Director & Speech Pathologist
Meet the BillyLids Therapy team
Having the right people on your side makes all the difference. At BillyLids Therapy, we’re fortunate to have a growing team of occupational therapists and speech pathologists with a dedication to paediatric practice and continual development.
Our Co-Founders
- Rachelle
Rachelle
Director & Speech PathologistRachelle is the director of BillyLids Therapy, and big sister to Rosanna. She has had a long and varied career in the health sector and has completed multiple degrees and qualifications, including a Masters of Speech Pathology.
Rachelle began her career in nursing, working with individuals who had recently had surgery, before completing a postgraduate qualification in midwifery. As a midwife, Rachelle developed a special interest in infant feeding and enjoyed close working relationships with new mums in providing education and helping them to navigate their new life roles. Rachelle is still passionate about supporting parents and carers, and is one of the driving forces behind our clinic-wide focus on creating an inclusive environment where families feel welcome.
In 2022, she and Rosanna teamed up to launch BillyLids Therapy. Rachelle has had her own experiences and challenges in navigating healthcare services for children, and imagined BillyLids Therapy to be the kind of service that she would appreciate as a mum – the highest quality care for her children, in a supportive and child-friendly environment where everyone felt valued.
Rachelle is mum to three school aged billylids, as well as Stella the Labradoodle pup. She is a soccer mum through and through, and on the weekends you will find her on the soccer field, cheering on one of her three billylids or volunteering at her local club. Stella the labradoodle is a four-legged soccer fan, too.
- Rosanna
Senior Occupational Therapist & Allied Health Manager
Rosanna
Senior Occupational Therapist & Allied Health ManagerRosanna is a Senior Occupational Therapist and Allied Health Manager at BillyLids Therapy – and little sister to Rachelle. She began her career as an Occupational Therapist knowing one thing – she just wanted to work with children. Graduating from the University of Queensland in 2012, she worked with a number of private and non-government organisations in Queensland and New South Wales before deciding to make the sunny Gold Coast home in 2016. Rosanna’s paediatric experience includes working with children with autism, developmental delays and a range of physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Rosanna provides 1:1 therapy and assessment, transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary practice, parent coaching, support and training to schools and other organisations, assesses for a range of assistive technology, and home and vehicle modifications to promote access for children.
In 2021, Rosanna decided to transition back to private paediatric practice, this time supporting children and their families in their own homes throughout the Gold Coast. With her experience in multidisciplinary practice, and seeing how the coordination of care and prioritisation of goals delivered better outcomes, she continued to coordinate with a child’s wider therapy team, despite being a sole practitioner. As demand for this service grew, the need for a bricks and mortar clinic with a larger therapy team was recognised – and the idea for BillyLids Therapy was born.
Rosanna is a Nerang local, and so a clinic based in the local community she loves and is connected to made sense. Outside of work, Rosanna is a book worm who likes to dig in the garden, or spend time with her partner, their little billylid and their badly behaved border collie.
Our Speech Pathologists
Our team of Speech Pathologists love helping kids find their voice. They have a focus in paediatric speech pathology, and are incredibly talented at finding fun ways to practise communication skills.
- Joan
Senior Speech Pathologist
Joan
Senior Speech PathologistJoan has been a speech pathologist for over 40 years, and has worked extensively with clients with complex communication disorders requiring Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) tools (hi-tech and low-tech), as well as autism and other speech, language, feeding and literacy disorders. Joan and Rosanna met in 2016 when they were working in the same team. The two developed an appreciation for the value of working with other disciplines for the benefit of their clients. Joan has been involved with the University of Queensland as tutor and guest lecturer, and has trained many students within the clinical practice programs.
Joan scaled down her working hours in 2021 to move towards semi-retirement, and in this process realised the value of her experience. She was keen to pass on her knowledge and experience to some of the next generation of speech pathologists.
When the opportunity presented to be part of the Billylids team as mentor, Joan was very excited to get involved – and we’re so proud to have her on our team. She has raised three billylids of her own and has four delightful grand-billylids to play with on her work-free days.
