Meet our experienced speech pathologists supporting children and families across the Gold Coast. We provide evidence-based, family-centered therapy tailored to every child.
After graduating from the University of Queensland in 1998, I moved to the Gold Coast to begin my career in speech pathology. It was in my first job with Education Queensland that I met Karyn and we remained friends and colleagues while I worked across education, health and private practice settings on the Gold Coast and in Northern New South Wales. In 2007, we founded S.P.E.E.C.H. Pty Ltd feeling motivated to create a family friendly service that could also provide education, training, and therapy services to the whole community as well as raising the profile of our profession.
I enjoy connecting and interacting with children and have a special interest in working with children who have severe speech disorders, developmental delays and disabilities. There is nothing more exciting than seeing children say their first words and being able to join them on the journey to becoming verbal communicators. I have been a PROMPT Instructor since 2005 which has also allowed me to meet and train speech pathologists across the country as well as throughout Australasia.
I love spending time with family. My two children teach me new things everyday about development and communication. I’m an avid reader, a regular at Pilates and a play shooter in the local social netball scene.
Karyn Johns
Company Director / Speech Language Pathologist
After graduating in Perth in 1989 I set off for a rural and remote job in outback South Australia. Following this I worked in ACT before landing on the Gold Coast in 1998, working with state and private schools. I co-founded SPEECH Pty Ltd with Anne Walker in 2007. Together we have created a successful and exciting business which has extended our skills, knowledge and given us the opportunity to offer family friendly and accessible services for the community. I am passionate about sharing information and strategies with families, teachers and early childhood professionals that support language, literacy and social skills development.
SPEECH has enabled me to pursue a special interest in community development and working in partnerships that build capacity in the community to deliver quality activities and services that support children and families. This led to the development of a number of successful community programs including Read and Grow, which was funded under the auspice of the Communities for Children initiative. For this work I was awarded the 2015 Elinor Wray Award by Speech Pathology Australia for outstanding community contribution to the profession.
Apart from my professional career I enjoy being active in many sports and keeping fit. I have 2 adult children and one delightful granddaughter, who reminds me everyday of the joy of play, laughter and learning.
Stephanie Kanaris
Practice Manager
As Practice Manager at SPEECH for Kids, I’m passionate about fostering excellence across the allied health industry. With a strong background in Allied Health Management, I’m dedicated to creating a workplace where both clinical standards and team wellbeing thrive. I lead with a focus on operational excellence, ensuring our services consistently deliver the highest quality care while supporting each team member’s professional and personal growth.
Team culture is at my forefront, creating an environment where staff and clients feel supported and nurtured throughout their experiences.
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me chasing after my two energetic kidlets and our big, fluffy groodle, or having some me time at the gym!
Lyndal Mayhew
Speech Language Pathologist
After graduating from La Trobe University, Melbourne in 2002 I have worked with children and their families in both Regional Victoria and on the Gold Coast in Non-Profit organisations, public and private educational settings. I have been part of the SPEECH Pty Ltd team since 2008 and I enjoy the continuity and partnerships that can be formed between children, families, therapists and schools. I love to see children reach their full potential in the educational setting and working collaboratively with parents and teachers to ensure the best outcomes for students.
I have an interest in, and have developed skills in working with children with speech, language, social skills and/or literacy difficulties as well as those diagnosed with specific disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Language Disorder and Intellectual/Learning Difficulties. I enjoy working with both individual clients and with school-based groups.
In my spare time you will find me exploring local Gold Coast cafes and parks with my family or pirouetting my way through a dance class.
Carla O’Brien
Speech Language Pathologist
Growing up in Perth, I completed a Bachelor of Psychology in 2005 before moving to the Gold Coast. A desire to help children with developmental disabilities lead me to work as a Behaviour Therapist for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in early intervention. In 2012 I continued my studies with a Masters of Speech Pathology at Griffith University and proudly joined the team at S.P.E.E.C.H. in 2014. I have valued being able to use my knowledge of behavioural therapy to help children with developmental delays become effective learners and communicators.
I have developed an interest and skills in working with school age children with language and literacy difficulties and Dyslexia. I have completed training in Sounds Write and Multisensory Structured Language (MSL), and enjoy running school holiday literacy programs. I have also been involved in delivering Read and Grow workshops in the community for early language and emergent literacy development for children 0-5yrs, and facilitate Read, Say and Play and Read, Say and Rhyme group therapy programs for developing language and literacy skills for prep-ready children.
In my spare time you will find me on road trips with my young family, spending time with friends and relaxing with Yoga. I have a passion for children’s books and literature and have dreams of one day writing a children’s book of my own!
Karin Adams
Speech Language Pathologist
I graduated from Curtin University of Technology (Perth, WA) with a B App Science (Speech and Hearing Science) in 1989. Since then I have worked as a speech pathologist in a variety of country WA and Metropolitan settings, ranging from public hospitals, the disability sector, and private practice.
I started work as a private speech pathologist in Western Australia in 2000 when I had my children. In 2011 I moved to the Gold Coast with my family and established a private speech pathology clinic.
I have specialised in paediatric speech pathology practice, particularly in the areas of early intervention and working with children with special needs. I also have extensive experience in working with school-aged children in the areas of language for literacy, spelling, and reading development.
