Our Speech Pathologists
Lauren Van Harker
Lauren is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) from the University of Sydney.
Lauren is our Principal Speech Pathologist and Director of Stepping Stones Speech Pathology. She enjoys focusing on creating a comfortable environment for families and clients to ensure they feel supported throughout the assessment and therapy process. Lauren appreciates that every child and family are different and likes to adapt her service based on the individual's needs, experiences and feedback. She has many years experience in providing services for children with speech sound disorders, language difficulties and stuttering. She also has experience and a passion for working with adults to assist them in regaining their abilities following a brain injury or stroke.
Outside of work, Lauren loves to spend time with her growing family and enjoying yummy foods with friends.
Cassie Fitzpatrick
Cassie is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) from Western Sydney University.
Cassie's experience includes supporting children in their early language development, and those with speech sound disorders and language difficulties, as well as dysphagia management and communication rehabilitation for adults. Cassie is passionate about fostering strong, positive relationships with her clients and their families, ensuring that therapy is a collaborative and empowering experience.
When she's not working, you can find Cassie watching (or playing) all kinds of sport or snuggling up with her puppy on the lounge.
ELIZA FRANKS
Eliza is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and is currently completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy through Western Sydney University.
Eliza has a particular interest in literacy, speech sound and language disorders, focusing on helping children develop their communication and foundational literacy skills. She draws on her lived experience as a neurodivergent individual and as a mother of three neurodivergent children to connect with the families she works with. Having been a consumer of allied health services in Western Sydney, she is passionate about supporting children and their families within her community by delivering quality, evidence-based therapy.
Outside of work, Eliza enjoys gardening and gaming with her family, bird watching, and exploring national parks.
Sasha Balzan
Sasha is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences and a Master of Speech and Language Pathology from Macquarie University.
She is passionate about supporting children in finding their most comfortable and effective means of communication. Sasha has experience in early language development, speech sound disorders, literacy difficulties, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), and stuttering. In addition to working with children, Sasha is passionate about helping adults with acquired speech, communication, and swallowing disorders. She aims to assist adult clients to engage more fully in their daily lives and activities.
Outside of work, Sasha enjoys reading, cooking, staying active, and spending time spent with family and friends.
Our Allied Health Assistants
Ayesha Rajwani
Ayesha is currently completing her fourth and final year of her Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at Sydney University.
Ayesha is passionate about working together with children to enhance their communication and interpersonal skills, so they are better equipped in making meaningful connections at school and at home. She has experience in working with children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Autism, stuttering and literacy difficulties. Ayesha enjoys creating therapy sessions that are engaging and tailored to the child's interest.
Outside of work, Ayesha enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is very interested in cooking and exploring new cuisines. She has also become rather fond of road trips and exploring new places as a way to wind down.