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 is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Queensland (2014), following the completion of a Bachelor of Language and Linguistics at Griffith University. Since graduating, Juanita has been a valued member of the Speak and Swallow team and is now part of our senior management team.Juanita has a special interest in dysphagia management, dysfunctional breathing, and voice disorders, and is trained in delivering instrumental assessments including Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Functional Laryngoscopy. Her clinical background includes experience in progressive neurological disorders and end-of-life care, with a strong focus on person-centred support that enhances quality of life for individuals and their families. Juanita values community-based care and is passionate about building meaningful therapeutic relationships. She is certified in the Buteyko Breathing Method and LSVT, and is a member of the Australian Voice Association, Voice Medicine Australia, and the Laryngology Society of Australasia. Outside of work, Juanita enjoys coastal escapes, time with her family, and good conversation shared over great 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 adolescents and adults and their respective families to 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 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). Her clinicial experience spans speech, language, voice, and swallowing with a diverse range of clients including older adults, individuals recovering from head and neck cancer, traumatic brain injury, and people living with neurological conditions. Steph is also experienced in implementation of high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) including Neuronode Trilogy and eye-gaze devices. On her days off, Steph enjoys food styling, playing the bass guitar, and finding hidden gems in local shops.

Charmaine is passionate about empowering people across the lifespan to express themselves with confidence and to fully participate in their communities. With a Master of Speech Pathology from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences (Psychology), she combines her clinical expertise with an understanding of the nuanced relationship between communication and mental health, recognising the profound impact communication can have on confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Charmaine has a special interest in voice and voice disorders, including gender-affirming voice therapy in support of the trans and gender diverse community. Her clinical experience spans speech, voice, and language, allowing her to support and tailor her approach for clients with a wide range of communication needs. In her spare time, Charmaine enjoys spending time outside, gardening, or being near the water, stand-up paddleboarding, or trying to surf. She’s determined to improve her surfing record of standing up more than once per twenty waves! 

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.

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.

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 (Honours) in December 2024. Ella is passionate about family-centred care and is passionate about working with clients and their families to improve their quality of life. Throughout her studies, Ella has developed an interest in care across the lifespan, in particular working with clients with aphasia, dysphagia and neurological conditions. In her free time Ella enjoys playing netball, taking her puppy to the beach and travelling.

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.

Kristin is looking forward to starting her Bachelor of Speech Pathology studies at Australian Catholic University in 2026. If she looks familiar, it may be because Kristin’s older sister Tayla, is one of our wonderful Speech Pathologists. Inspired by her sister’s experience and strengthened by her own interest in helping adults maintain their ability to communicate, especially those diagnosed with progressive neurological conditions. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find Kristin going for walks by the beach, reading, and baking. She’s also a world traveller, having visited 12 different countries in 2025 alone. The destinations at the top of her travel list are currently Croatia and Greece – watch this space.