The most recent chapter of my working life is to retire from my private practice and join the team of amazing speech pathologists at Speech for Kids. I am looking forward to working with the team and being part of such a dynamic and progressive group of professionals.
In my non-speech pathology life, I am a mum of two amazing young adults. My husband and I are now very settled on the Gold Coast, and I have become an enthusiastic potter, and love all things clay (wheel throwing and hand building). I also love the gym, especially Yoga and Pilates, trying to keep fit and flexible so that I can clamber up and down off the floor with my littlies!
Catherine Vitelli
Speech Language Pathologist
Speech Language Pathologist
I was born and brought up on the Gold Coast. I completed a Bachelor of Biomedical science at Griffith University and a Master’s of Speech Pathology at the University of Queensland in 2022.
I am passionate about helping children of all abilities reach their full potential to become confident and happy communicators. In particular, I have a keen interest in language, speech and literacy.
In my last year of studying I was fortunate to gain experience as an Allied health assistant in a private practice on the Gold Coast where I worked alongside children with speech, language and literacy difficulties to achieve their goals. This experience solidified my keen interest with working alongside children and their families and take great pleasure in supporting everyone’s unique journey to achieve their goals.
I am dedicated to continually developing my skills through professional development to ensure my clients receive the best evidence-based care. I value the importance of a strengths-based approach to assessment and intervention, and value services that incorporate the child’s individual strengths and interests.
George Carter
Speech Language Pathologist
I graduated from Griffith University with a Master of Speech Pathology in 2021 and have since worked across a variety of settings, including in-clinic, telehealth, and community environments. I am passionate about supporting children and their families in spaces that are meaningful to them—whether that’s at school, day care, or home. I currently support children of all ages and enjoy working across practice areas. I find great fulfillment in helping children achieve their communication goals so they can confidently engage in the activities and relationships that matter most to them.
Outside of my work as a speech pathologist, I love spending time at the beach and exploring my creative side by working on film sets.
Madi Bravery
Speech Language Pathologist
I am passionate about providing personalised, evidence-based therapy tailored to each child’s individual needs, while creating a positive and engaging environment that supports children in achieving meaningful goals whilst having fun!
I enjoy working with children of all ages across a range of speech pathology areas, both in the clinic and the community, including early language development, AAC, and speech sound therapy.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me out for a walk with a coffee and a sweet treat in hand.
Ruby Tung
Speech Language Pathologist
I am a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist who values building genuine, trusting relationships and creating a calm, supportive therapy space where children feel safe, understood, and confident to communicate. I support children across speech, language, literacy, complex communication needs, and social communication, using evidence-based approaches that keep sessions engaging and child-focused.
With my lived experience, I have developed a strong interest in supporting children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. I work closely with families to make sure therapy is culturally responsive, practical and meaningful in everyday life.
Melinda Pinchien
Speech Language Pathologist
I value the importance of connection, collaboration, and understanding each child within their family and community. My areas of interest include language, speech, fluency, and literacy, and I find helping a child find their voice and share their thoughts and feelings incredibly rewarding.
As a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and a member of Speech Pathology Australia, I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure evidence-based, high-quality care.
Outside of work, I enjoy setting personal goals alongside my professional ones. This year, my personal goals include joining a choir and taking a pottery class.
Faye Daly
Speech Language Pathologist
I grew up in Dublin, Ireland before relocating to Australia with my family in 2009, a move that led me to the sunny Gold Coast, which I now happily call home! While living here, I completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science and, more recently, a Master of Speech Pathology at Griffith University.
During my studies, I developed a strong passion for supporting children to communicate effectively across valued environments. My practical experiences also further deepened the value I place on building strong, trusting relationships with each child and their support network to ensure therapy feels engaging, supportive and fun!
Outside of the clinic, you’ll find me spending time in nature, baking, planting something new in my veggie patch or enjoying time with friends and family.
Hugh Bui
Allied Health Assistant
I am a first-year Master’s student in Speech Pathology at Griffith University and currently work as an Allied Health Assistant. I love speaking with families and supporting their child’s communication needs — growing up in two different countries showed me how vital communication is, and that experience fuels my desire to help families. The S.P.E.E.C.H team have been incredibly friendly and generous with their knowledge, and I’ve really enjoyed learning from everyone!
In my personal time I love playing volleyball (indoor and beach) and gaming.
Hayley Box
Administration Support
I am in my second year of Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University. I started at Speech for Kids in May, where I have had the joy to watch some our Speech Pathologist first hand. I hope to continue my role as a receptionist until I am able to graduate with my degree. Growing up in a big family sparked my passion for working with children.
Outside of work I love to do different arts and crafts with one of my three cats curled up in my lap. You can find my by the beach, on road trips or trying to find the next best cafe.
Ellie Bestmann
Administration Support
I am currently studying speech pathology at University of Queensland and loving it! I have a passion for helping others achieve effective communication skills to boost social interaction and personal relationships. I started with the team at SPEECH in May 2026.
Outside of uni and work, I enjoy going for drives through the hinterland with my partner and exploring towns I haven’t yet been to!
Hannah Whiting
Allied Health Assistant
I am a second-year Master of Speech Pathology student at Griffith University with a passion for supporting children and their families to achieve their communication goals. I enjoy creating positive, engaging experiences that help children communicate with confidence, and value the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the dedicated team at Speech for Kids.
Outside of work and study, I enjoy singing and playing the piano and violin.