Meet our team
Olivia Rayner
Senior Speech Pathologist
Director of Now We're Talking
"I am so thrilled to be doing something I love, in a community that I love! I am incredibly fortunate to be in a position to positively affect a person's life, to give them a voice and the ability to communicate!"
Olivia has completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at The Australian Catholic University and has also completed a Bachelor of Psychology Applied Science at RMIT University. She received the Executive Dean's commendation upon completing her Speech Pathology degree for her outstanding performance and in achieving a high grade point average.
Olivia is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), and a member of Speech Pathology Australia and has had clinical experience in the assessment, diagnosis and intervention a wide range of practice areas, for both adult and paediatric clients.
Olivia's clinical experience ranges from a variety of settings including Community Health in Early Intervention, adult Community Rehabilitation, private practice and work in the primary school and kindergarten settings. She specialises in paediatric and adult speech sound production and associated oro-facial myology, as well as language development and disorders, and stuttering. Olivia is a Neuroaffirming clinician and enjoys working and supporting a neurodiverse population and their families.
Olivia is a positive and enthusiastic clinician and is passionate about helping others and making a difference by instilling confidence in each individual she works with. She believes that creating a fun and safe environment, tailored to each individual, is essential for their growth and progress. She applies a strength-based approach, building on the principles of positive psychology and helping the client understand how high they can reach with the right support, as well as providing them with the skills to independently reach beyond that point.
Olivia feels it is important to help educate families and share her knowledge on how they can facilitate the same learning and progress the client further at home so that you can have a seamless journey with Now We're Talking Speech Pathology and Psychology.
Olivia is Lidcombe trained and has participated in a number of professional development courses surrounding the forever adapting Neuroaffirming range of practice. She is committed to providing the most up-to-date care for her clients.
Olivia recently won the 2022 ACU Young Alumni of the Year. This award recognises a graduate from any field, who is 35 years old or younger at the time of nomination whose early accomplishments since graduation have led to high achievement in their professional field or community engagement. You can read more about Olivia's achievements in the Speech Pathology Australia's December Magazine here: SpeakOut December Edition.
Olivia is also the founder of an awareness raising campaign called ‘A Night for Aphasia’ (@anightforaphasia) and enjoys this work in addition to running Now We're Talking Speech Pathology and Psychology. Not sure what Aphasia is? Jump on our socials and check it out!!
Now We're Talking emphasises the importance of high quality community based services, specifically tailored to the clients needs and shared goals. We focus on the three C's; Connection, Community and Communication!
Olivia is passionate about the Speech Pathology field and looks forward to working with you or welcoming you into the Now We're Talking clinic.
Clinical Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Kimberley Olive
Senior Speech Pathologist
Kimberley is a passionate and dedicated speech pathologist who is committed to developing the communication and social skills of children and young adults. Kimberley believes in the importance of client-centred, evidence-based intervention that helps her clients to reach their full potential. She thoroughly enjoys getting to know her clients and always incorporates their interests into therapy activities. Kimberley believes that building rapport and having fun are the best way to enhance therapy outcomes.
Kimberley is particularly dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of neurodiverse members of our community. She applies a strength-based approach that presumes competence and respects the value of human diversity.
Kimberley completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree at the Australian Catholic University and is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia. Kimberley has worked across a variety of settings including schools, private practices and homes. She has a keen interest in animal-assisted intervention and sometimes brings her dog, Stanley, into the clinic.
Kimberley has experience providing assessment, treatment and support to children and young adults, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit Disorders and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Kimberley provides therapy for; language delays, dysfluency, speech sound delays, literacy difficulties, emotional regulation challenges and social skills development.
Kimberley and her family love living in the inner west and have also lived in Canada, England, Sri Lanka, Qatar and the UAE. She is kept busy by her two children, but in her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends, going away for weekends, and training her dog, Stanley.
Clinical days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Deanna Andronis
Senior Speech Pathologist
Deanna is a passionate Speech Pathologist, who completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University, and is a current member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Deanna has clinical experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings, including community health, private practice, primary schools and hospitals. She has experience providing support both face-to-face and through telehealth. Deanna has a particular interest in speech sound disorders, language and literacy. She enjoys working alongside other health professionals to achieve holistic communication outcomes.
