Our Team

Catherine Lavery - Clinic Director and Speech Pathologist

With over 20 years of clinical experience as a Speech Pathologist, Catherine has worked both in the UK and Australia with a wide range of client groups experiencing speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties. She has worked across a number of settings including day care centres, preschools, schools, hospitals, specialist rehabilitation centres and community clinics.

Catherine has extensive experience and a special interest in teaching and training others about the impact of speech, language and swallowing difficulties. She has devised and implemented training programs for nurses, medical students, teachers and speech pathology students.

Alongside her private clinical caseload, Catherine has also worked as a Clinical Educator for the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in North Sydney supervising speech pathology students undertaking the practical component of their training whilst on professional placements within schools.

Catherine lives in Lane Cove with her husband and three children. She is an active member of the local community and has strong links with local day care centres, preschools, schools and health service providers.

Anthea Hannan – Speech Pathologist

Anthea graduated from The University of Sydney nearly three decades ago and has extensive experience in a range of speech pathology services. Having worked in private practice, schools, disability services and hospital rehabilitation, Anthea has experience with adults and children treating all aspects of speech and language difficulty.

With Clinical Educator roles at The University of Sydney and The University of Queensland, Anthea has been involved in developing and nurturing skills in undergraduates while maintaining positive outcomes for clients. In addition, more recently Anthea has been involved with a research project on bilingual aphasia in collaboration with the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

Anthea’s years of experience and wide ranging clinical experiences are a real asset to the Sydney Speech Clinic team. Anthea's practical, calm and supportive nature is highly valued by the team.

Anthea lives locally with her husband and two adult children. Anthea is warm and engaging and loves working with children and adults alike.

Pip Triggs – Speech Pathologist

Pip graduated from the University of Sydney in 2000 and has worked with adults and children in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, preschools and private practice in Sydney and regional NSW. She has considerable and wide ranging professional experience with a particular interest in the development of literacy skills.

Pip has a strong commitment to evidence based practice and regularly attends training and maintains professional networks to keep her clinical skills current.  Pip's specialist training in literacy programs such as "Sounds-Write" phonics and "Talk 4 Writing" allow her to apply current best practice in her sessions achieving positive outcomes for her clients.

Pip has years of experience specialising in stroke rehabilitation services having held the position of Stroke Liaison Officer at Westmead Hospital for many years. The primary role of this position was to provide education on stroke and its secondary prevention to patients and their families. 

As a mother to two young boys Pip appreciates that her clients are part of busy families and she always aims to tailor her therapy to meet the needs of the family.  

Kelsea Green - Speech Pathologist

Kelsea is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist. After graduating with Honours from The University of Newcastle, Kelsea went on to work in central Victoria, and Newcastle before joining the Sydney Speech Clinic team.

Kelsea has comprehensive and diverse experience providing speech pathology services through clinic- and school-based therapy in both individual and group sessions. She has worked with a range of diagnoses and abilities including Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing speech, language, literacy, fluency, social communication, play, and AAC therapy.

Continual and extensive professional development has led Kelsea to pursue the specialised practice of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and to work with children with orofacial myofunctional disorders.  OMT is a specialist area that focuses on re-training the nerves and muscles of the mouth and face for optimal function. The aim of OMT is to re-establish the function and tone of the face, tongue, jaw and neck muscles to address disorders, which directly impact speech, dentition, chewing, swallowing, proper tongue positioning, and nasal breathing.

Kelsea is passionate about inclusion, health, and providing holistic care to increase the wellbeing of all. Her passion for speech pathology is strengthened every day by the outcomes individual clients achieve in and out of their sessions.

When not at work, Kelsea loves to indulge with chocolate, quality time with her family and staying active by the ocean.

Sam Court – Speech Pathologist

Sam completed her Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy degree in Auckland, New Zealand in 2012 and has been practicing as a speech pathologist for the last 8 years. Sam worked in various settings in New Zealand before relocating to Australia in 2016. Sam has diverse experience in a range of clinical settings, including in-clinic, telehealth, schools, and preschools. Sam has experience in both education and private practice settings and works with both privately funded and NDIS participants to achieve their goals.

Sam is passionate about early intervention and has recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma focused on early language development (0-3 years). She has experience providing speech, language, fluency, literacy, and social communication therapy. She also has experience working with children with a range of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Sam uses a family-centred approach and works in partnership with families to create the best environment for their child’s development and wellbeing. Sam has received training in the Hanen 'More Than Words' Program. She has also been involved in running parent and teacher workshops to equip parents and educators with the tools they need to best support their child’s communication development.

