B r a i n M a t t e r s T e a m

Laura | Director & Principal Speech Pathologist

Specialty areas: Stroke, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Voice Disorders, Dysphagia

Laura graduated from Flinders University with a Masters in Speech Pathology and, prior to this, obtained a First Class Honours degree in Anatomical Sciences from the University of Adelaide. Laura has over 8 years of experience working in the Allied Health Sector; where her focus areas have been rehabilitation, community NDIS and hospital acute work across several speciality areas; including Neurology, Oncology, Intensive Care and Respiratory/ Cardiology. Laura is passionate about the treatment of communication and swallowing disorders resulting from brain injury, neurodegenerative conditions, head and neck cancer and respiratory illnesses; striving to explore individualised solutions to a range of communication and swallowing impairments. She is also dedicated to supporting families & care staff by equipping them with the knowledge and tools required to best assist patients achieve their goals. Laura regularly partakes in extensive professional development courses relating to neurological / neurodegenerative conditions to ensure she is providing the most up to date and evidence based care to our clients. Outside of work, Laura loves to read, travel and do anything craft related, especially pottery!

Tanya | Clinic Manager

Tanya brings to the team over 20 years of extensive experience in administration and practice management, making her an invaluable asset to the Brain Matters team. She has a deep understanding of the operational needs of healthcare practices, with particular expertise in navigating complex systems such as the NDIS, Medicare, My Aged Care and Home Care Packages. Tanya is highly proficient in managing our day-to-day operations, coordinating our multidisciplinary team and ensuring a smooth, client-focused experience. Her knowledge of policy and compliance requirements is second to none and she consistently ensures that all our processes align with current regulations and best practice. Tanya ensures all our clients experience a seamless onboarding and booking process and loves a chat while you're waiting for your appointment! Outside of work, Tanya loves to read, bake yummy treats and spend time with her family.

Lauren | Senior Speech Pathologist

Specialty areas: Dementia, Progressive Neurological Disorders, Dysphagia

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Flinders University, as well as a First Class Honours Degree in Health Science; where her research focussed on oral care provision in stroke. She has over 8 years of experience working across acute and critical care, older person’s mental health (with a focus on dementia care), rehabilitation, and community settings (including mobile services). Lauren is highly experienced in the area of complex swallowing disorders and is skilled at developing person-centred dysphagia management plans. She supports people with dementia and neurodegenerative disease with their communication and swallowing at every stage of their journey. Lauren has experience working in food service alongside dietitians and chefs to implement texture-modified diet and fluids in line with the IDDSI framework. She is skilled in providing education and in supporting patients, families, and caregivers to safely prepare modified-texture food and drinks. Outside of work, Lauren is currently focussed on completing a medical degree at Flinders University.

Tahlia | Registered Psychologist

Specialty Areas: Depression, Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Stress Management, Adjustment/ Life Changes

Tahlia obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a major in neuroscience at the University of Adelaide, followed by first class honours in 2021. Tahlia has worked as a psychologist in private practice for over 4 years, mainly assisting clients under the NDIS. Prior to this, Tahlia worked as a positive behavioural therapist with clients with complex disabilities and mental health disorders. Tahlia receives regular supervision from from a highly skilled and experienced senior Clinical Psychologist and frequently accesses professional development opportunities to further refine her clinical skills. She has also volunteered across various non-profit organisations including GriefLine, Headspace and The Smith Family. Tahlia is passionate about providing mentoring and counselling support to adults living with neurological conditions as well as a range of other medical and mental health conditions. She enjoys using evidence based treatment approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectal behaviour therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to provide comprehensive and tailored care. Outside of work, Tahlia loves camping, going out for brunch and playing netball!