- Olivia
Speech Pathologist
Olivia
Speech PathologistOlivia joined the BillyLids team as a Speech Pathologist in October 2023. Prior to joining us, Olivia worked in a not-for-profit organisation supporting children from birth to 18 years. Olivia has a passion for supporting children and their families on their therapeutic journeys and values creativity and imagination within her services.
Olivia is a Brisbane local and when not in the clinic, she enjoys spending her time out in the sunshine, reading, enjoying the company of her friends, family and cuddles with her cat, Banjo.
- Abigail
Speech Pathologist
Abigail
Speech PathologistAbigail joined the BillyLids team in January 2024 after graduating from The University of Queensland in 2023 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Wanting a career in healthcare where she could work closely with individuals and families to make a difference in their lives, Abigail found her passion for speech pathology practice.
Whilst a student Speech Pathologist, Abigail gained experience as a community-based Allied Health Assistant where she developed her skills working with children with a range of communication needs. Abigail values therapy that is enjoyable and individualised, and is passionate about supporting her clients and families to succeed in their daily lives.
Although born and raised in Brisbane, Abigail enjoys spending her spare time at the Sunshine Coast with friends and family. You will find her walking her two dogs, Maggie and BB, on the beach most weekends. Abigail is excited to provide compassionate and high-quality care to children and families at BillyLids.
- Shari
Speech Pathologist
Shari
Speech PathologistG’day! I’m a recent graduate of SCU with a passion for making a difference through Speech Pathology. Originally delving into Occupational Therapy, I discovered my true calling in helping others communicate effectively. Growing up with younger brothers on the autism spectrum, I gained firsthand insight into various therapies and the NDIS system.
Born in Southport and raised between Port Stephens and Gold Coast, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of diverse communities. With 6 years as a private support worker and 3 years as an allied health assistant, I’ve honed my skills in assisting individuals with ADHD, ASD, CP, and more. My focus lies in complex communication and ASD, influenced by my personal journey.
Outside work, you’ll find me enjoying time with my cat, Steve Rogers, training our therapy assistance dog, Millie, or exploring the great outdoors through travel and camping adventures.
- Tess
Speech Pathologist
Tess
Speech PathologistTess joined the BillyLids team as a Speech Pathologist in July 2024. Prior to joining the team, Tess worked with children, teens, and adults, providing communication support within the community. However, Tess’ passion has also been in children and early child development, with knowledge in psychology and speech pathology. She is also a heritage Vietnamese speaker.
In her spare time, Tess enjoys spending her time drawing, reading, gaming or spending quality time with her friends and family.
- Samara Steele
Speech Pathologist
Samara Steele
Speech Pathologist - Amelia
Senior Speech Pathologist
Amelia
Senior Speech Pathologist - Paige
Speech Pathologist
Paige
Speech PathologistPaige joined the BillyLids team in January 2025, after graduating from the University of Queensland in 2024 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours). Wanting a career that combined both medicine and teaching, speech pathology was everything Paige was passionate about and much more.
Having worked with a speech pathologist in her childhood, Paige has fond memories of speech therapy. Though the memories are fuzzy, Paige remembers that she always had fun. Paige’s love for the profession only grew throughout her university studies, and she found her niche in working with children and their families to support their communication needs.
Multi-modal communication and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) is a practice area that is of particular interest to Paige, as she is passionate about empowering all clients to communicate autonomously and effectively. Paige values therapy that is fun, engaging and a positive experience for clients, and is dedicated to providing high-quality care. In her spare time, Paige enjoys reading, playing board games, swimming at the beach and spending time with her family, friends and dogs.
Our Occupational Therapists
Our Occupational Therapists all have a passion for paediatric care and love seeing the kids in their care overcome challenges to realise their potential.
- Lucia
Occupational Therapist
Lucia
Occupational TherapistLucia joined the BillyLids Therapy team in September 2023 and brings a diverse set of Occupational Therapy skills. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, she moved to Queensland in 2020 to complete her Master of Occupational Therapy at Bond University. Lucia also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia.
