About Link Assistive

Bas Tijdhof

CEO

Bas is the CEO of Link Assistive which he founded in 2008. Bas is based in Link Assistive’s main office in Adelaide, South Australia. Bas leads the team with extensive experience gained across a number of previous roles in the Assistive Technology industry including 9 years as an Assistive Technology Advisor in the Netherlands, providing everything from assessment to implementation of communication and computer access solutions for children and adults with disabilities. Bas also worked as an Account Manager for Tobii AB – the world leader in eye tracking technology.

Bas’ formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering (Human Kinetic Technology) and a Bachelor of Science (Human Movement). Bas graduated from The Hague University in 1997 and VU University in 1998. Bas continually seeks professional development and possesses additional skills in project management and business. He is an alumni of the Entrepreneurs Organisation Adelaide.

Charlene Cullen

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant, Clinical Team Manager (VIC/TAS)

Charlene is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for Link Assistive. She is also the Clinical Team leader. Charlene provides support Victoria, but also offers her extensive knowledge wherever it is required! Charlene’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing) and a Graduate Diploma Audiology. Charlene graduated from Curtin University in Western Australia in 1998. Charlene is an AGOSCI Member and Certified Key Word Sign Presenter.

Charlene has previously worked at the Disability Services Commission of WA as a clinician in early childhood services, as well as varied roles as supervisor, country resource specialist and acting manager of individual and family services for 10 years. Prior to joining Link Assistive, Charlene worked for Spectronics with Dynavox and other speech generating devices, providing training, consultation and technical support to users, families, carers, therapists and schools Australia wide. Charlene has experience in the clinical support of Speech Pathologists and students.

Charlene brings her extensive knowledge and skills to work each day at Link Assistive in her support of people with a range of disabilities including spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, progressive neurological impairments and other physical and / or communication impairments. Charlene specialises in a number of assistive technology ranges and services provided by Link Assistive, including Eye Gaze technologies, mounting solutions and training and consultation. Charlene is also highly knowledgeable with regards to Voice Banking and Message Banking.

Outside of work, Charlene enjoys pottering in the garden, cooking, and chilling in the hammock as well as volunteering in the Sunday kids’ program at Kidz Arise at her local church.

Contact Charlene: vic@linkassistive.com or tas@linkassistive.com

Brianna Meldrum

Purchasing & Asset Manager

Brianna is the full-time Office Manager and administrative superstar of Link Assistive. Brianna started with Link Assistive in 2015, bringing along the organising skills that she developed through her 17 years working in Performing Arts Production and Stage Management locally, nationally and internationally. Brianna is based in Link Assistive’s main office in Adelaide, South Australia and oversees all database and logistics operations of the company.

When not working, Brianna is kept busy parenting her two young boys or can be found enjoying the great outdoors!

David Vasanji

AT Support Manager

David joined Link Assistive in 2016 as the IT Support and Repair Specialist. Prior to joining Link Assistive, David worked for 6 years as an ICT Project Manager, managing the SA Health Hospital Paging System, and has also managed Disability SA Nurse Call Systems. David’s qualifications include a Diploma of Information Technology, and a Bachelor of Commerce; graduating from the University of Adelaide in 2007.

David now leads the AT Support team, which provides technical support remotely and in-person for Link Assistive’s range of hardware and software. David’s specialisations include Interactive Projection and Eye Gaze technologies. David possesses additional skills in Project Management and E-Commerce and runs his own E-Commerce business in addition to his role at Link Assistive.

David enjoys being a Dad to his two little girls, and has recently become a Dad again to a baby boy!

Amy Litton

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant, Training & Development

Amy is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for Link Assistive, based in Perth, Western Australia. Amy graduated from Curtin University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science (Human Communication Science). Amy is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), a Speech Pathology Australia Member, a member of the Variety Motor Mouth Camp Committee, a Speech Pathology WA Branch Executive Member, a Certified Key Word Sign Presenter, and an AGOSCI member. Amy is currently working on the 2019 AGOSCI Conference Committee.

Amy has worked extensively as a Speech Pathologist in the Disability Sector, for over 12 years with children and adults with complex communication needs. She has worked within government, not-for-profit and private practice settings across Western Australia. She has a particular interest in working with schools, having worked with schools throughout Western Australia providing training and in-classroom support for the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Eye Gaze and other Assistive Technologies. At Link Assistive, Amy specialises in AAC, Eye Gaze Technologies and Training and Education.

If she is not at Link Assistive you can find Amy at the beach! She loves swimming, traveling and spending time with family & friends.

Contact Amy: amy@linkassistive.com

Jade Bilusich

Occupational Therapist – Assistive Technology Consultant (SA) – Training & Development

Rikki-Lee Belperio

Logistics & Inventory Coordinator

Rikki-Lee is the Part Time Logistics & Inventory Coordinator of Link Assistive. Rikki-Lee has a background in sales, customer service and administration. 10 Years ago, Rikki-Lee changed career from hospitality to a trainee-ship in Business Administration which led to her receiving her Certificate 3. Based in the Adelaide Office Rikki-Lee coordinates incoming and outgoing goods and managing stock.

