Our clinicians are exceptionally dedicated and highly skilled professionals. Our average experience exceeds ten years and our team includes published Researchers, Medicolegal Dispute Assessors, Clinical Educators and Senior Clinicians from our chosen specialties. We pride ourself on attracting high calibre clinicians to our group.
Speech Pathologists
Colleen Kerr
Director
Colleen has worked as a Speech Pathologist for more than forty years with extensive experience in adult communication and swallowing disorders in acute, rehabilitation and community settings. Her interests include Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease and Voice Disorders. Colleen is a registered SPEAK Out! Provider with additional certification in a range of interventions for voice clients.
Christina Samy
Associate Director
Christina is our Senior Speech Pathologist and Associate Director at Optimal Speech Pathology. Christina graduated with a Master of Speech and Language Pathology from Macquarie University in 2018. With extensive experience across public and private healthcare settings, she has developed deep expertise in managing complex communication and swallowing needs in disability, neurodegenerative, and aged care populations. In her leadership role, Christina supports service development and contributes to strategic planning to enhance service delivery. She is passionate about evidence-based, person-centred care and works closely with clients and their families to acheive meaningful communication and swallowing outcomes.
Sally Pittendrigh
Sally has worked as a Speech Pathologist for the past 12 years. She possesses extensive skills in the treatment and management of patients with head and neck cancer and individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Patrick Mardini
Patrick graduated from a Master of Speech Language Pathology in 2021. He has had a variety of clinical experience, working in private practice, disability and aged care settings. Through his experience and individual research, Patrick has developed a strong passion to work in the rehabilitation setting, including clients with Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke and acquired brain injury.
Giordana Amato
Giordana graduated with a Master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University in 2015. Over the past 9 years she has worked as a speech pathologist in the United States and United Kingdom. She has developed advanced skills in the management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults with acquired neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Administration
Michelle Bonaccordo
Michelle is our Practice Manager and has a background in Human Resources. She is on board to manage our patient database and assist with the day to day administration requirements of the practice. Michelle also assists with new enquiries and invoicing and will often be the voice on the phone if you are making an appointment.