Mariam Khan – Speech Pathologist

Mariam is an approachable, fun and professional speech pathologist who is passionate about working with clients and their families to help them achieve their communication goals. Mariam is always striving to build strong relationships and rapport with both her paediatric and adult clients and their families, supported by her warm and friendly nature.

Mariam completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University. Studying speech pathology has enabled Mariam to follow her passion to advocate for those who need extra help with their communication. Her clinical experiences include working with children across all stages in a range of clinical settings, including in-clinic, telehealth, schools, and preschools. She has worked with a range of diagnoses and abilities including Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Intellectual Impairments, Developmental Delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing speech, language, literacy and social communication therapy.

Mariam has further trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and loves to work with children with orofacial myofunctional disorders. OMT is a specialist area that focuses on re-training the nerves and muscles of the mouth and face for optimal function. The aim of OMT is to re-establish the function and tone of the face, tongue, jaw and neck muscles to address disorders, which directly impact speech, dentition, chewing, swallowing, proper tongue positioning, and nasal breathing. Mariam also has a special interest in working with clients with speech sound delays and disorders.

Mariam is a certified practicing speech pathologist with recognition from our professional body Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). Mariam is always keen to learn about and implement evidenced based interventions within her practice.

Emma Bartlett – Occupational Therapist

Emma is a passionate and highly motivated Occupational Therapist who is committed to supporting children and their families to achieve their goals in fun, creative and individual ways! Emma chose to study Occupational Therapy due to her passion to help others and a strong interest in health science. Emma completed her Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy at the Australian Catholic University in North Sydney. Emma also has a background in Psychology where she finds that it compliments Occupational Therapy well, by assisting individuals to learn, develop and master different aspects of their lives.

Emma uses a family-centred approach in order to support children and their families to help them make their own decisions that best suits them. She enjoys working closely with team members and other important people in the child's life in order to support those decisions and create the best environment for their overall wellbeing.

Having worked as a disability support worker for over five years, Emma has worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorders, handwriting and learning/developmental difficulties. While Emma helps children and their families achieve their goals through her positive and creative personality, she is also passionate about allowing the children to be the best version of themselves.

Helen Bentley – Occupational Therapist

Helen completed her Bachelor of Health Science - occupational Therapy in 2006 in Auckland, New Zealand. She is a registered Occupational Therapist in both New Zealand and Australia.

Helen has worked in various clinical settings including hospital, inpatient and outpatient clinics, community and private practice. Helen has worked with both adults and children and continues to enjoy supporting people of all ages.

Helen is passionate about the Occupational Therapy profession and working with clients, their families and wonder support networks to achieve meaningful goals. When not at work, Helen enjoys spending time outdoors exploring Sydney's beautiful beaches and bush surrounds.

Grace Rennie – Speech Pathologist

Grace is a passionate, empathetic and highly-motivated speech pathologist. She has a passion for working with children and their families to achieve their personal communication goals.

Grace completed a Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at Macquarie University and a Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Technology Sydney. She loves working with all clients and has a particular clinical interest in speech sound delays/disorders, literacy and social communication.

Grace’s clinical experiences consist of telehealth and in-clinic services within private clinics and not-for-profit organisations. She has had the opportunity to work alongside adults and children with a range of communication and swallowing needs. Grace loves learning and is continually looking at how she can grow as a speech pathologist through collaborating with the team and completing further training.

When she’s not at the clinic, Grace loves doing crosswords, catching up with friends and hanging out at the beach.

Sophie Hyde – Speech Pathologist

Sophie is a warm, compassionate and approachable speech pathologist who enjoys working with clients of all ages and their families to help build their capacity to communicate effectively. Sophie prides herself on being able to build strong relationships and rapport with her clients and their caregivers using a family-centered approach. Studying speech pathology has enabled Sophie to advocate for clients of all abilities to make a difference to their daily communication needs.

Sophie completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the Australian Catholic University alongside a Diploma of Languages (Spanish). She has experience working in a diverse range of paediatric and adult speech pathology areas, including working in primary schools, preschools, community health and hospital settings. She also has experience working in rural NSW, collaborating closely with the local community and promoting holistic care. She has specific clinical interests in the areas of speech, language, voice and literacy and is continuously developing her clinical knowledge and keeping up to date with current evidence-based research.

Sophie has further trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) which is a specialist area that focuses on re-training the nerves and muscles of the mouth and face for optimal function. The aim of OMT is to re-establish the function and tone of the face, tongue, jaw and neck muscles to address disorders, which directly impact speech, dentition, chewing, swallowing, proper tongue positioning, and nasal breathing.

In her spare time, Sophie loves to bake anything sweet, go travelling and spend quality time with her family and friends.