Lucia has experience as an OT working across a number of community and hospital settings, utilising a broad range of OT skills. She has experience in brain injury, cerebral palsy and genetic disorders obtained while working at the paediatric rehabilitation services at The Children’s Hospital during her Masters degree. Lucia’s true passion lies in paediatrics and her affinity for working with children traces back to her two years as a behaviour interventionist, providing support to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Additionally, Lucia boasts five years of experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor, demonstrating her dedication to both meaningful occupation and safety.
As an OT, Lucia enjoys working in partnership with her clients, their caregivers, and healthcare team, to reach their goals – no matter the challenge! She is empathic and caring in her approach and enjoys discovering the unique interests and qualities of her clients.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Lucia enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach, going camping on weekends, and cherishing quality time with her feline companion, Penny.
- Robyn
Senior Occupational Therapist
Robyn
Senior Occupational TherapistRobyn joined the BillyLids team in January 2024. Hailing from South Africa, she and her family moved to Australia at the end of 2022, and they spent a year in North Queensland, before relocating to Brisbane.
Robyn graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, in 2011. She spent a year working in a rural hospital, where she was the only Occupational Therapist and supported patients across the age range, with a variety of physical, psychological and developmental challenges. From there, she knew that working with children was her passion and she joined a few paediatric Occupational Therapy practices, in order to learn from some of the most experienced therapists in the greater Durban area. During this time, she trained in Ayres Sensory Integration and has since used the skills learned throughout her practice. In 2016, Robyn opened her own private practice, which was based within two primary schools in the Durban area. This practice continues to run, under the direction of different therapists.
As an OT, Robyn focuses on viewing her clients holistically, not only their areas of difficulty. She is passionate about facilitating participation in all facets of life by developing skills from the ground up. She loves to get to know each little billylids, getting down to their level and having a load of fun, while working towards achieving goals.
At home, Robyn is a wife and mother of two of her own billylids, as well as five furbabies! As a semi-professional ballerina in the past, she loves to be both active and creative. But now it is her turn to be the ballet and/or soccer mom in her ‘free’ time!
- Kirsty
Senior Occupational Therapist
Kirsty
Senior Occupational TherapistKirsty joined the BillyLids Therapy team as an Occupational Therapist in 2024. She is a Brisbane local and completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at University of Queensland in 2011. She was a classmate of head of Allied Health Rosanna.
Kirsty has over 10 years of experience working with children, with particular experience with physical disabilities including cerebral palsy, and genetic disorders. Kirsty has a passion for working supporting communication and accessing technology through alternative access methods, supporting early intervention for hand skills for children with physical impairments, and functional life skills including overcoming toileting challenges and feeding difficulties. Kirsty has a diverse range of experience providing support through therapy, complex equipment prescription, minor home modifications and vehicle modifications.
Outside of work Kirsty enjoys being outdoors, ocean swimming, hiking and camping.
- Smitha
Occupational Therapist
Smitha
Occupational TherapistSmitha joined the BillyLids Therapy team in July 2024, bringing experience working with children and adolescents in the private sector. As a recent graduate with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Bond University, she is eager to apply her skills and knowledge to support the growth and development of young children. Prior to this, Smitha completed a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and worked as a mental health support worker, providing essential care and guidance to teenagers in the community. Originally from India, she moved to Australia six years ago to further her education and discovered her true calling in Occupational Therapy.
Smitha is particularly interested in child development, play, and sensory integration. She is dedicated to empowering parents and creating an environment where children can build on their strengths in a playful and supportive manner. Her focus is on making therapy engaging and meaningful, helping each child reach their full potential. In her free time, Smitha enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring the hinterland, and honing her culinary skills in the kitchen.
- Liz
Occupational Therapist
Liz
Occupational TherapistLiz joined BillyLids therapy team as an Occupational Therapist in September 2024. Liz has grown up on the Gold Coast and knows the surrounding schools and kindergartens well. Prior to joining the BillyLids team Liz has experience working in private paediatric practises in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
Liz enjoys travelling and exploring new countries. Liz spent two years travelling and working in London providing occupational therapy in a special school.
