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.
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.
Kirsty graduated La Trobe University in 2017 with Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Speech Pathology. She has worked in private practice, non-for-profit organizations and in the hospital setting to support individuals across the lifespan.
Passionate about inclusion, accessible communication, AAC and working under the social model of disability.
Kirsty grew up in regional Victoria before making the move to Melbourne. Kirsty also spent one year living and working in London. Kirsty enjoys spending time outdoors – traveling, running, and hiking. Recently, Kirsty has started attending flying trapeze classes. Kirsty also enjoys reading and is currently learning Spanish.
Occupational Therapist – Assistive Technology Consultant (SA) – Training & Development [ext 9]
Jade joined Link Assistive in 2018 as the Assistive Technology Consultant for South Australia. Jade is also the consultant for our sensory technology through Link Sensory, and manages our sensory projects from consultation and design through to training in implementation of the sensory room once it is installed.
Jade graduated from UniSA in 2007 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and has over 15 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, working with children and adults with a range of neurodevelopmental and physical disabilities. Jade holds current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of OT Australia.
Jade has developed and presented training to educators, parents, caregivers, community organisations and other health professionals around assistive technology and access and positioning as well as training around the effective use of sensory rooms and understanding sensory processing. Jade has previous clinical experience in the prescription of complex mobility, seating, pressure care and home modifications for adults with disabilities. Jade’s experience also includes clinical supervision and support of Occupational Therapists and students.
When not working, Jade enjoys time with her son and husband, is a voracious reader, and loves to write.
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.
Kristina is a Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Consultant for Link Assistive. She recently joins the team to support New South Wales, alongside Loren and Edwina. Kristina graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) in 2014 and is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), member of Speech Pathology Australia and AGOSCI.
Kristina has worked in metro areas of Sydney in private practice organisations during her career as a Speech Pathologist. She has experience in providing intervention for AAC a range of settings including clinic, community and educational settings. Kristina has worked as a Senior Speech Pathologist, providing clinical supervision to junior staff and has previously been a Clinical Educator for speech pathology students on placement.
Kristina’s clinical experience has focused on supporting individuals with disability, with a particular focus on the paediatric population. She has developed a passion for, and special interest in, supporting individuals with AAC and further expanding their knowledge and skills in alternative communication options. Kristina likes to take a holistic approach to intervention and enjoys working collaboratively with others by providing invaluable training and support to parents and educators.
Outside of work, Kristina enjoys spending her time staying active with coastal walks and relaxing by the beach. She has a special interest in photography, enjoys music and is always on the hunt for new food hotspots.
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). Loren completed a Master by Research through the University of Sydney in 2023. 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 specific interest in working with people complex medical needs and physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Loren has worked in the areas of communication and dysphagia throughout her career and has a specific interest in the prescription and implementation of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems. Loren has provided education and training for the community, family members, 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.
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!
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.
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.
In the past 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.
Before completing my Masters in Speech Pathology at Curtin University in 2020, I completed a bachelor’s degree in human biology with honours in Physiology. I am now a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (MASP) and a Speech Pathology Australia member.
I have worked in non-for-profit organisations supporting children and adults with disabilities to explore and learn about AAC. I am passionate about early intervention, multilingualism, and working collaboratively with families and other team members.
Outside of work, I enjoy going out for walks, café hopping, dancing salsa, and going to CrossFit.
Assistive Technology Consultant I Speech Pathologist (WA) [ext 17]
Jade is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and AGOSCI member, based in Perth after growing up regionally in Geraldton. She graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2015 and has worked across disability organisations since 2016.
Jade has a strong interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), specialising in alternative access methods such as eye gaze and switching. She supports both children and adults, and has also spent the past three years working as a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Practitioner. Jade enjoys being part of a team and developing practical resources to support AAC users in building knowledge among their communication partners.
Outside of work, Jade is a coffee enthusiast who loves trying new food and attending musicals (with Wicked as her favourite). She also keeps busy with her two young children.
Chris gained a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy in 2006 from the University of Salford in England. After completing rotations throughout a large teaching hospital, he moved to New Zealand in 2008 to work in Tairawhiti. Working as a Community OT he was involved in assessing for equipment provision, complex housing modifications and wheelchair and seating (level 1 & 2). Having carried out Postgraduate study in Accessibility & Inclusive Design he gained a strong interest in the use of technology and environmental design, and their potential applications in increasing independence, social inclusion, and occupational performance.
Chris Joined TalkLink Trust in 2004 to work within the assistive technology field, working first in Auckland before moving to setup a satellite office in the Bay of Plenty in 2018. Over his 10 years at TalkLink Chris gained extensive experience in assessment, setup, and training on a range of assistive technology including AAC devices, alternative access options, mounting, accessible gaming, home automation etc. As a Clinical Leader at TalkLink since 2020 his role also involved input into service design, supervision, and professional development opportunities for the team.
Chris has had a continuing interest in promoting the field of assistive technology within the wider Occupational Therapy profession and has presented yearly lectures to students completing occupational therapy training and was also a board member of the Assistive Technology Alliance of New Zealand (ATANZ) for 6 years.
Chris joined Link Assistive in February 2024 to develop the business in New Zealand and be the primary consultant for Assistive Technology and is excited by the prospect of providing support and access to high-quality equipment options across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Outside of work, Chris is kept busy with 3 young children and enjoys travelling, and cooking.
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Link Assistive acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present, and emerging.