Ellen | Senior Dietitian

Currently on Maternity Leave

Specialty areas: Cancer, Neurodegenerative Conditions, Tube Feeding, Brain Injury

Ellen graduated from Flinders University with a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics and, prior to this, obtained a Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Science from the University of South Australia. Ellen also holds an executive certificate in Advanced Biosciences from the school of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences at the University of South Australia. Ellen has over 8 years of experience working in the Allied Health Sector; where her focus areas have been rehabilitation and hospital acute work across all of Adelaide's major hospitals. Ellen has worked in several speciality areas; including Neurology, Palliative And Geriatric Care, Oncology, Intensive Care and Endocrinology. Ellen is passionate about assisting clients with acquired brain injury or other neurological conditions meet their nutrition and hydration needs throughout their rehabilitation journey. She is also dedicated to supporting families & care staff by equipping them with the knowledge and tools required to support clients with meal preparation, tube feeding or supplementation. Ellen has a very cute 2 year old boy named Ollie and a beautiful baby girl named Mae, both of whom take up a lot of her free time! She also loves pilates, reading and is renovating an 1800's cottage with her partner Hayden.

Matt | Senior Dietitian

Specialty Areas: Tube feeding, Neurodegenerative conditions, IBS

Matt obtained his Master's in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2020 and, prior to this, obtained a Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Science from The University of South Australia. Matt has also acquired a range of certificates through ongoing professional development, including courses focussed on Crohn's disease, low FODMAP diets for IBS, rental nutrition and eating disorders. Matt has worked across both acute and rehabilitation wards at all of Adelaide's largest hospitals, including Flinders Medical Centre, the Lyell McEwin Hospital and the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Working across a variety of wards, including gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, renal, paediatric, surgical and ICU; Matt brings a wealth of clinical experience to the Brain Matters team. Matt is passionate about helping clients meet their nutrition and hydration needs, as well as ensuring families and care staff are provided with the tools needed to support meal preparation and / or tube feeding. In his spare time, Matt is involved in both coaching and competing in amateur boxing and studies Italian. He is also studying a medical degree at Flinders University which keeps him very busy!

Joanne | Speech Pathologist

Areas of interest: Acquired Brain Injury, Dysphagia and Primary Progressive Aphasia

Jo holds a Masters in Speech Pathology and previously obtained an Undergraduate degree in Medical Science. She has a passion for working with individuals with communication and swallowing disorders resulting from acquired/ traumatic brain injury as well as primary progressive aphasia. Jo has experience working with individuals with neurological impairments, providing assessments as well as developing holistic and individualised treatment plans. She has a warm and empathetic approach to her work, taking the time to understand individuals while building strong therapeutic relationships. Jo is a dedicated clinician with a strong commitment to continuous learning. Prior to working as a speech pathologist, Jo worked as a hospital orderly within the public health sector, gaining experience in acute hospital environments and exposure to a wide range of medical presentations, while supporting patient care in multidisciplinary teams. Outside of work, Jo loves to unwind by going for walks along the beach, and enjoys exploring new restaurants!

Jess | Senior Speech Pathologist

Specialty areas: Head and Neck cancer, Progressive Neurological Disorders, Complex Dysphagia

Jess holds a Masters of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from Leeds Beckett University in England, as well as a University Advanced Professional Certificate in the Assessment and Management of Dysphagia in Adults. Jess also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield. Jess has over 3 years of clinical experience with complex medical caseloads, most recently as a Senior Speech Pathologist supporting inpatients and outpatients with Dysphagia, Head and Neck Cancer and voice disorders in a large hospital in England. With a keen interest in research, Jess presented her dissertation findings at the British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists annual conference in London. Clinically, she has worked across many areas within various hospital settings, including Oncology, Respiratory and Geriatric Care. Jess is passionate about supporting those with brain injury and complex medical conditions with their communication and swallowing goals through evidence based therapy approaches. Outside of work, Jess loves running, travelling and reading.

Billie | Therapy Dog

Billie is our team therapy dog available upon request and comes with a 100% cuddle and smile guarantee! She loves her ball more than life itself and going for walkies everyday. She is a friend to all and loves nothing more than curling up on your lap and giving you kisses (whether you want them or not!)

She loves to join clients during their therapy sessions and during our social groups!

Billie enjoys running around at the beach, sneaking pieces of salami off charcuterie boards when nobody is looking and playing fetch (until she runs out of energy and falls asleep on the couch). Like many 7 year olds, she really doesn't like smiling for photos...