Fiona Henshaw – Speech Pathologist

Fiona started her career in the UK working in paediatric settings where she gained valuable experience supporting children with Developmental Language Disorders and Autism in specialist language units within mainstream schools. Fiona then progressed into hospitals, rehabilitation units, and in community teams supporting adults with brain injuries and progressive neurological disorders.

Since moving to Australia, Fiona has had her own five children and has continued to work with a diverse caseload supporting families with their speech, language, social, swallowing, and feeding goals across the lifespan working with young children through to adults. Fiona has a particular interest in pragmatic language supporting young people to develop social use of language. Fiona has regularly supported our social group programs at Sydney Speech Clinic. In addition, Fiona has a special interest in literacy development supporting learners with their reading, spelling, and writing skills.

Outside of the world of speech pathology, Fiona enjoys time with her family and friends, cooking, theatre, reading, tennis, golf, and swimming.

Tahlia Frost – Speech Pathologist

Tahlia is a patient, warm and empathetic speech pathologist who is passionate about creating a supportive and empowering environment for her clients and families.

Tahlia completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the Australian Catholic University. Her clinical experiences involve providing assessment and intervention to children and adults in a variety of settings via telehealth and within clinics. These settings include primary schools, community health, hospitals, and rural NSW. She strives to collaborate with families to create relevant and functional communication goals for her clients in areas such as speech sound delays/disorders, language, literacy, and social communication.

In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering within the community, going to the beach, and playing soccer.

Emily Irwin – Speech Pathologist

Emily is an engaging and warm Certified Practising Speech Pathologist who is passionate about collaborating with clients and their families to help them achieve their goals.

While her passion for communications initially led her to a career in the media and public relations industry, Emily soon realised that she wanted to work more closely with children and young adults to help them make meaningful change. This led her to a career in Speech Pathology.

Emily completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at the University of Sydney and previously completed a Bachelor of Arts (Media) at the University of New South Wales. Emily has experience providing evidence-based interventions across a range of settings, including at schools, day care centres, hospitals, local community health centres and via Telehealth. She is passionate about working with neurodivergent children and adolescents and has a strong interest in helping clients with their social communication, language, literacy, and speech sound goals.

Emily has further trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) which is a specialist area that focuses on re-training the nerves and muscles of the mouth and face for optimal function. The aim of OMT is to re-establish the function and tone of the face, tongue, jaw and neck muscles to address disorders, which directly impact speech, dentition, chewing, swallowing, proper tongue positioning, and nasal breathing.

On weekends, Emily enjoys playing tennis, reading, and snorkelling.

Lucienne Siddle – Speech Pathologist

Lucienne is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with a Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences and a Master of Speech and Language Pathology from Macquarie University.

Lucienne has experience working with children and adults in several settings, including private practice, homes, schools, and childcare centres. She has worked with a range of diagnoses and abilities – including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Intellectual Disability – and has provided services across a range of areas including speech, language, literacy, fluency, social communication, play, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).

Lucienne is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice and working within a holistic, family-centered approach to intervention. She shares enthusiasm and excitement with her clients as they achieve their goals and loves seeing their self-confidence grow.

In her spare time, Lucienne loves to spend time at the beach, in nature, going camping, or staying home with a good book and a cup of tea.

Audrye Fung – Occupational Therapist

Audrye completed her Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) (Hons) at the University of Sydney.

Audrye loves working with children to build their skills and to support them and their families to achieve their goals. In particular, Audrye loves when older clients come to OT with their own goals! One of Audrye’s favourite parts of paediatric OT is the creativity involved, finding new and fun ways to incorporate the client’s interests.

Audrye has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, learning difficulties, cerebral palsy and genetic conditions.

Outside of OT, Audrye also teaches dance classes.

Martina Tueres – Speech Pathologist

Martina is a kind, flexible, and passionate speech pathologist who is dedicated to supporting clients achieve their communication goals in collaboration with their families.

Martina completed a Bachelor of Speech, Hearing, and Language Sciences from Macquarie University, as well as a Master of Speech Pathology from the University of Canberra. Martina has experience working with adults and children across a variety of contexts, including clinics, community health, acute care, and telehealth. Her interests include speech, language, literacy, and neurodiverse affirming practice. Martina has also been involved in research exploring interventions for echolalia in autistic children.

In her spare time, Martina likes to read, go on walks and explore the ocean snorkelling and scuba diving whenever she gets a chance!

Amelia Gordon – Speech Pathologist

Amelia is a positive, creative and caring speech pathologist. She has a passion for functional communication and believes the best therapy journey is built on a foundation of fun, trust and teamwork.

Amelia completed a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science at Macquarie University before completing her Master of Speech Pathology at the University of Technology Sydney.

