Meet the team

Gabriella Ptasznik

Gabriella is the CEO, Founding Director of GRP Speech Pathology and a certified practising Speech Pathologist. Gabriella is a passionate clinician committed to assisting people on their journey of restoring their ability to communicate, capacity to eat and swallow safely and ultimately to enhance their quality of life through the highest quality and most evidence-based approaches.

Gabriella comes with a wealth of experience both locally in Australia and at internationally acclaimed teaching hospitals throughout the UK. This includes working as a speech pathologist at Monash, Austin and St Vincent’s health’s neurological department as well as time spent working in the UK at the Royal Free and Wellington hospitals and St Bart’s Health.

Gabriella established the Melbourne based mobile speech pathology practice in 2017 in order to provide a functional approach to therapy which facilitates the implementation of intervention within the comfort of client’s own homes. Gabriella believes in therapy that makes a tangible difference to each client’s communication function and overall quality of life.

Georgia

I am a dedicated and experienced Speech Pathologist with a passion for helping individuals of all ages achieve their unique, functional goals. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in community and hospital settings across Australia and the UK, which has enabled me to develop a broad and nuanced understanding of speech pathology.

With a strong focus on the aging population, I completed a Master of Dementia: International Experience, Policy, and Practice at Edinburgh University in 2021. I believe in creating genuine, personalised connections with my clients, understanding that therapy is most effective when it is grounded in the practical context of their everyday lives. My goal is to enhance each client’s overall quality of life by providing interventions that lead to meaningful, positive changes.

In addition to my clinical work, I am passionate about mentoring and teaching, helping to guide the next generation of speech pathologists in their careers. Outside of work, I enjoy baking and traveling with my husband and two young daughters.

Renee

Renee is our Practice Manager at GRP Speech Pathology. Renee comes with a plethora of talent, having completed a Bachelor of Nursing and garnered extensive leadership experience in retail management across sales, logistics and operations.

She is passionate about coaching and mentoring, leading teams to achieve success and outstanding client outcomes. Being results-driven and client obsessed, Renee believes that a great service provider values both their clients and their team.

Renee is also mum to two daughters with her husband, James. They enjoy travelling and exploring new parks and cafes as a family.

Emma

I am a senior speech pathologist and clinical educator at La Trobe University with over 10 years of clinical knowledge working in health and education. After qualifying as a speech pathologist in England and completing extensive work with adults in a variety of hospital and community settings, I moved to Australia to work for Austin and Monash Health followed by attaining a role as voice clinic coordinator at La Trobe University. I have extensive experience working with adults and children and is enthusiastic to help you and/or your loved one in achieving every therapy goal. In my free time, I enjoy playing and coaching field hockey for Yarra Valley Hockey Club, travelling and volunteering my time supporting animal rescues around Victoria.

Lauren

Lauren is an experienced administrator and coordinates the GRP team to ensure an excellent client experience. Outside of the GRP team, Lauren is a mother to two sons and is passionate about enhancing her client’s quality of life through her personal training work. Lauren enjoys being active and helping others look after their health. Lauren looks forward to being in contact with you to commence your journey with GRP Speech Pathology.

Rommi

Laura

Ella

Ella brings valuable experience in sales and administration, having spent the past few years dedicating her time to raising her young family.

With a passion for organisation and a keen eye for detail, Ella is excited to be part of the GRP team, where she looks forward to making a meaningful contribution to our community. She approaches every situation with kindness and empathy, ensuring a positive experience for those she supports.

Outside of work, Ella enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young children. Together, they love exploring the outdoors, visiting playgrounds, and traveling to new places.

Quincy

Quincy is an Administrative Assistant who is so excited to be working with GRP Speech Pathology. Quincy recently relocated to Sydney from London, where she was getting her Masters degree in piano performance.  In addition to her administrative work with GRP Speech Pathology, Quincy teaches piano and accompanies students of all levels and ages. In her spare time, Quincy loves to cook, travel, spend time with her family and has recently started a small beading company with her sister and best friend called ‘Sister Jaq’.

Ailis

Meet Ailis, our dedicated therapist! Qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in Ireland in 2017, Ailis is committed to helping children and adults overcome communication challenges, connect with the world, and reach their fullest potential.

