📍 Semaphore, Adelaide
📞 0481 688 955
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, Huntington'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!
Lauren | Senior Speech Pathologist
Specialty areas: Dementia, Progressive Neurological Disorders, Adult 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.
Leila | Speech Pathologist
Areas of Interest: Acquired Brain Injury, Dysphagia, Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Leila obtained her Masters of Speech Pathology at Flinders University and, prior to this, completed a Bachelor degree in Psychological Science. She has a particular interest in therapy for Aphasia, Dysphagia, Augmentative & Alternative Communication and working with the Traumatic Brain Injury population. Leila has extensive experience working with a range of clients with neurological impairment, providing comprehensive assessment, tailored therapy support and resources for clients and their families/ supports to ensure the progression of client goals. Leila is also very experienced with assessment and mealtime management support for clients with complex dysphagia resulting from a range of disabilities. She ensures that clients and their families / care givers are provided with all the education and tools required to keep mealtimes both safe and enjoyable. Outside of work, Leila loves walking her two gorgeous Kelpie's, going to the beach and doing pilates!
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 newborn girl named Mae who 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!
Jessi | Allied Health Assistant
Jessi brings a vibrant, positive energy to the team that is both infectious and inspiring. Her deep passion for helping others is matched by a diverse background in health and wellness, along with a unique blend of creativity and compassion. With a certificate IV in Personal Training from the Australian Institute of Fitness, Jesi is highly knowledgable in client centred, goal focussed care, and is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. In addition to her fitness qualifications, Jessi has experience working as an optometry assistant, where she developed her strong interpersonal and assessment skills while working clients from all backgrounds. This combination of clinical and health experience gives her a well rounded approach to care. Outside of her professional experience, Jessi is a talented artist and loves to cook and bake. She puts these creative talents to use in her role by running our social art and cooking groups, where she easily connects with our clients in an engaging and meaningful way.
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.
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 loves to smile... just not for photos.
