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
Allied Health Assistant
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
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
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
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.
SERVICES
GET IN TOUCH
Clinic: 77a Tucker Road, Bentleigh VIC 3204
Phone: 1300 754 079
Fax: +61 3 8582 9746
Email: info@brightstartspeechpathology.com.au
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