Ailis is always open to learning and believes her clients teach her invaluable lessons, helping her grow and provide even better care. She is passionate about empowering clients through holistic, client-centered, and evidence-based approaches to communication.

Ailis is excited to meet all the wonderful GRP clients and work together on their communication goals!

Sara

Sara is an experienced Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, with over 20 years’ experience. She has worked both nationally and internationally, with 10-years’ experience in London, Scotland and Ireland. Sara has experience working across a range of settings including not-for-profit organisations, private practice, education settings and adult disability day programs and residential homes. She has extensive experience providing person and family-centred supports to individuals with disabilities and has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals.  

Sara has completed further studies including a post-graduate certificate in Sensory Integration through the University of Ulster and a Specialist Certificate in Clinical Leadership through Melbourne University. She is also certified to carry out ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) assessments following completion of ADOS training with Latrobe University.

Sara has over 10 years of clinical leadership experience and has also been a non-executive director with Early Childhood Intervention Australia Vic/Tas since 2022. She is passionate about nurturing children through a multidisciplinary, evidence-informed approach, and promoting positive and inclusive environments for all children, now and into the future.

Sylvia

Natalie

Finley (they/them)

Finley is a non-binary Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist based in Naarm/Melbourne. They hold a Master of Speech Pathology and a Bachelor of Creative Arts, and bring with them over eight years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across private practice, mainstream and specialist school settings, not-for-profit, mobile, clinic-based, and Telehealth settings.

Finley’s work has spanned both individual therapy and group programs. In group settings, Finley has designed and facilitated creative programs that integrate music, singing, dance, play, and drama to foster self-confidence, social connection, and self-expression. Finley loves to bring this same creativity into individual therapy sessions as well, tailoring therapy to each client’s communication preferences, interests, and goals.

Finley is passionate about delivering therapy that is neurodiversity-affirming, gender-inclusive, and grounded in genuine connection. Their approach blends clinical knowledge with compassion, curiosity, and respect for each client’s unique way of being. They aim to create safe, engaging spaces where clients feel supported to explore communication in ways that work for them.

Finley’s deepest wish is to help clients feel affirmed, validated, and empowered to achieve whatever their heart desires—while recognising that this journey is never walked alone. Finley is equally committed to supporting families and caregivers, whose wellbeing, growth, and confidence are just as vital to the client’s success, as they are the ones walking alongside them every day. Finley believes therapy is most impactful when it’s a true team effort—rooted in connection, collaboration, and shared care.

Outside of Speech Pathology, Finley is an avid musical theatre performer, singer, and all-round creative. They also love cuddles with their dog, watching terrible reality television shows, and attending as many live theatre performances as they can possibly manage.

Georgia T

Georgia is passionate about helping people communicate and connect across all stages of life. She has worked with clients of all ages and abilities and particularly loves supporting early language development and helping neurodiverse individuals flourish in their communication. Georgia takes a collaborative, client-centred approach, blending evidence-based strategies with creativity and fun to make every session meaningful and engaging. Whether it’s celebrating a toddler’s very first words, empowering a teenager to express themselves with confidence, or guiding an adult toward their communication goals, she strives to make therapy functional, impactful, and enjoyable.

Jasmine

Alexis

Jamie

Olivia

Shikha

I am an ASHA-certified Speech Pathologist and hold a Master’s of Science in Speech Language Pathology. I enjoy working with people of all ages and thrive on putting in my best efforts to make client’s lives a little easier every day.

I have worked at a long-term acute rehab in California, USA and in a paediatric private practice in New Delhi, India. I am most passionate about incorporating research-based interventions with client-specific targets to make therapy as functional as possible.

Outside of work, I enjoy  Zumba, road trips, cooking and catching up on TV shows!

Bernadette

A certified speech pathologist and professional singer, Bernadette is passionate about using her talents to empower clients of all ages to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. She recently completed her doctoral research, where she explored the connection between speech pathology and music through an investigation on the impact of choral singing on stroke recovery.

With over 15 years of experience teaching voice therapy to singers at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, she brings a wealth of expertise to our team. In early 2020, she made the big move to Melbourne with her husband and three young children (then just 5, 3, and 1!).

Now, she enjoys winding down with family movie nights and is excited to bring her skills and passion to GRP, supporting clients in achieving their goals and enriching our community.

Phoebe

Meet Phoebe, a dedicated and compassionate speech pathologist who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from La Trobe University.

