Our Speech Therapists

Natasha is the founder and director of Speak and Swallow. With over 14 years of experience, she is very passionate about enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of her clients. At every step, she encourages collaboration and inspires trust through open, honest, and transparent communication. Natasha drives her team to put treatment plans into action and achieve real results. In particular, Natasha has a strong interest in dysphagia quality of life and working with clients with progressive neurological conditions. She considers it a privilege to be part of her client’s journey to improve their health, wellbeing, and connection. Natasha is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and the Laryngology Society of Australasia. When she isn’t working, Natasha can be found running marathons, wakeboarding, or spending time with her little girl.

Juanita graduated from the University of Queensland with a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology in 2014. Before working in speech therapy Juanita completed a Bachelor of Language and Linguistics at Griffith University. Juanita has worked within the Speak and Swallow team since graduating and is now part of our senior management team. Juanita has a special interest in orofacial myofunctional therapy and dysfunctional breathing and voice disorders. Juanita values working in the community, making a difference, and adding to quality of life for each client and family. Juanita continues to update her professional knowledge by being a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist. She is a member of Speech Pathology Australia, Australian Voice Association, LSVT, Laryngology Society of Australasia, and is certified in The Buteyko Method. When not at work, Juanita spends time with her family, loves heading to the coast and enjoys chatting over good food and wine!

Sophie graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) in 2019 and is a Certified Practicing member of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). Sophie enjoys supporting and working in collaboration with adolescence and adults and their respective families to conduct assessments and provide intervention that is meaningful to them and their everyday lives. Sophie particularly enjoys supporting clients in managing dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and end of life care. She also has a particular interest in the area of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) to support clients in finding the most suitable and efficient method of communicating across all of their environments. Sophie has recently taken on a senior role within the Speak and Swallow team. Outside of work, Sophie enjoys travelling, running, socialising with friends and a good cup of coffee!

Steph is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist who is passionate about delivering quality speech therapy. She obtained her Masters of Speech Pathology from The University of Queensland, where she also completed her Bachelors of Arts (Psychology & Linguistics). She believes that it’s never too early or late to receive intervention and strives for everyone to have access to quality communication and mealtime experiences. Steph has worked on speech, language, voice and swallowing/eating with a range of clients, including the elderly population, post-head-and-neck-cancer patients, and people with varying neurological conditions. She is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and speaks multiple languages, including Indonesian and Japanese. On her days off, Steph enjoys food styling, playing the bass guitar, and exploring small local shops.

Elise completed a Master of Speech Language Pathology from the University of Sydney, after completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Canberra. Throughout her studies, Elise worked in a range of community and health settings with adults, adolescents and children. Elise developed a passion for working with people across the life span with progressive neurological conditions and acquired brain injuries, and has a special interest in dysphagia, language and speech management. Elise is looking forward to continuing to develop her skills and knowledge of speech pathology by engaging in professional development courses. When Elise isn’t at work, she enjoys exploring new places and spending time with family and friends.

Maddy graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2020 and has been a valuable member of the Speak & Swallow team for 3 years. Maddy is currently exploring the world and supporting clients in London, and we can’t wait to hear all about her travels when she returns. She enjoys working with clients and their family to create and achieve collaborative, holistic, and functional goals to promote maximised quality of life. Maddy has an interest in supporting clients across the lifespan, particularly in the areas of dysphagia (swallowing), voice, and language. She also likes being able to support individuals with progressive neurological conditions to maintain their functioning for as long as possible. Outside of work, Maddy enjoys going to the gym, catching up with friends, and travelling.

Amy completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours at James Cook University in 2022. Amy is a Speech Pathology Australia member, and has worked with the Speak and Swallow team since graduating and has continued to grow her passion and commitment to supporting and empowering both clients and their families. She has a special interest in dysphagia (swallowing disorder) and is particularly passionate about providing care in palliative settings.  Amy is always keen to learn, and has continued to expand her clinical knowledge by completing a range of professional development courses focusing on dysphagia biomechanics vs anatomy rehabilitation and tracheostomy management. Currently, Amy is exploring the “breathing space” to better support her clients with techniques that improve breathing, communication, and swallowing. When not at work, Amy enjoys having quality time with family and friends, exploring, swimming, camping and playing in community sporting teams.

Tayla completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology Degree at Australian Catholic University. Throughout her studies Tayla worked with both children and adults experiencing communication and swallowing difficulties in hospital and community settings. Tayla found passion in supporting adolescents and adults, particularly in the areas of language, speech, and dysphagia (swallowing) management. Her journey in the field is marked by a genuine enthusiasm for working collaboratively with clients and their families to create tailored interventions that resonate with their daily lives. Outside of work, Tayla enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, playing country music and going on long nature walks.

Amy completed a Master’s of Speech Pathology at Charles Sturt University and has prior qualifications in Education. With a background in teaching and disability services, Amy is passionate about working across the lifespan, focusing on goals that enhance daily participation. Recently licensed in SPEAK OUT! Therapy, she is dedicated to delivering personalised, evidence-based therapies that empower clients with a range of communication and swallowing disorders. Amy also has a strong interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to increase communication access for all. In her spare time, Amy enjoys snorkelling, diving, travelling, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends, family, and her dog, Stew.

Phoebe graduated with a Master of Speech Pathology from Griffith University, and has prior qualifications in Education. During her studies, Phoebe discovered her passion for working with adults – in particular in stroke rehabilitation, dysphagia, and progressive neurological conditions. Outside of work, Phoebe enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her dog Willow, as well as indulging in good coffee and delicious pastries.

Ella graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. She looks forward to supporting adolescents and adults to achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life.

Emily joined Speak and Swallow in 2021 with several years of administration experience behind her. Emily is professional, enthusiastic, and a supportive member of the team, always going out of her way to help. She has a passion for allied health services and strives to be a caring support for our valued clients and staff. On her days off, Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, drinking great coffee, and taking her puppy on different adventures.

Imogen is currently studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at The University of Queensland and recently joined the Speak and Swallow administration team in 2023. At university, she is enjoying learning about the different areas of Speech Pathology practice and how compassion and collaboration are key when working with clients. Joining our team has given Imogen first-hand insight and experience around this and has exposed her to working within a Speech Pathology practice. She endeavours to be a supportive member of the team, whilst displaying care and consideration towards our valued clients. When not at work or studying, Imogen enjoys reading, going to the gym and spending time with family and friends.

Mackayla is studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at Australian Catholic University and joined the Speak & Swallow team administration team in 2024. With an extensive digital marketing background, Mackayla’s also helping out with making Speak & Swallow stand out online. At university, she loves learning about the neuroscience behind Speech Pathology and looks forward to helping people with acquired communication and swallowing disorders to attain a greater quality of life. Mackayla enjoys being a part of our clients’ speech pathology experience. When she’s not in the clinic you’ll find her kayaking, hiking, or reading something about neuroscience or marine biology.