertise, Christiana brings the perspective and understanding of a parent who supported her own child with stuttering therapy when they were a preschooler. Prior to speech pathology, Christiana worked as Director and in other senior positions in education, youth and health policy and programs. She has enjoyed the opportunity to combine her interest in these areas while working more closely with clients and their families as a speech pathologist. With her personal and now professional experience of stuttering therapy, she is very motivated to continue specialising and developing in this area. Outside of work, Christiana loves spending time with her family and her very talkative black ‘Goldador’ Pippa. Christiana is a certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia and member of the Victorian Stuttering Interest Group. She provides services via telehealth on most days of the week. Emma Alegre |
Emma is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Queensland in 2019. She has worked in private clinics, schools and community health settings in Queensland. Emma also works as a casual clinical educator at the University of Queensland helping students in their simulated adult stuttering training.
Emma commenced her PhD at the University of Queensland in 2021. She is researching the current speech pathology management of stuttering across the lifespan in Australia. Emma has been trained in the Lidcombe Program and Hanen It Takes Two to Talk. She has also been trained in the Family Partnership Model. Emma has had a passion for working with people who stutter since her university studies and also has an interest in speech sound disorders, early language development and Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She endeavours to empower people who stutter and the parents of young children who stutter to achieve their goals during therapy.
Emma consults via telepractice on Wednesdays.
Emma commenced her PhD at the University of Queensland in 2021. She is researching the current speech pathology management of stuttering across the lifespan in Australia. Emma has been trained in the Lidcombe Program and Hanen It Takes Two to Talk. She has also been trained in the Family Partnership Model. Emma has had a passion for working with people who stutter since her university studies and also has an interest in speech sound disorders, early language development and Childhood Apraxia of Speech. She endeavours to empower people who stutter and the parents of young children who stutter to achieve their goals during therapy.
Emma consults via telepractice on Wednesdays.
Danielle Carey
Following her Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Music (Music Performance) at the University of Melbourne, Danielle completed her Master of Speech Pathology at the University of Melbourne. Danielle has been trained in the Lidcombe Program, Camperdown Program and Oakville Program. When still an adolescent herself, she created a Camperdown program training model for the Australian Stuttering Research Centre (ASRC) that is available to anyone who stutters, throughout the world.
Danielle has had first-hand experience of the success that can result from the Lidcombe Program, having received that therapy herself as a preschooler who stuttered. In recent years, Danielle has combined her interest in stuttering treatment with her experience in performing, by acting in video resources for internet stuttering programs now in development at the ASRC. She also works as a simulated patient who stutters, for a number of university speech pathology and medical degree programs.
After working as a generalist speech pathologist seeing clients of all ages, then working with adults in public hospitals, Danielle was keen to specialise. Her personal experience of the benefits of the Lidcombe Program and the strong evidence base for stuttering treatments motivated her to work exclusively with people who stutter. While Danielle enjoys working with clients of all ages, she is especially keen to work with school-age children and adults who stutter. Danielle consults at the clinic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Danielle has had first-hand experience of the success that can result from the Lidcombe Program, having received that therapy herself as a preschooler who stuttered. In recent years, Danielle has combined her interest in stuttering treatment with her experience in performing, by acting in video resources for internet stuttering programs now in development at the ASRC. She also works as a simulated patient who stutters, for a number of university speech pathology and medical degree programs.
After working as a generalist speech pathologist seeing clients of all ages, then working with adults in public hospitals, Danielle was keen to specialise. Her personal experience of the benefits of the Lidcombe Program and the strong evidence base for stuttering treatments motivated her to work exclusively with people who stutter. While Danielle enjoys working with clients of all ages, she is especially keen to work with school-age children and adults who stutter. Danielle consults at the clinic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Katrina Reid
After deciding that a career in teaching wasn't for her, Katrina completed her Masters in speech pathology in 2009 and has never looked back. Helping a child to read, communicate more smoothly with their family, or find their voice still thrills her and she feels lucky to work in such a rewarding profession.
Katrina has worked in a variety of roles including private practice, consulting work, tertiary education and clinical supervision. She has experience working with a mostly paediatric population in the areas of speech, fluency, language, literacy and social skills in kindergartens, early learning centres, schools and clinics. She has also worked with adults wishing to improve their communication skills in professional and social settings. In particular, her positive experiences with clients who stutter led her to our centre.
Katrina is a mum to two primary-aged kiddos and a dog called Molly. She can be found at the beach whenever possible, at the dog park, reading far too late into the night, or being the taxi and chef service for her family. Katrina consults at the clinic on Mondays.
Katrina has worked in a variety of roles including private practice, consulting work, tertiary education and clinical supervision. She has experience working with a mostly paediatric population in the areas of speech, fluency, language, literacy and social skills in kindergartens, early learning centres, schools and clinics. She has also worked with adults wishing to improve their communication skills in professional and social settings. In particular, her positive experiences with clients who stutter led her to our centre.
Katrina is a mum to two primary-aged kiddos and a dog called Molly. She can be found at the beach whenever possible, at the dog park, reading far too late into the night, or being the taxi and chef service for her family. Katrina consults at the clinic on Mondays.
Administration
Joanne Bardsley
Joanne is our on-site Office Manager. Working beside Adele and our Receptionists, she ensures the smooth operation of the practice. Jo has worked as a Speech Pathologist and Audiologist, in hospitals and community health. Jo manages the daily running of the clinic, and can answer questions about NDIS, private health cover rebates and plans under medicare. She loves talking to our clients and making them feel welcome.
On some days Jo is accompanied by Ava, who has a qualification as a Therapy dog. Popular with clients and our speech pathologist team alike, Ava will provide a very well-behaved "hello" to anyone who wishes to see her. When not at our centre, Ava visits children at schools and patients in hospitals and aged-care facilities. We are extremely fortunate to have both Jo and Ava supporting our team.
Adele Falconer
Adele is our off-site administrator. She provides additional reception services when required and deals with much of the ‘behind the scenes’ work that aids the smooth running of the clinic. Adele has had a varied career, using her qualifications in Library and Information Management, French and ESL teaching. She also has extensive experience in Allied Health administration from her years managing a physiotherapy clinic as well as working on-site for Brenda Carey Speech Pathology in 2017-19 when she greatly enjoyed her interactions with both staff and clients. When not in work mode Adele will be walking along a beach, reading in a café or researching her family history.
Louisa McCann |
With over 15 years working for large financial institutions and then a busy independent veterinary practice, Louisa joins us with outstanding customer service skills. With a proactive and positive personality, she has a passion for helping others.
Louisa relocated from Sydney to Melbourne in 2019 and is now settled locally with her husband and three children. She loves living in Melbourne and is keen to explore our city and parts of regional Victoria. Louisa is in the clinic on Mondays and Tuesdays, working closely with Joanne, Adele and Ava!