Passionate about person-centred care, Phoebe prioritises each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they feel supported and heard. She has a special interest in dysphagia management and is committed to helping people of all ages navigate and improve their swallowing challenges with confidence and care.

Beyond work, Phoebe enjoys playing cricket, diving into a good book, and listening to true crime podcasts. She is excited to embark on this next chapter of her career, continuing to learn and grow while making a meaningful impact in her community.

Miwa

Miwa grew up in Japan and moved to Australia to complete her Master of Speech Pathology at Flinders University, graduating in 2023. She’s now settled in Ballarat with her young family.

Miwa is passionate about helping clients and their families feel confident and supported in their communication journey.
Miwa loves building fun, relaxed connections with the children she works with and making therapy something to look forward to. One of her proudest moments was supporting a farmer to grow his confidence and effectively use communication strategies in his daily life. She visited the local livestock market with the farmer, supported practice using communication strategies, and worked on literacy skills to help the farmer choose the right gate for his sheep from a catalogue.

Miwa is an innovative, functional therapist and is truly person-centred.

When she’s not at work, Miwa’s usually busy being a mum to her baby boy or hanging out with her two cuddly American Staffies. She also enjoys curling up with a good book when she gets a quiet moment.

Sienna

I have completed a Bachelor in Applied Science and Master of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University. I previously worked as a Support Worker, during this time I have developed a passion for working in the disability sector. I am excited to provide person-centred care to make a functional impact with my clients.

Jersyn

Jersyn is a final-year Master of Speech Pathology student at La Trobe University, driven by a passion for all aspects of speech pathology and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in achieving their communication goals. She values building meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds and is dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centred care.

Outside of her studies, Jersyn enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, discovering new cafés in Melbourne’s vibrant brunch scene, and spending time with her two beloved cats. She is excited to continue learning and growing as she embarks on her career in speech pathology.

Bianca

Bianca is an experienced Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist committed to ensuring that anyone can access speech pathology services, no matter their location, mobility, or needs. Bianca has experience supporting communication and swallowing difficulties across the lifespan from young infants through to elderly adults. She is passionate about working with clients to achieve their goals so they can live life to the fullest.

Outside of work, Bianca is travelling around Australia in a motorhome. While on the road, she loves to hike, paddleboard, read a book in her hammock, and learn a new craft.

Kerrie

I have completed a Masters of Speech Pathology at CSU as well as a Bachelor of Education at Deakin University. I have many years experience as an educator, and I aim to extend this experience into my speech pathology programs. I have developed a range of strategies to help clients achieve their goals.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in the garden, spending time with my sons, and looking after my menagerie of pets.

Hannah

Hannah is a qualified Speech Pathologist from Dublin, Ireland, with a strong foundation in early childhood care and education. Hannah has an undergraduate degree in early childhood education which sparked her passion for communication development and led her to complete a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Limerick.

Hannah has clinical experience working with adults, particularly in the areas of progressive neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, and age-related communication and swallowing difficulties. Hannah takes a holistic, client-centred approach and is committed to working collaboratively with individuals across the lifespan to help them achieve functional and meaningful goals.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys meeting up with friends for a coffee or dinner, and also enjoys going for walks, runs and going to the gym!

Cyanna

Cyanna is an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences. She has over 5 years of experience supporting clients’ communication through her work as a speech pathology assistant and behavioural therapist for children with autism. During this time she developed a passion for helping individuals meet their personalised goals and is excited to develop her knowledge and skills in speech pathology as an AHA.

Outside of work Cyanna is passionate about dance and wellness. If she’s not drinking a matcha with her friends at a cafe, she’s most likely lifting weights at the gym or cooking some delicious food!

Anna

Anna completed her undergraduate studies in psychology, with a focus on the psychology of language and language acquisition, before completing her Masters in Speech and Language Therapy in Ireland. Anna’s has vast experience working with adults with acquired neurological conditions such as stroke, in particular assessing, diagnosing and providing intervention to people with communication and swallowing difficulties post brain injury.

Anna loves working with children, and has spent many years working as a youth athletics coach and sailing instructor, working with children with intellectual disability. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and a deep respect for the unique needs, experiences, and preferences of every client across the lifespan. Through collaborative, compassionate care, Anna strives to enhance quality of life and promote independence at every stage of the therapeutic journey.

