Meet our Speech Pathologists

August 28, 2024

Celebrating Speech Pathology Week

Speech Pathology Week is a time to recognise the incredible work that speech pathologists do, which goes far beyond just addressing speech difficulties. It's about enabling communication, fostering relationships, and enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages. This week, we're excited to introduce three remarkable speech pathologists who embody this profession's diverse and meaningful impact.


Introducing our awesome Speech Pathologists


Caroline Tran, Speech Pathologist

Caroline Tran


Caroline Tran, a seasoned speech pathologist, is known for her ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals and build strong relationships within her client network. Her passion for helping others, especially brain injury patients, is evident in her work. Caroline's transdisciplinary approach ensures her clients receive comprehensive and collaborative care. Outside of work, Caroline is an adventurous foodie, always on the lookout for new restaurants to explore.


Eleni Harmais Speech Pathologist


Eleni Haramis

With 15 years of experience, Eleni Haramis brings an unwavering dedication to her work, always striving to bring joy to her client's lives and comfort to their families. Her person-centred approach allows her to creatively implement interventions tailored to each individual, with her trusty suitcase filled with innovative tools for functional and engaging sessions. Her love for music is a key part of her therapy, whether she's playing instruments, singing, dancing, or curating Spotify playlists that her clients eagerly anticipate. Recently, Eleni made a significant impact by recording videos for an ICU patient, offering a sense of normalcy during a challenging time. As a proud mother of two beautiful girls, Eleni finds fulfilment in her personal and professional life.


Jed Rowlandson Speech Pathologist


Jed Rowlandson

Jed Rowlandson has dedicated 20 years to the field of speech pathology, starting his career in public health and disability services in both Australia and the UK. His extensive experience spans early intervention and school-based services, with a recent focus on the NDIS sector, supporting children and young people in developing the communication skills they need to thrive in family and school life. Jed is particularly passionate about early intervention, providing direct support in natural environments and empowering parents, carers, and educators to improve their engagement through effective communication. His practice is rooted in person-centred services and collaboration with other professionals to deliver holistic care for the children he supports.


The broader impact of Speech Pathology


Speech pathology is about so much more than speech. It's about communication in all forms, from helping someone find their voice after a brain injury to supporting a child in expressing their needs. Our team's work highlights the breadth of this field and the profound impact it has on the lives of those they support. As we celebrate Speech Pathology Week, we honour the dedication and expertise of Caroline, Eleni, and Jed and the countless ways they make a difference every day.


Get the support you need with helpz


If you or someone you know could benefit from the expertise of our skilled speech pathologists, we’re here to help. At helpz, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centred care tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Whether it’s early intervention, support for a loved one with a disability, or assistance in regaining communication skills after an injury, our team is ready to make a difference.


Contact us today to learn more about how our speech pathology services can support you or your loved ones on the journey to better communication and improved quality of life.

News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

Kia’s Big Leap: From Challenges to Triumph at McDonald’s

November 7, 2025
At helpz, we love celebrating milestones that highlight resilience, growth, and the power of support. Today, we shine a spotlight on Kia, a young woman whose journey reminds us that with compassion and belief, incredible things are possible. Kia has faced more challenges than most her age. Growing up in foster care and overcoming significant hurdles in her early years has not stopped her. Kia has not let her life story define her spirit. Recently, she achieved a life-changing milestone: she proudly started her first job at McDonald’s . This isn’t just employment; it’s a symbol of her growing confidence, independence, and belief in herself. Working at McDonald’s is more than flipping burgers and serving fries. For Kia, it’s an opportunity to develop essential life and work skills; communication, teamwork, following routines, and managing new responsibilities. Each shift strengthens her sense of purpose and pride, proving that she’s capable of thriving in a structured, supportive environment. The McDonald’s team has played a vital role in Kia’s success. Their welcoming and inclusive approach ensures she feels supported as she learns at her own pace. Patient guidance from colleagues, combined with ongoing encouragement from her behaviour support practitioner, Marika Williams, has created a foundation where Kia can flourish. Equally deserving of recognition is Renee, Kia’s Living Skills Keyworker from Catholic Care . Renee has worked tirelessly alongside Kia, providing consistent, grounded support that has been instrumental in helping her reach this milestone. Her dedication, patience, and unwavering belief in Kia have made a profound impact, and we deeply appreciate the role she’s played in Kia’s journey. Starting a customer-facing role is no small feat for someone who has experienced social anxiety and depression. Every interaction, every smile exchanged, is a step toward conquering fears that once felt overwhelming. Kia is not just earning a pay cheque, she’s building confidence, practising social skills, and connecting with others in meaningful ways. Kia’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right supports, compassion, and belief, people can achieve incredible things. She is discovering her strengths, embracing new challenges, and proving to herself, and to all of us, that she is capable of greatness. Congratulations, Kia! Your courage and determination inspire us all. Here’s to many more milestones and a future filled with possibilities.

Disability Awareness Hub: Huntington’s disease

November 7, 2025
Understanding Huntington’s disease

The new NDIS needs assessment

November 7, 2025
Are you ready for a fairer, simpler NDIS? What the new support needs assessments mean for you and your clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving, and one of the most exciting changes on the horizon is the introduction of support needs assessments, set to roll out from mid-2026. These assessments promise to make planning fairer, more consistent, and less stressful for participants, families, and providers alike. So, what’s changing and why does it matter? What are support needs assessments? Support needs assessments are a new way for the NDIS to understand what supports a person with disability truly needs. Instead of relying on participants to gather their own reports and evidence, the NDIS will use a validated, strengths-based tool called the I-CAN (Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) — developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and refined over 20 years. This tool focuses on a person’s support needs, not just their impairments, and is built on the globally recognised International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Why this is a game-changer For too long, participants have faced the burden of sourcing costly reports, navigating complex systems, and advocating for their needs in planning meetings. The new assessments will: remove the need for participants to provide their own evidence create fairer and more equitable budgets offer more flexibility and choice in support arrangements ensure consistency across the NDIS planning process And importantly, the government will fund these assessments, not participants. How will it work? Trained, accredited assessors will meet with participants aged 16 and over to complete the assessment. The process will include: a personalised interview using the I-CAN tool consideration of environmental and personal circumstances additional assessments for complex support needs The NDIA is working closely with the disability community to co-design this process, ensuring it reflects lived experience and is accessible to all. What’s next? The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected over five years. This phased approach allows for real-time feedback and continuous improvement. Most participants will continue using the current planning process for now, but the NDIA will notify individuals when it’s time for their assessment. Final thought: planning with purpose This isn’t just a new tool — it’s a new mindset. By focusing on what people need to live well, rather than what they can’t do, the NDIS is taking a major step toward a more inclusive, empowering future. Are you ready to support your clients through this change? Now’s the time to learn, prepare, and embrace a more proactive approach to planning.