Speech Pathologists Belinda - Senior Speech Pathologist With over 25 years of experience in paediatric Speech Pathology, Belinda understands that meaningful progress begins with genuine connection. She works closely with children and their families to create a supportive, joyful, and neuro-affirming environment, one where every child feels heard, seen, and celebrated. Belinda ensures that each session is fun, purposeful, and tailored to the child’s individual strengths and interests. As the Speech Pathology Team Leader, Belinda values the power of collaboration. She actively works with schools, preschools, and other support team members to encourage continuity and a shared approach to each child’s development. Her particular areas of interest include early language acquisition including augmentative and alternative communication, speech and literacy development. On weekends, you’ll find Belinda cheering on her daughters from the sidelines of their sports games or cooking up a storm for family and friends. Carol - Coordinator Speech Pathologist Carol is a speech pathologist with a passion for supporting children to be the best communicator they can be. She has over 20 years experience working in schools, alongside families in their homes, and in the child’s local community. Carol prioritises what is important and interesting to each child to support them to get the most out of their sessions and build their skills. Her particular interests are in early language development, alternative and augmentative communication, literacy and working with children who need the support of a trauma-informed clinician. When she’s not at work, Carol is usually spending time with her family, walking or riding her bike, or playing the piano. Kara - Coordinator Speech Pathologist Kara has a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and is a passionate speech pathologist with over 15 years of experience helping children, young people, and families thrive through connection and communication. With her ADHD superpower, she brings boundless energy and creative thinking to every session, always finding new ways to support and understand each child. She especially loves running group programs that spark friendships and build community while helping kids reach their goals. When she’s not working, you’ll find Kara having fun climbing ropes, scaling walls, or dashing through the bush with her friends! Katie - Coordinator Speech Pathologist Katie is a passionate speech pathologist with 17 years of experience helping early years to young children communicate, connect, and eat. She has a special interest in Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Feeding, Selective Mutism, AAC and Literacy, and loves creating playful, practical therapy that’s built around each child’s unique strengths. Her sessions are fun, supportive, and always team-focused, working closely with families, educators, therapists, and the wider medical team. When she’s not at work, you’ll find Katie at the park or beach with her family or friends, baking treats, watching movies, or getting competitive over handball with her kids. Tamara - Coordinator Speech Pathologist Tamara is a passionate early childhood educator with over 18 years of experience supporting children with a disability or developmental delay and their families. She brings warmth, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping every child reach their potential. Tamara has a particular interest in early communication development and feeding difficulties, and works closely with families to build practical strategies that support growth in everyday routines. Her approach is family-centred, strengths-based, and always focused on what matters most to each child. Alannah - Speech Pathologist Alannah is a fun and energetic speech pathologist who is passionate about helping children express themselves and become the most confident version of themselves. Alannah loves running groups where friendships, fun and connection can be found. With a passion for helping children communicate confidently, she uses games, laughter, and evidence-based practice to make therapy engaging and effective. Outside of work you’ll find Alannah at the beach with an acai bowl in hand. Amy - Speech Pathologist Amy is a passionate and caring speech pathologist with over 15 years of experience supporting children and their families. She loves to collaborate closely with families and the important people in a child’s life to help reach meaningful goals. Amy thinks outside of the box and is always looking for creative ideas to support children to build their communication skills, increase participation and spark joy. Amy has particular interests in early language development, alternative and augmentative communication, feeding and neurodiversity affirming practices. Outside of work, Amy is likely to be playing imaginary games with her daughters, walking in nature or relaxing with her cat, a good book and multiple cups of tea. Cecily - Speech Pathologist Cecily is a friendly and passionate speech pathologist with over 13 years of experience supporting children and families across various settings. She has specific interests in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), early communication development, and supporting children with dysphagia and feeding difficulties. Cecily is known for her creative, family-centred approach, tailoring support to the unique needs of each child and their family. In her spare time, Cecily enjoys playing netball and spending time with her family. Herra - Speech Pathologist Herra is a bilingual speech pathologist from a Korean background with 5 years of experience supporting children and families. She has particular interests in speech, early literacy and bilingual language development. She loves finding creative ways of incorporating clients’ strengths and interests to support their goals. Outside of work, Herra enjoys playing music, gaming or spending time her partner and dog. Julia - Speech Pathologist Julia is a fun loving and dedicated Speech Pathologist with over 15 years of experience across a range of settings. She is passionate about supporting children and their families to develop communication, language, literacy, and feeding skills through a child- and family-centred approach. Her professional expertise is enriched by personal life experience, including raising a family, which brings warmth and empathy to her practice. Outside of work, Julia enjoys outdoor adventures and spending quality time with family and friends. Kristine - Speech Pathologist Kristine is a speech pathologist with 16 years of experience supporting children with a disability or developmental delay and their families. She works in our NDIS team and provides weekly support to children and families through Awabakal Children’s Services. Kristine is passionate about delivering culturally responsive, family-centred therapy and loves seeing the progress her clients make. Her approach is collaborative, respectful, and grounded in years of experience across diverse settings. Melanie - Speech Pathologist Melanie has over 10 years of experience working in the disability sector. She has a particular passion for paediatric feeding and motor speech disorders and is dedicated to supporting children and families through holistic, evidence-based intervention. Her work focuses on empowering children with complex needs, especially those experiencing feeding challenges and motor-based communication difficulties. She brings a compassionate, family-centred approach to her therapy, drawing on a decade of hands-on experience and ongoing professional development. Outside of work, Melanie enjoys staying active through gym sessions, running, and learning to play golf. She also has a love for gardening and reading—particularly nutrition journals, though she always makes time for a good fiction book to unwind. Rachel - Speech Pathologist Rachel is a speech pathologist with 6 years of experience supporting children with a disability or developmental delay and their families. She brings empathy, patience, and a playful energy to her sessions, making therapy fun and functional. Rachel loves being part of the Firstchance team and is passionate about helping families reach their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys watching Rugby League, fishing, and relaxing with a good book. Tina - Speech Pathologist Tina is a speech pathologist with 9 years of experience supporting children with a disability or developmental delay and their families. She is passionate about helping children build skills early in life to support greater independence later on. Tina enjoys working across speech, language, literacy, and feeding, and loves celebrating each child’s progress—especially those first breakthroughs. Outside of work, Tina enjoys painting, cooking, ceramics, staying active, and spending time with family and friends. Zoe - Speech Pathologist Zoe holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching), bringing a unique blend of classroom and clinical experience to her role. She is passionate about supporting children with disabilities and complex needs, and loves working in a collaborative team that empowers families to reach their goals. Zoe is flexible, motivated, and brings strong communication skills and school system insight to her work. Outside of Firstchance, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports, going to concerts, and travelling. Manage Cookie Preferences