Charlene Cullen

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant, Clinical Team Manager (VIC/TAS) [ext 12]

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

Stacey Fisher

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (VIC/TAS) [ext 8]

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

Jade Bilusich

Occupational Therapist – Training & Development [ext 9]

Jessica Kennedy

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (QLD) [ext 10]

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

Loren Apokourastos

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (NSW/ACT) [ext 16]

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.

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

Lisa Gore

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (WA/NT) [ext 11]

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.

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

Ana Carvajal

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (WA) [ext 11]

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.

Email: wa@linkassistive.com or nt@linkassistive.com

Kristina Vulkanovski

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (NSW/ACT) [ext 13]

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.

Email: nsw@linkassistive.com or act@linkassistive.com

Krystina Dianos

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (QLD) [ext 14]

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: qld@linkassistive.com

Edwina Pursehouse

Speech Pathologist – Assistive Technology Consultant (NSW/ACT) [ext 7]

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