As an OT, Liz uses a client centred approach to therapy, working in collaboration with families to achieve their goals.
Outside of work Liz enjoys spending time with her friends, and taking advantage of the Aussie sun.
- Charmaine
Occupational Therapist
Charmaine
Occupational Therapist - Cass
Occupational Therapist
Cass
Occupational TherapistCass joined the BillyLids team as an Occupational Therapist in January 2025. Cass grew up in Townsville, North Queensland with her family and graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours from James Cook University in 2022. Cass spent 2 years working at a private paediatric practice in Townsville working within the community and surrounding rural towns before moving to Brisbane.
In her spare time, Cass enjoys spending time with her friends, exploring South East Queensland, exercising and FaceTiming her family. Cass is passionate about working with each little BillyLid and their families to assist them in achieving their goals.
- Lucy
Occupational Therapist
Lucy
Occupational Therapist - Anika
Occupational Therapist
Anika
Occupational TherapistAnika joined the BillyLids team in January 2025 after graduating from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Prior to completing her studies, Anika gained valuable experience working as an Allied Health Assistant within the private sector, where she developed a strong passion for supporting children and families to reach their goals and thrive in everyday life.
Originally from Newcastle, Anika moved to the Gold Coast in 2013 and completed her schooling there. She is excited to bring her knowledge and enthusiasm to the BillyLids team, focusing on providing individualised, client-centred therapy that empowers children and families to succeed.
Outside of work, Anika is an adventure enthusiast who loves anything outdoors. Whether it’s skydiving, travelling, or enjoying a day at the beach, she’s always up for a new challenge and finds inspiration in exploring the world around her.
Our Support Crew
These are the friendly, smiling faces that will welcome you to the clinic every time you visit.
- Dionne
Administration
Dionne
AdministrationDionne has lived on the Gold Coast since she was a billylid, (apart from a short stint in the UK).
Dionne has worked in creative industries and was a vet nurse for several years. Vet nursing is where she gained her reception experience and a love of helping people.
Looking for a change in direction she applied for the receptionist role at BillyLids.
When she isn’t working she is designing, sewing or getting outside with her husband and their dog Maxi.
- Karen
Administration
Karen
AdministrationKaren is a Brisbane local and childhood friend of our Director, Rachelle. With over two decades of invaluable customer service experience in the retail sector and a passion for assisting others, Karen joined the BillyLids team in October 2023.
As an Administration Officer at our Newmarket clinic, she keeps everything running smoothly.
Outside of the office, Karen enjoys spending quality time in the sunshine with her family, including two of her own billylids.
- Eliza
Administration
Eliza
AdministrationEliza is the younger sister of Rachelle and Rosanna and forms part of the administrative team in Brisbane along with assisting with the backend financial operations at BillyLids. Eliza is currently pursuing a degree in Maths at QUT in Brisbane. In her spare time she loves hanging out with her billylid nieces and nephews (she has five!), going to the beach, ice skating and eating Mexican food.
- Michelle
Administration
Michelle
AdministrationMichelle is a Brisbane local who joins us after a short career break to raise her BillyLid. She has extensive experience in reception and customer service, and in recent years has had roles in project support and license administration for a large government IT department.
In her spare time Michelle enjoys learning Japanese, bird watching in her backyard and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to be a friendly and welcoming face to all our clients.
- Stella
The Therapy Dog in training
Stella
The Therapy Dog in trainingMeet Stella, our beloved BillyLids therapy dog! Stella lives and works with our director, Rachelle. Stella has a friendly demeanour and loving nature. She makes a positive impact on the lives of both clients and staff every day.
When she’s not busy brightening up the day at the clinic, Stella loves indulging in her favourite activities: enjoying belly rubs, chasing sand crabs along the beach, and lounging on the couch.
- Lucinda
Administration
Lucinda
Administration - Joel
Administration
Joel
Administration