About us
Medical Speech Pathology is a mobile practice in south-east Queensland dedicated to working with adults who have swallowing and communication difficulties. The practice was founded in 2022 to provide specialised services in Medical Speech Pathology – a field grounded in understanding body systems and the complex ways health conditions can interact with swallowing and communication – and to bridge the gap between hospital-based care and community support by bringing medical expertise into person-centred, real-world contexts.
Medical Speech Pathologists work collaboratively with a person’s medical and Allied Health care team and contribute to diagnosis and treatment in the context of their overall healthcare plan. You can find more information about the field of Medical Speech Pathology here.
Melissa Kane – Director & Speech Pathologist
Since graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2013, Melissa has worked exclusively with an adult population in the hospital and healthcare system in Melbourne, Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, predominantly in acute/ICU and inpatient neurological rehabilitation settings.
Melissa is passionate about advancing holistic and integrative care for medically complex and under-served populations, integrating evidence-based and person-centred approaches. Alongside her clinical work, she contributes to university teaching and clinical research and remains committed to shaping emerging areas of Speech Pathology practice through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
Her areas of clinical focus include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), dysautonomia, orofacial myology, and medically-complex dysphagia, and she has a special interest in working with people from multilingual backgrounds. After spending many years studying, living and working overseas, she speaks English, Spanish, German and Japanese.
Melissa’s training and certification includes:
- Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS)
- Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
- Videostroboscopy
- Orofacial myofunctional therapy
- Manual Therapy for voice and swallowing
- PhORTE voice therapy
- Speak Out! voice therapy
- Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT)
- McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP)
- Functional Neurological Voice Disorder microcredential accreditation (University of Sydney)
- Gender-affirming voice (La Trobe University)
- ICU & Tracheostomy management
- Cervical Auscultation
- Surface Electromyography (sEMG)
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for dysphagia
Stacey Guy – Associate Director & Speech Pathologist
Stacey graduated from Griffith University with a Master of Speech Pathology and is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist. She has experience working across hospital, residential aged care and community settings, and has a special interest in adult acquired brain injury, especially stroke, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Stacey has strong clinical interests in the areas of aphasia, cognitive-communication, dysphagia and voice and is passionate about supporting clients with complex communication & swallowing needs.
Drawing on kindness, empathy and creativity, Stacey is focused on delivering holistic, evidence-based practice that is meaningful and considerate of the unique lives of her clients and families. Understanding that no two people are the same, Stacey adopts a collaborative, strengths-based approach to neurological rehabilitation, aimed at supporting clients to achieve their goals and positive, quality-of-life outcomes. In her spare time, you will find Stacey in the garden, exploring in nature, playing her guitar and singing songs, or curled up with a good book and a cup of tea.
Stacey’s further training and certification includes:
- MBSImp (for Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies)
- Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT)
- Videostroboscopic interpretation of voice
- Expiratory Muscle Strength Training
- Manual Therapy for voice and swallowing
- Habilitative approach to dementia care
- Environmental assessment & intervention in dementia
Alex Smith – Senior Speech Pathologist
Alex brings over a decade of experience working with adults in the public hospital system across acute, inpatient and community rehabilitation. He has extensive experience managing a wide range of acquired neurological conditions affecting communication and swallowing.
Across his career, Alex has developed particular strengths in dysphagia management, complex differential diagnosis, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation planning. He is skilled in interpreting instrumental assessments (including videofluoroscopy) and translating findings into clear, compassionate, and practical therapy plans.
Alex is recognised for his calm, thoughtful approach, his ability to make people feel understood, and his deep commitment to delivering therapy that aligns with each person’s values, goals, and lived experience. He is passionate about restoring independence, improving quality of life, and supporting families and care teams to navigate complex medical journeys.
Alex is dedicated to building genuine connections with people from all walks of life and providing quality care to everyone he works with.
Alex has further training and certification in the following areas:
- Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS)
- Tracheostomy management & critical care
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST)
- Cough Reflex Testing
- Palliative care
- Mental Health
Brooke Holloway – Senior Speech Pathologist
Brooke is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist who graduated from the University of Queensland with a Master of Speech Pathology Studies in 2009. She has extensive experience working with adults in acute hospital settings and specialises in the assessment and management of complex communication and swallowing disorders.
Brooke has a strong clinical interest in complex adult dysphagia and acquired neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. She has advanced skills in videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS), tracheostomy management and evidence-based dysphagia therapy, and regularly works with medically complex clients.
Drawing on a calm, compassionate and collaborative approach, Brooke is committed to delivering holistic, evidence-based care that is meaningful to each individual and their family. She values clear communication, patient advocacy and close multidisciplinary collaboration, and works alongside clients to support safe swallowing, functional communication with an emphasis quality-of-life.
Brooke’s further training and experience includes:
- Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) competency and coordination
- Tracheostomy assessment and management (acute and ICU settings)
- SPEAK OUT!® and Loud Crowd therapy for Parkinson’s disease
- Acute and complex dysphagia management
- Cervical Auscultation
- Neurological communication disorders
- Clinical supervision and student education
Emma Hatcher – Practice Administrator
Emma brings over 15 years of experience in administration, operations and client focused roles across corporate and service based environments. With a background in operational coordination, systems management and marketing support, Emma plays an integral role in supporting the smooth day to day running of Medical Speech Pathology.
Highly organised and approachable, Emma has extensive experience managing administrative systems, client records and workflows, as well as supporting marketing and communications initiatives. She enjoys creating calm, efficient processes that support both clients and clinicians, and is passionate about ensuring everyone feels welcomed, informed and well supported throughout their experience with the practice.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time in nature, hiking and relaxing by the beach.
Values
Medical Speech Pathology’s core values are:
Person-centered care
While we pride ourselves on having in-depth, specialist knowledge about the conditions we treat, no person is defined by their medical condition. We take the time to learn what is important for each individual, and tailor our intervention so that it aligns with your values, beliefs and preferences.
Excellence
We strive to deliver outstanding care by staying up-to-date with the latest research evidence, engaging in cutting-edge clinical training and certifications, tracking data to measure outcomes and ensuring access to the best evidence-based treatments to ensure treatment efficiency.
Integrity
We aspire to always act with honesty, integrity and consistency. We protect the privacy and the dignity of those we work with, and ensure transparency with proposed treatments and anticipated outcomes to achieve results that matter to each individual.
Collaboration
We acknowledge and highly value the importance of working as part of a team - with an individual, their support network and other Medical and Allied Health professionals to deliver coordinated care.