Deanna believes in providing evidence based, client-centred care and creating strong relationships with her clients and their families to achieve their goals. She is passionate about incorporating a child’s strengths and interests into therapy to make it fun and engaging.
Prior to commencing her career as a Speech Pathologist, she volunteered at a primary school where she delivered a language narrative intervention called SKILLS. She then started her career working in the educational setting with primary school aged children.
In her spare time she enjoys travelling, cooking, yoga and spending time with her family and friends.
Clinical days; Tuesday- Friday
Jennifer Nguyễn
Senior Speech Pathologist
Jennifer has completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at The Australian Catholic University and she is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), and a member of Speech Pathology Australia. Jennifer's clinical experience includes dynamic assessments, planning and delivering of therapy across a range of practice areas for both children and adults.
Jennifer feels passionately about supporting complex communication needs and working with clients and their supports to empower everyone through a strengths-based approach. She feels it is important to educate families and share knowledge, to collaborate, learn, grow and create strong working alliance as a team. Jennifer is a strong believer in co-creating person-centred strategies, empowering others to feel confident to play active roles in their goals and creating meaningful change.
Jennifer has experience working within schools, kindergartens and supporting participants who access the NDIS. Her passion includes working with clients with complex communication needs, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users and has completed professional development courses to continually adapt and amend strategies to best support her client's needs and goals.
Clinical days: Monday to Thursday
Bec Graham
Senior Speech Pathologist
Bec is a transdisciplinary-trained therapist committed to delivering innovative and accessible speech therapy services. Bec is passionate about building trust, mutual respect and collaboration with her clients to share in decision-making and planning for their care.
Bec’s approach is built on the insights gained from years of professional involvement in the Department of Education (in both Specialist and Mainstream schools), Child and Adult Disability Services, Early Childhood Intervention, and work with the NDIS.
Bec completed her Master of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University and is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Bec is currently specialising in supporting clients with fluency difficulties such as stuttering. She is passionate about ensuring clients feel confident in their speech and that families are empowered to help achieve this goal. Bec is fortunate to have experience in a variety of interventions that enable her to support clients from the preschool years all the way into adulthood. Bec is formally certified in The Lidcombe Program for Stuttering Intervention.
Beyond the clinic, Bec enjoys spending time with her family and friends, learning new skills (currently learning Auslan!) and keeping active through running, hiking and gymnastics!
Clinical days: Thursday
Victoria Tsirogiannis
Senior Speech Pathologist
Victoria completed her Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics) and Master of Speech Pathology at the University of Melbourne. Victoria is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Victoria is a warm and considerate clinician, whose therapy approach is based on creating strong friendships with her clients and their families. Victoria takes the time to understand the child as a whole and implement suitable therapies and strategies holistically. She understands the importance of liaising with caregivers, educators, and other health professionals to establish child and family-centred goals.
Victoria has worked across multiple settings, including private practice, childcares, kindergartens, schools, and homes. She has supported neurotypical and neurodivergent children in areas of speech, fluency, language, literacy, social communication, and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Victoria’s clinical experience includes administering dynamic assessments, developing resources for home programs, and devising suitable therapy plans based on the individual needs of her clients. She is passionate about implementing a strengths-based and child-led approach, in which she places her clients interests at the forefront of her sessions to make therapy fun and enjoyable.
Victoria understands the social impact speech and language differences may have on a child’s self-esteem and strives to build their confidence so that they can express themselves comfortably.
When Victoria isn’t at the clinic, you can find her exploring new restaurants around Melbourne and watching Netflix with her incredibly misbehaved cat, Ned.
Clinical days: Wednesday to Friday
Manelle Al-Hakkani
Speech Pathologist
Manelle is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist who has completed her Masters in Speech Pathology at La Trobe University.
Manelle loves working with children. This, combined with her belief that great communication is a core foundational skill for later success, is what inspired her to pursue a career in Speech Pathology.
She has a particular passion for Speech Sound Disorders and Stuttering.
Manelle is a friendly, community-oriented individual who is always happy to meet new people and be a part of making a difference in their communication goals.
In her spare time, Manelle loves to contribute to the community, spend time in the gym and she is always up for an outing to dinner!
