Jibber Jabber Allied Health is a multi-disciplinary clinic, offering Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services. We have two offices, in Lara and Corio Victoria and offer our service for pre-school aged children through to adult clients. Jibber Jabber Allied Health is a Medicare and NDIS provider and can accept claims through Private Health funds.

Founded in 2017 and incorporating in 2018, family owned Jibber Jabber Allied Health has always strived to ensure that we provide high quality service to our clients. We pride ourselves on providing people focused service that is evidence based and effective. We aim to be a stable part of our clients support system and will go that extra mile to ensure clients are always looked after by not only staying ahead of the latest developments in our field, but ensuring that everyone involved in the process of providing service is valued and supported.

Find out more about our people below.

OUR PEOPLE

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Jane Amparis

Jane Amparis with a spring loaded popping toyJane had studied at La Trobe University and has been practicing as a qualified speech pathologist for over 10 year in a variety of settings ranging from schools to private practice. She has experience working with children, young adults and adults across a variety of clinical settings.

As a mother herself, Jane is highly motivated and enthusiastic about helping her clients to achieve their therapy goals. She specializes in dyspraxia and a wide variety of therapeutic needs for people with Autism.

Jane has also completed training in Secret Agent’s Society, Sounds Write and Lidcombe.


Kaitlyn McKenna

Kaitlyn received her Master of Speech Pathology from the University of Melbourne, and is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist with Speech Pathology Australia. She has clinical experience with children and adults in hospital and clinic settings. She is passionate about family-centred care and helping clients to achieve their speech, language and communication goals. Kaitlyn has also completed training in Secret Agent’s Society.

As of December 2021, Kaitlyn is on parental leave.


Helena Carapina

Helena with a "pop up pirate" gameHelena completed her Bacholor’s of Speech Pathology student at the Australian Catholic University. After spending a year at Jibber Jabber as an Allied Health Assistant, Helena begun her graduate journey as a paediatric Speech Pathologist and has begun participating in Jibber Jabber Allied Health’s graduate program.

As a Speech Pathologist at Jibber Jabber, Helena enjoys working with children to help them work towards the achievement of their therapy goals.

When she is not working Helena enjoys travelling to new countries, going for long drives and cuddling her dog Momo. Helena also enjoys spending as much time as possible with friends and family.


Tess Golden

Tess holding a rabbit game

Tess is a certified practising member of Speech Pathology Australia, having completed her Masters of Speech Pathology at the University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Linguistics at Monash University. Throughout her studies Tess has gained experience working with clients of all ages in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and stroke rehabilitation.

Tess enjoys working in a wide range of practice areas, and especially enjoys working with literacy, as well as speech and language disorders across the lifespan. Tess has completed training in Sounds Write to provide effective, evidence-based literacy therapy. Tess is currently participating in Jibber Jabber Allied Health’s graduate program from 2023.

Outside of work, Tess enjoys spending time with her friends and family, hosting board game nights, and playing with her two French bulldogs.


Emma Portelli

A photo of Emma playing doctor to a plush alligator!Emma completed a Masters of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University, and has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Emma has developed an interest in working with paediatrics across a range of communication areas, adopting a family centred approach.

She strongly believes in supporting children to achieve independence and the quality of life that every child should be able to access. Emma is trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding, Lidcombe and Sounds Write.


Chelsea Bell

Chelsea Bell with a giant Mr Potato HeadChelsea graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters in Speech Pathology from La Trobe University and is a certified practising Speech Pathologist registered with Speech Pathology Australia.

Over her time studying, Chelsea has worked with people across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings including schools, community rehabilitation, private practice, and transgender voice.

She is passionate about providing functional, family centred care and loves working with clients and their families to achieve their goals.


Alyssa Cajes

Alyssa Cajes holding her favourite therapy toy, a game of Spotit!Alyssa completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the Australian Catholic University, and is a certified practicing member of Speech Pathology Australia.

