Jade Bilusich

Occupational Therapist – Assistive Technology Consultant (SA)

Jade joined Link Assistive in 2018 as the Assistive Technology Consultant for South Australia, and the specialist for sensory technology for Link Sensory across Australia. Jade graduated from UniSA in 2007 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and has over 13 years’ 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 leads the assessment, design and implementation of multisensory projects at Link Assistive, including training users in the benefits and applications of their completed space. Jade also oversees the interactive learning products at Link Assistive and enjoys translating the features of these technologies to therapeutic applications for clients.

Jade has developed and presented training to educators, parents, caregivers, community organisations and other health professionals around understanding sensory processing and accommodating for sensory processing needs to maximise functional performance. Jade also has experience in the prescription of complex mobility, seating, pressure care and home modifications for adults with disabilities. Jade has engaged extensively in additional training and certification across the course of her career, focusing on multiple paediatric therapeutic approaches and techniques. Jade’s experience also includes clinical supervision and support of Occupational Therapists and students.

When not working, Jade is busy looking after her little boy old or supporting her husband to run the café that they own and operate. To relax she loves to read or watch documentaries.

Contact Jade: jade@linkassistive.com

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

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

Natalie Stehbens

Occupational Therapist – Assistive Technology Consultant (QLD)

Natalie Stehbens holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Sunshine Coast and has years of experience working in both private practice and hospital settings, catering to both adults and children.

Natalie is a member of the Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) and has received specialized training in different areas, such as the SOS Approach to Feeding, DIR floortime, and is a Circle of Security Facilitator. Her specialties include working with children who have sensory and emotional regulation issues, autism, and developmental delays, helping them develop feeding skills and improve their overall well-being.

Natalie is passionate about her work and dedicated to supporting families and children. She believes in creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. She is committed to ensuring that families and children receive the support they need and feel heard and understood.

Natalie started working with Link Assistive in October and currently operates one day a week in Perth until she relocates to Queensland in January. Besides her work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to the beach, and swimming. She is also a proud owner of a Swiss Shepherd named Grace, who is an integral part of her family.

Contact Natalie: qld@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

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!

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.