Clinical days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Stephanie Zaharis
Speech Pathologist
Stephanie is a recent Master of Speech Pathology graduate from La Trobe University. She is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and current member of Speech Pathology Australia. She has previously completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Linguistics, where she found her passion for Speech Pathology.
During her university placements, Steph has had experience working with children and adults in a range of settings including public hospitals, primary schools, childcare centres, and community health centres. Throughout her studies, Steph has found a particular interest in speech sound disorders, language development, and literacy.
Steph feels passionate about providing therapy that is exciting and engaging for clients, and enjoys doing so in her local community. She believes it is important to build supportive relationships with clients and their families in order to achieve therapy goals.
In her spare time, Steph enjoys travelling, seeing friends and family, and spending time with her kitten, Maisie.
Clinical days: Tuesday- Friday
Lucy McKay
Speech Pathologist
Lucy graduated with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in 2024. She is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Throughout her degree, Lucy gained invaluable experience as an Allied Health Assistant and Disability Support Worker, developing her understanding of the NDIS sector and supporting individuals in achieving their goals through a client-led approach.
Lucy completed placements in various settings, including acute hospital environments in trauma and neurosurgery, supporting patients admitted due to strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries. She also gained expertise working in private clinics and schools with paediatric populations.
Lucy is a firm believer in supporting and advocating for the needs of clients and their families. She prioritises collaboration and open communication, ensuring that each client’s unique goals and circumstances are at the forefront of her practice. By fostering strong relationships and empowering clients, Lucy strives to create positive outcomes and enhance their quality of life.
Outside the clinic, you might find Lucy training for her newfound hobby of half-marathons, exploring local restaurants, or looking after her cheeky kitten, Kenji.
Clinical Days: Monday to Friday
Olivia Guarino
Allied Health Assistant
4th Year Speech Pathology Student
Olivia is an allied health assistant and Speech Pathology student, currently in her third year of studying a Bachelor degree with Honours in Speech Pathology at La Trobe University. She has gained her experience so far, through placement at the La Trobe Communication Clinic as well as working at the Northern School for Autism as an allied health assistant. She is passionate about working with children and has experience working with clients with ASD and augmentative and alternative communication.
She is excited to work closely and support the Now We're Talking families and learn from her experiences over the next two years until she graduates.
Clinical Days: Monday and Saturday
Katherine Gayton
Clinical Psychologist
Katherine is endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA), and she is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.
Katherine brings professional experience from within hospital, community mental health and educational settings. Katherine has worked extensively with children and adolescents experiencing significant social, emotional, behavioural and academic challenges. Katherine enjoys and has a strong interest in working collaboratively with young people, their families and schools.
Katherine is passionate about conducting psychological assessments that contribute to the individual’s positive growth and wellbeing with lasting long term benefits. She is committed to understanding and providing recommendations to build on each person’s unique strengths and achievements as well as strengthening areas in need of improvement in order to maximise individual potential.
Clinical Days: Thursdays
Melinda Collett
Clinical Psychologist
Melinda Collett is a Clinical Psychologist, who completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of Canberra. Melinda is also a trained educator and was an early childhood Primary School teacher.
Melinda has over 18 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and supporting families across both educational and private settings. Her clinical experience includes assessments and therapy for a range of concerns.
Melinda is dedicated to empowering clients and their families to thrive by fostering and sustaining healthy relationships with themselves and others through the development of self-awareness and self-compassion. She has extensive experience in helping clients with anxiety and perfectionism. As an ANZAED-accredited eating disorder clinician, Melinda is passionate about helping her clients cultivate a healthy and positive mind-body-food relationship.
In counselling sessions, Melinda works in a very collaborative, friendly and approachable way. She engages her clients by tailoring and adapting treatment to fit their strengths and is extremely encouraging. Her therapeutic approaches include use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Enhanced (CBT-E) specifically for eating disorders.
Melinda also offers cognitive, academic and behavioural assessments. She is experienced in conducting assessments for the identification of cognitive and developmental delay, giftedness, Autism, and ADHD.