When not working she loves spending time with her two daughters and husband, decorating cakes, movies and listening to music.

Jessica Kennedy

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (QLD)

Jessica is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for LinkAssistive, based in Brisbane, Queensland. Jessica graduated from James Cook University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. She is currently completing a Masters of Rehabilitation (Speech Pathology) through James Cook University and is on track to finish this in 2020.  Jessica is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), a Speech Pathology Australia member and an AGOSCI member.

Jessica’s clinical experience has been in supporting children and adults with a range of developmental needs across community and educational contexts in Queensland and the Northern Territory.  She has a keen interest in supporting people with complex communication needs and has worked predominantly in Augmentative and Alternative Communication prescription and support throughout her career.  Jessica has provided education and training for the community, family members and other health professionals.  She has also worked in a range of clinical and student supervision roles.

When she is not working, Jessica enjoys reading, traveling and finding the best spot for a good coffee!

Contact Natalie: qld@linkassistive.com

Cheryl Kelly

Accounts Officer

Cheryl joined Link Assistive as a part time Accounts Officer in August 2020.  She brings with her extensive administration and finance experience in the legal, agribusiness and aged care sectors and holds a Certificate IV in Financial Services.  Cheryl is responsible for accounts payable/receivable and various finance related tasks.

Outside the office Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family, reading, movies and finding excuses to skip the gym.

Rob Telfer

Installation IT Technician

Rob joined Link Assistive / Link Sensory in 2020 after working for Domiciliary Equipment Services for the past 11 years. Rob has an extensive background in electronics and wheelchair seating, wheelchair modification and custom fabrication. Rob’s experience has given him a great grounding in repairs, installations and modifications for individuals with disabilities and those using mobility aids and equipment.

Rob provides technical support for the range of hardware options we supply at Link Assistive, and will be responsible for installation of all of our sensory room projects.

As a father of 4 boys, Rob is always on the go!

Loren Apokourastos

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (NSW/ACT)

Loren is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for Link Assistive, based in Sydney, New South Wales. Loren graduated from the University of Sydney in 2013 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours). She is currently completing a Master by Research through the University of Sydney and is on track to finish this in 2022.  Loren is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), a Speech Pathology Australia member, a Research Associate with CP-Achieve and a member of the Scientific Education committee for the Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AusACPDM).

Loren’s clinical experience has focused on supporting children and adults with complex disabilities across clinical, community and educational contexts in Sydney. She has a keen interest in supporting people with complex communication and swallowing needs, particularly infants, young children, adolescents and young adults. Loren has worked in the areas of swallowing and communication throughout her career and has a specific interest in the prescription and support of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems. Loren has provided education and training for the community, family members of people with complex needs, and other health professionals. Loren’s experience also includes clinical supervision and support of Speech Pathologists and students.

Loren has a wide range of interests including food/cooking, dogs, music and the great outdoors. When not working, Loren enjoys bush walking/camping, canyoning and swing dancing.

Contact Loren: nsw@linkassistive.com or act@linkassistive.com

Lisa Gore

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (WA/NT)

Lisa is excited to be joining the Link Assistive team as an Assistive Technology Consultant alongside Amy in Perth. Lisa is not only new to the Link Assistive Team, but new to W.A., having just moved from the Victorian Surf Coast.

Lisa graduated from Australian Catholic University in Melbourne with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology in 2016, is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and a Speech Pathology Australia member. She is passionate about empowering individuals to access assistive technology to communicate and to have control over their environments. Lisa has just began a Masters of Occupational Therapy and is looking forward to supporting clients with her new learnings and knowledge.

Over the past 5 years she has had the privilege of working with children and young adults with complex communication needs within schools and not-for-profit organisations.  Lisa really enjoys training communication partners; family members and people within the wider community so that people with complex communication needs can express themselves all day every day to whoever that may be.

Contact Lisa: wa@linkassistive.com or nt@linkassistive.com

Melissa Dalidowicz

Customer Service Manager

Melissa is thrilled to be a part of the Link Assistive team in 2022.  Melissa comes with extensive experience in Office Administration and Customer service having worked for the last 30 years in her roles with Assistive Technology Supplier’s Novita Children’s Services and Liberator Pty Ltd.

Melissa is based in the Adelaide office and will be the voice you hear on the other end of the phone if you call our head office.  She is the contact person for all quotes, orders and invoicing in her role as Customer Service Manager.

Away from work, Melissa is a mum of two daughters.  Interests includes walks on the beach with her partner, cuddles with her dog Maple and listening to never ending 80’s tunes.

Prasad Chandrasena

Installation & Support Technician

Prasad graduated from University of SA in 2001 with an Honours degree in Electronics and Micro Engineering. Since then, he worked in various fields and held various roles in the electronics industry.

Prasad has over 10 years of work experience in Assistive Technology. His recent work experience includes working as the Technical Manager and supporting nationwide customer repairs, technical support, commissioning new devices, manufacturing sub-assemblies, project management, process improvement, resetting trial devices and liaising with international partners to resolve technical issues.