Outside of work Anna enjoys spending time with her friends, trying different cafes and restaurants, going for walks and exploring Melbourne’s suburbs! She love to run and sail to keep active and enjoys relaxing with a good book in the evenings!

Molly

Molly is in her final year of her Master of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. Molly has worked across many settings in Australia and overseas, including aged care facilities, hospitals and private practice. This has allowed her to develop her therapy skills, and deepened her understanding of culturally sensitive practice and being flexible in her approach.

Molly is passionate about client-centred care and loves helping clients feel heard and empowered. She is collaborative and loves learning.

Outside of work and study, Molly enjoys going for a good coffee and having a great conversation.

Kate

I am an experienced Speech Pathologist, with over 10 years of public and private practice behind me. I specialise in complex neurological rehabilitation, and have spent the last 7 years working across Melbourne’s public hospital network. I also have previous private practice experience working with aged care and disability caseloads.

I have dedicated my career towards improving outcomes for patients/clients, particularly in terms of creating ‘communication access’ and ensuring that meal times can be a safe, enjoyable and social experience.

I forge strong relationships with my patients/clients, in order to understand their goals and motivations for therapy.

When I am not working, I enjoy buying and cooking fresh produce –  part of why I feel so passionately about working with patients/clients around meal time quality of life.

Sheridan

Sheridan is an allied health assistant who is passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams. She emphasizes a family-oriented approach, and believes this is crucial for therapeutic success.

With strengths in planning, coordination, and communication, Sheridan fosters a collaborative spirit, combining creativity and empathy in her work.

Outside of work, Sheridan enjoys spending time with her family, going on hikes, and supporting her two sons who play basketball. 

Catherine

I have dedicated my career as a Speech Pathologist to helping people regain function in communication and swallowing. I feel passionately that a person’s ability to communicate and eat and drink are fundamental to their quality of life. I really enjoy getting to know each client, their family and what they value in life. When I am not working, I like watching my kids play sport, playing sport myself, reading and going on holidays with my family in our caravan.

Allison

Nia

Nia is a Bachelor of Health Sciences student at La Trobe University and a qualified Allied Health Assistant.

She is passionate about supporting children with early language skills or helping adults regain confidence in their communication. She brings a compassionate, creative and fun approach to every session. She’s committed to creating a safe space for her clients where they can achieve their goals and get back to their passions!

Outside of studying and work, Nia loves to travel whilst learning about new cultures & languages, cooking for her loved ones, going to the beach, and going to the gym.

Jade

Jade holds a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Speech and Language Pathology — but her real training began at home, inspired by her youngest son’s journey with speech pathology. Her son’s experiences sparked a deep belief in the power of connection, patience, and inclusive communication (plus a knack for turning everyday moments into language opportunities!). Jade believes in meeting people where they’re at — and cheering them on as they grow. She’s big on person-centred care and even bigger on celebrating progress in all its forms.

From local primary schools to community sporting groups and team leadership roles, Jade brings her signature mix of positivity, empathy, and practicality to every session. She’s passionate about AAC and neurodiversity-affirming practice across the lifespan, and creating environments where communication feels natural, joyful, and empowering.

When she’s not supporting clients, you’ll likely find her running toward her next event (literally), hanging out with her family, exploring new places, cooking up something delicious, or losing track of time in a good book or playlist.

Louise

Louise has over 20 years experience, and has worked within remote, rural and regional communities across Australia. In addition to her speech pathology degree, Louise holds a Diploma in Public Health.

Louise enjoys working alongside people of all ages, and has extensive experience working with children. She understands the links between communication difficulties and wellbeing, which ensures a holistic approach to therapy. Louise enjoys empowering others to meet their communication goals while developing a sense of belonging, agency and influence in the world.

Outside of work, Louise enjoys spending time with her toddler, being in nature and going on hikes.

Steph

Stephanie is our Receptionist at GRP and brings a warm, positive energy along with a diverse set of skills to the team. Her background spans from delivering excellent customer service to providing compassionate support in her previous roles as a Support Worker and Dental Nurse. With strong expertise in client care, communication, and relationship-building, she is dedicated to creating meaningful connections and supporting others.

Stephanie is excited to make a difference, support our clients and our team so that every experience at GRP is the very best it can be.