Clinical Days: Thursdays
Anna Lennon
Qualified School Teacher
Now We're Ready-
School Readiness + Tutoring
A highly qualified and experienced Teacher, Anna is known for a combination of holistic teaching skills, leadership and interpersonal strengths. Anna has a strong background in Curriculum Development and Implementation, Program/ Project Management, Assessment and Data Analyses, Parental and Community Involvement, Classroom Management, Relationship Building and Administration gained from several years' employment history in academic (internationally and locally) sports and recreation sectors. Anna is recognised for successfully developing and delivering a multitude of learning materials and activities that enhance learning, utilising a student-focused approach. She is a hardworking and innovative professional who can easily utilise her instructional talents to support learners with diverse learning needs in a safe and nurturing environment.
As a qualified teacher, Anna has spent the last ten years teaching Kinder Gym at LFK. Building strength, coordination, balance and agility to children between the age of 2-5. Giving them confidence in their bodies to really be prepared for their transition in to school life. For those who have been involved with Kinder Gym, know that the social interactions the children learn through the program are just as important as the physical elements. Anna builds great rapport with the children and is able to steer them in the right direction giving them the right encouragement to extend their comfort zone. Individual milestones are celebrated and everyone is delightful to see the pride and confidence grow week by week.
Anna’s four children have helped her stay on top of what is expected in primary and secondary education settings. Anna is also heavily involved in Surf Lifesaving, having run the Nipper and Training Programs at the Wye River Surf Lifesaving Club over the past ten years. She is also very community minded, caring and thoughtful. She is extremely positive and with her ‘can do’ attitude anything is possible.
Anna has developed a school readiness program that will introduce students to the concepts of school life. Anna loves working with children, her natural ability to build rapport, enables for a very safe environment for children to build trust and confidence. The program includes academic, social and organisational elements, which will help develop skills that will assists in the transition to “big school” seamless.
Anna also has a Diploma of Linguistics and has recently completed a Multisensory course with the Institute of Multisensory Language Education and is equipped with the skills and knowhow to work with children with dyslexia, teaching them to maximise their individual learning style and give them confidence to achieve success in and out of the classroom.
Anna works with children, guiding them through a structured reading program, forming the building blocks of a successful reader and writer, which transcends way further into all the curriculum areas. There is nothing like a confident student who believes in themselves and has the humility to help themselves and others to achieve their best.
Clinical days: Monday and Thursday
Nicole Asher
Practice Manager
Nicole has worked for many years in senior managerial roles for a large corporate organisation before making the move into the world of Allied Health. Nicole has become a highly skilled Administrator working for the past 5 years across two Paediatric Psychology practices in Melbourne where she has gained valuable experience in the daily operations and running of an Allied Health Practice. Nicole has loved the change from the corporate world to a smaller business, feeling like she’s contributing in a big way and really loves helping to make a difference in people’s lives. Nicole feels privileged that she is now able to transfer her extensive skills to her role as Practice Manager at ‘Now We’re Talking’. Nicole loves a chat and has a friendly smile that is warm and welcoming.
When not at work, Nic enjoys being a busy mum to two boys- 14 & 12, is an avid tennis player and enjoys spending time catching up with friends over dinner and drinks, and the occasional boogie on the dancefloor!!
Clinic days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
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Leisha Campbell
Senior Receptionist
Leisha is a skilled Medical Receptionist, well versed in patient-focused service with genuine empathy and interest in their needs and has been working as a Medical receptionist in Williamstown for the last three years.
“I feel so lucky to have found a role that I not only get to work with and meet new people everyday but make visiting this Now We’re Talking a calm, safe and supported experience for clients and their families. I love living and working in our lovely Western Suburbs Community. When not working, I am happiest spending time with my Husband, my two teenage daughters & not to forget our dog Alfie!”
Clinic days: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday's.
Susan Johnson
Receptionist
Susan is a keen all rounder that has been a part of the real estate industry for the past 25 years. A local born and bred, her passion and dedication has been providing exceptional customer service and helping others.
After beginning her career as a receptionist, Susan is excited to be a part of the Now We’re Talking Team with her aim to display her communication, multi tasking and social skills to everyone that walks through the door.
In her spare time Susan is spending time with her gorgeous family and a cavoodle puppy named Buddy. She attends pilates and loves being an active member in our fabulous community.
Clinic days: Wednesday and Friday