As a Speech Pathologist, her favourite area of practice is working with children to support their literacy and language goals.

Outside of work, Alyssa likes to travel, explore new cafes and restaurants, and spend time with her dog Miyu.


OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Hannah Lees

Hannah Sleeman with a couple of small, plush safari animal toysHannah is an AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist who is passionate about working with children and families to facilitate their everyday lives.Hannah completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) at Deakin University.

Hannah has a particular interest in supporting children with sensory processing challenges and has undertaken her thesis researching sensory processing in primary-school aged children.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys keeping active in the gym, playing with her dog and bearded dragon, and catching up with family and friends.

Hannah is certified for DIRFloortime® Basic Provider.


Mez Filipovic

Mez with a Connect 4 and Spot It gameMez obtained her Occupational Therapy Qualification at Deakin University Geelong in 2023. She has a love for paediatrics and after spending a little over a year working as a paediatric allied health assistant at Jibber Jabber, Mez is excited to start as an OT!

Mez enjoys supporting children in achieving their goals and is passionate to make each session as engaging as possible.

Outside work, Mez loves to stay active and spend time with her friends and family as much as possible.


Kaity Eedy

Kaity graduated from Deakin University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. During her studies she completed therapy assistant work at an OT practice specialising in Mental Health whilst working in the community as a support worker with individuals across the lifespan.

Kaity is passionate about using a client and family-centred approach to her therapy, to support individuals to overcome challenges and engage within their daily occupations.

During Kaity’s spare time, she enjoys going on walks with her dogs (Zeus and Zoey), gym, camping, and spending time with close friends and family.


Caitlyn Kent

Photo of Caitlyn holding the "Jumping Jack" gameCaitlyn graduated from Deakin University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. During her studies she completed therapy assistant work at an OT practice specializing in Pediatrics whilst also working as a support worker for all ages.

Caitlyn believes in supporting clients and families in better understanding themselves, advocating for their needs and developing life skills that will allow them to engage and participate in their life in a meaningful way.

During Caitlyn’s spare time, she enjoys surfing, hiking, catching up with family and friends, and spending time with her big puppy, Shilo. Caitlyn also loves travelling and seeking out new adventures.


ADMINISTRATION

Cherie Farnsworth

Cherie with coffee mugCherie has been with Jibber Jabber Allied Health since our formative years and has helped shape the administration department for the better. Always wearing a smile and having a coffee making/drinking schedule you can set a clock to, Cherie is always able to help anyone with anything they need.

Cherie has a long background of running administration in allied health settings.

In her spare time, Cherie loves spending time with her friends and family, visitings cafe’s and shopping, and of course, drinking coffee!


Gayle Handley

Gayle with a keyboardGayle is an administrative assistant at the Lara office, setting up our clients and families to go with necessary services. She is a whiz at managing the calendars at Lara and enjoys chatting to all our families and getting to know them.

Gayle also enjoys organizing, which is incredibly helpful at the office! Gayle has spent time working at the local community centres, supporting the office.

Gayle loves reading and spending time with her 3 children and cooking!


Samantha Leaford

Sam is based at our Corio office and enjoys getting to know our clients more every day. Always with a smile, a joke and a laugh ready, Sam makes sure that while everything is being organized, everyone is having a good time!

Always looking for the positives in any situation, (even country music!), Sam loves lifting people up and helping everyone achieve their goals.

Sam enjoys creating crafts on her cricut machine and going on weekend adventures with her partner and two boys.

ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT

Caitlyn Abbott

Caitlyn is a final year Occupational Therapy student in 2024 and is keenly interested in the paediatric field. Having been exposed to the principles of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice (known as “NDA”) during her time as a student on placement, Caitlyn is keen to put her skills to practice as she finishes her final year of OT at Deakin.


All our staff have an NDIS Workers Screening clearance, and Working With Children’s Check and are committed in ensuring you and your loved ones achieve their developmental goals and build confidence for the future.