A bright beginning for every child
what we do
We are a private paediatric speech pathology clinic working with children from 0-18 years of age and their families and carers to provide a variety of services.
how we do it
Our team of extensively experienced speech pathologists provide a variety of assessment and therapy services, and our wonderful Allied Health Assistants provide home and community based support for more intensive therapy.
why we do it
We have a strong commitment to a collaborative approach when it comes to speech pathology. As a clinic we prioritise inclusion and diversity, and work from a client-centred, neurodiverse affirming approach to our work, all the way from the initial enquiry through to completion of service.
MEET THE TEAM
Maria Kouspos
she/her
BSp Path, MSPAA, CPSP
Maria has been providing paediatric speech pathology services for 20 years in early intervention, education, hospital and private service settings.
Areas of Interest:
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ASD & FASD
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Developmental disorders and early language development
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Orofacial Myology
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Multidisciplinary assessment
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Parent and teacher support and training
Joanne Gimas
she/her
BSp Path, MSPA, CPSP
Joanne has been providing paediatric speech pathology services for 20 years in both the education system and private service settings.
Areas of Interest:
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Speech & oral language development
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Literacy skills development
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Parent & teacher training
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Multidisciplinary support
Sarah Gravina
she/her
MSpPath, MSPA, CPSP
Working in both education & private clinic settings for over 10 years, Sarah's team approach to paediatric speech pathology is ideal for bringing parents & teachers into the therapy process.
Areas of Interest:
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Kinder & primary aged children
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Fluency/stuttering
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Speech & language development
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Literacy skills development
Belinda McCully
she/her
BSp Path, CPSP
As a speech pathologist of over 20 years, Belinda has worked in a variety of settings with a broad range of children and adults.
Areas of Interest:
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Early intervention
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Feeding difficulties
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Fluency/stuttering
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Developmental disorders
Henry Choi
he/him
MSp Path, CPSP
Henry is a dedicated paediatric speech pathologist with a strong passion for helping children develop their communication skills. He has experience working with schools and has a clinical interest in supporting school-aged clients.
Areas of Interest:
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Speech sound disorders
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Language disorders
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Social Communication
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Autism Assessment
Felicia Schmaman
B. A. (Sp & H), M. Ed. MSPA, CPSP
Felicia has been providing paediatric speech pathology services for more than 40 years in a variety of settings including private practice.
Areas of Interest:​
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ASD assessment, including ASD assessment of girls within a multidisciplinary framework
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Pragmatic language assessment
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Language assessment
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Early language development
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Developmental disorders
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Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Abrar Al Abdulla
BSp Path, CPSP
Abrar has over 4 years of experience providing pediatric speech pathology services in educational settings.
Areas of Interest:
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Fluency & Speech Sound Disorders
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Language & Literacy Skills Development
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Parent & Teacher Training
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Multidisciplinary Support
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Sounds-Write Phonics Program
Xinyang Yang
MSp Path, CPSP
Xinyang is a registered speech pathologist who completed one of her paediatric student placements with Bright Start, then joined the team as an Allied Health Assistant and has now come on board as a practitioner upon completeing her studies.
Areas of Interest:
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Speech sound disorders
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Neurodiversity-affirming practice
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Multilingualism
Gowri Rajendran
Music Therapist
Gowri is a creative and passionate registered music therapist with over 10 years experience, as well as a strong advocate for the use of music to help people connect better with themselves and with others.
Areas of Interest:
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Child-led therapy
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Person-centred approach
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Neurodiversity-affirming practice
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Incorporative goal-focused therapy
Jordyn Nashar
Allied Health Assistant
Jordyn is a third year Speech Pathology student, who assists our practitioners in implementing fun and effective therapy sessions under the supervision of our speech pathologists.
Areas of Interest:
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Preschool and school age children
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Collaborative therapy
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Fun and learning
Georgia Barry
Allied Health Assistant
Georgia is a first year speech pathology student with significant work and life experience that make her a wonderful AHA.
Areas of Interest:
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Speech sound disorders
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Neurodiversity-affirming practice
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Collaborative therapy
Michaela Smethurst
Allied Health Assistant
Michaela is currently studying for her AHA qualifications with a view to ultimately transferring to speech pathology studies. She has recently compelted a placement with Bright Start and makes a wonderful addition to our team.
Areas of Interest:
- Language disorders
- Speech sound disorders
- Neurodiversity
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Lakshika Thilakarathne
Allied Health Assistant
Lakshika is a speech pathologist working towards her Australian accreditation. While she does that she is able to utilise her skills and experience as an AHA.
Areas of Interest:
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Speech sound disorders
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Neurodiversity-affirming practice
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Social communication
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Team based support
Beth Elliott
Allied Health Assistant
A second year speech pathology student with extensive experience working with children, Beth is a wonderful addition to our AHA team.
Areas of Interest:​
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Neurodiversity-affirming practice
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Social communication
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Collaborative therapy
Brooke Pereira
Allied Health Assistant
Brooke is a third year speech pathology student with experience in paediatric support in both primary and secondary schools.
Areas of Interest:
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Speech sound disorders
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Multidisciplinary support
- Assessment
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Collaborative therapy
Katy Bacon
Allied Health Assistant
After a successful career in retail and manufacturing, Katy is thrilled to be able to transition to working with us as an AHA.
Areas of Interest:
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Play-based therapy
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Neurodiverse-affirming practice
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Collaborative therapy
Jessica Diep
Allied Health Assistant
As a final year Masters in Speech Pathology student, Jessica has experience in paediatric support through her placements, and is excited to work with and learn from the Bright Start team.
Areas of Interest:
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Speech sound disorders
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Language disorders
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Client-led therapy
Lauren Jacobs
she/her
Practice Manager
With over 15 years working in Allied Health administration, Lauren is a wonderful asset to both the business and the families we work with.