Prasad also has a lot of recent experience in introducing rugged tablets to the AT market and managing logistics and supply chain matters around day-to-day operations.

Prasad enjoys playing cricket and soccer with his two teenage boys whenever he gets time!

Sunny Prosser

General Manager

Sunny comes to Link Assistive with a strong history of business operation, leadership, and account management.

Graduating with a degree in Industrial Design in 2005, Sunny set about building a career as a designer in various Adelaide design studios. After a year working overseas, Sunny returned to Adelaide and progressed to working in the commercial furniture industry. For the last six years Sunny has been engaged as a state manager, working in both Adelaide and Perth.

Sunny is a strong believer in treating people with respect and empathy. He seeks to create workplaces where people are happy to come to work, and businesses that are a pleasure to deal with.

Sunny enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, reading books, watching movies, cranking up the music in his car, and eating ice-cream.

Stacey Fisher

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (VIC/TAS)

Stacey is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for Link Assistive, based in Melbourne, Victoria. She is also an AGOSCI member and a certified Key Word Sign Presenter.

Stacey has been working in the disability sector for over 14 years across rural, remote and metropolitan areas in New South Wales and Victoria.  She has worked for private, government and non-government organisations supporting children and adults with complex communication needs.  Stacey has also been a sessional lecturer for Speech Pathology students learning about complex communication needs (CCN) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  

Stacey’s areas of interest are working with children and adults with complex physical disabilities, developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities.  She enjoys working with a team of people to find assistive technology solutions that improve communication access and increase participation so people can go out and enjoy life. Stacey subscribes to the social model of disability and believes that we all play an important role in reducing barriers for people living with a disability. 

When Stacey is not at work, she is spending time with her husband and two daughters; and of course enjoying a good Melbourne coffee.

Contact Stacey: vic@linkassistive.com or tas@linkassistive.com

Slavka Shaw

Equipment Coordinator

Slavka Shaw, an experienced professional in various administrative, sales, and management roles, joined Link Assistive in May 2023. Throughout her career, she has successfully served in senior sales administration, sales and store management, and even as a barista, showcasing her diverse experience and skillset.

Slavka is a highly educated individual who holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business Management from the University of Westminster, UK, and a Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English from Finchley School of English, UK. Her education and experience have equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her role at Link Assistive.

Slavka is a native Slovak speaker and has an advanced level of proficiency in Czech, which allows her to communicate effectively with clients from different parts of the world.

Apart from her professional life, Slavka has diverse hobbies and interests. She enjoys engaging in DIY projects, keeping up with the latest fashion trends, op shopping, interior design, knitting, reading, and exploring new travel destinations.

Overall, Slavka is a well-rounded individual with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and interests that make her an invaluable addition to the Link Assistive team.

Contact Lisa: slavka@linkassistive.com

Sarah Mugford

Marketing Coordinator

Edwina Pursehouse

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (NSW/ACT)

Edwina is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for Link Assistive. She recently joined the team to support New South Wales, alongside Loren. Edwina is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and member of Speech Pathology Australia.

Edwina has worked in New South Wales and the Northern Territory, in metro, regional and remote areas. She has worked for private, government and non-government organisations during her career as a Speech Pathologist. Edwina has been a team leader of a multidisciplinary team and clinical supervisor for Speech Pathologists working in the disability sector. 

Edwina has a diverse clinical background, with a particular focus on early childhood therapy and AAC across the lifespan. She has spent a lot of time working collaboratively with clients, families, communities, and health professionals. Edwina’s intention is to support connection in the context of communication difference. She views relationship as the foundation for skill building. 

Edwina enjoys meeting new people and conversing in different ways. Her interests outside of work are swimming, camping, water-skiing and cooking. A weekend that combines all these activities is an ideal scenario for Edwina.

Contact Edwina: nsw@linkassistive.com or act@linkassistive.com

Krystina Dianos

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant

Krystina is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for Link Assistive. She holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Flinders University. Based in Gold Coast, she recently joined the Link team to support New South Wales, alongside Loren and Edwina. Krystina is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), member of Speech Pathology Australia and AGOSCI.

Krystina has worked in Adelaide and Gold Coast, servicing both metro and regional areas. She has worked for non-for-profit, university and private organisations during her career. Krystina has previously been a clinical educator through Flinders University and Griffith University for speech pathology students, and provided clinical supervision for Speech Pathologists working in the disability sector.

Krystina’s career has focused on supporting individuals across the lifespan with complex disabilities in a range of clinic, community and educational settings. Her passion lies in the area of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) support and prescription, which she has experience previously providing within a multi-disciplinary assistive technology services team. Krystina enjoys working collaboratively by providing education and training for families, teachers, other health professionals and the wider community.

Outside of work, Krystina enjoys playing soccer, watching live music, reading and cooking. She enjoys exploring the outdoors including days at the beach, climbing, hiking and camping in the Hinterlands.

Contact Edwina: nsw@linkassistive.com or act@linkassistive.com