Amelia has experience providing services to both children and adults in a range of settings including private practice, hospital, not-for-profit, aged care and via telehealth. She has a broad range of clinical interests including early intervention, neurodiverse affirming practice, hearing loss, swallowing/feeding and rural accessibility, just to name a few. Amelia strongly values ensuring therapy is an empowering partnership, prioritising collaboration with the client and family. She celebrates individuality and strives to get to know each client's unique personality and skills whilst working towards relevant goals.

In her spare time, Amelia enjoys swimming at the beach, reading, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Meg De Souza – Speech Pathologist

Meg is a passionate, caring and fun speech pathologist who aims to provide a holistic approach to client-centred care, ensuring the needs of the child and the family are prioritised.

Meg completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University. She has experience working with preschool, primary and high-school aged children in a range of clinical settings, including in-clinic, telehealth, schools, and preschools. She has worked with a range of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, genetic disorders including Fragile X Syndrome, intellectual disabilities, Dyslexia. She has a particular interest in helping children achieve their goals within the fields of literacy, language and social communication.

Meg regularly attends professional development ensuring she is up to date with the latest evidence-based approaches. She is trained in: Sounds-Write, The Spalding Method, Hanen's 'More Than Words' and 'TalkAbility', Talk for Writing and Shape Coding.

When Meg isn't working she enjoys any activity involving her cavoodle Benji and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Phoebe Gray – Speech Pathologist

Phoebe is an energetic, warm and empathetic Speech Pathologist. She is driven to support the unique potential of her clients by developing relationships and establishing strong connections. Her family-centered approach creates a positive learning experience for all.

Phoebe completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the Australian Catholic University. She is an intuitive and diplomatic professional with experience working with both children and adults in several settings including schools, homes, community health, and hospitals. Phoebe has many clinical areas of interest including working with autistic clients and their families to achieve functional goals. Phoebe is also passionate about language, speech, literacy, and social communication development. She strives to support her clients, their families, and associated health professionals to collaborate and achieve meaningful goals.
Outside of work, Phoebe enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also has a strong community focus and enjoys being involved in AFLW on the North Shore.

Georgia Davis – Speech Pathologist

Georgia is an empathetic, friendly speech pathologist who has a passion for working with children of all ages to achieve their goals. Georgia studied a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University. Her clinical experiences have been with both children and adults in a number of settings including schools, preschools, hospital, community therapy services and private practice with clients across the lifespan.

Georgia is passionate about seeking creative and engaging ways to make therapy enjoyable for her clients through incorporating their interests to enhance the learning experience.

In her spare time Georgia enjoys walking her dog, going to the beach and spending time with friends and family.

Renu James - Client Services Team Lead

Renu is our welcoming, caring and compassionate Client Services Team Lead who goes above and beyond for every family that walks through our doors. She is a Lane Cove local and the mother of two school-aged children, one of whom has additional needs. Renu's thorough understanding and knowledge of therapy services comes not only from her time behind the front desk, but from genuine first-hand client experience.

Renu knows all about the importance of our family-centred approach and prides herself on being able to assist and support families with any questions or concerns they may have. Renu works closely with all of our therapists in regards to referrals, scheduling, re-booking and practice management.

In her spare time, Renu enjoys reading, working on 1000+ jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her family.

Georgia Apps - Client Services Team

With her warm and friendly personality, Georgia is a valued member of our Client Service Team. She understands the importance of developing a welcoming and positive environment for children and their families, going above and beyond to support all clients. Her experience in childcare has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist families in various aspects of their Speech and OT journey.

Georgia is currently completing her bachelor degree in Speech and Hearing science at Macquarie University. She plans to study a Masters degree in Speech Pathology in the coming years. Georgia has been riding horses since she was 5 years old and spends her free time and weekends riding her horse Viduka. She also loves to read and bake as well.

Henriette Demirdjian - Client Services Team

Henriette is a member of our Client Services Team. With a friendly smile and warm greeting she is committed to ensuring clients feel valued and attended to. Henriette takes pride in creating a comfortable and inviting environment for all clients.

She is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University and aims to Master in Clinical Psychology. Henriette is a family orientated individual who finds great joy in spending quality moments with her loved ones. In her free time, Henriette spends time at the beach, shopping, or going for scenic walks.

Casey Houghton - Client Services Team

With a warm and approachable nature, Casey is dedicated to ensuring clients and their families feel welcomed and supported as soon as they enter the clinic. She is passionate about the health and wellbeing of individuals and their families and is excited to assist them in their therapy journey. Her experience working with children in both an educational and therapeutic setting has provided her valuable tools to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Casey is currently completing a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Macquarie University. In her spare time, Casey loves to dance with her university dance team. Her favourite styles are Jazz and Hip Hop.