Administration

Mel Sonogan

Practice Manager
Mel Sonogan
Mel has worked in early intervention clinics since 2016, with a particular focus on client and family support and building an extensive knowledge of NDIS. Prior to this, she spent 12 years as a senior course administrator for psychology and psychiatry postgraduate coursework and research degrees at Monash University. 

Mel have always loved working in places that allow her to meet wonderful families, and providing them with the support and guidance they need to navigate the various funding options available for their child. Seeing what a huge difference the right therapy can make for a person is extremely fulfilling for Mel. 

She is a Pilates addict, having clocked up her 500th class in August 2024. At home, Mel’s dog is a Lagotto Romagnolo – a rare breed that most people have never heard of. They are Italian waterdogs known for their truffle hunting abilities.

Mel is almost as passionate about meeting people as she is about her dog – come along and say hello when you visit the clinic!

Becca Cosgrove

Client Care Co-Ordinator
Becca Cosgrove
Becca Cosgrove has over 18 years of Administration experience, with most of her interest expressed in Planning, Finance, and Operations. She loves keeping busy and completing projects.

She enjoys bringing relief to Happy Chatter’s families by working hard on making bookings that work best for clients – routine, scheduling, and creative booking ideas are her specialty! Since joining Happy Chatter, Becca has quickly learned the value of OT & Speech Pathology and has taken some teachings home to practise on her kids.

Becca is Mum to two beautiful young children. She accidentally gave them the same initials in a slightly different order but now secretly loves it (PLC and LPC) and hopes that they grow up to love it too. As a family they enjoy weekend getaways, runs, and bike rides together. They have a split household of football teams – the boys support Richmond Tigers and the girls support Geelong Cats but feels better about it since they’re all somewhat in the feline category.

She enjoys basketball, horse riding and eating out with friends, spending roughly 60% of her day laughing and enjoying a cheeky pun or two.

Eugenie Abbas

Administration Officer

Bachelor of Fashion Design
Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing

Eugenie Abbas
Eugenie is a multi-talented individual who brings excitement to the team with a blend of creativity and tech-savvy skills. With 10 years in the fashion industry, she gained valuable experience in customer-facing roles and digital design. Her ability to connect with and understand people through empathy has always been Eugenie’s strength.

Ready for a new adventure, Eugenie decided to pivot towards something she absolutely adores: working with kids. As a mum of two, she understands the rollercoaster of joy and challenges that come with raising little ones, and she’s excited to make a difference, even if it’s just a small one.

Known as the “big kid” in her circle, Eugenie has a natural knack for relating to children – their infectious joy and carefree spirit are her favourite things. When she’s not cheering her kids on at their sports games, you’ll find Eugenie in the kitchen cooking up a storm or enjoying a slice (or a whole) of pizza!

Join our team

Happy Chatter offers a workplace based on respect,
client-focused care,
and a healthy love of food. As with our clients, we want each staff member to feel supported in reaching their full potential.

Each staff member is an integral part of the team. There is always something to do to help each other out, whether you’re a Speech Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist, a Receptionist
an Allied Health Assistant, or a volunteer!

Training: We provide structured training tailored to your progress as you grow with us. All clinicians are offered guidance including mentoring and supervision. There is something for everyone here with our in-house PDs, regular debrief sessions and practical training.

We work with these values at the core of our team

Positivity

We are positive about our achievements, capability, and look forward to the future.

Integrity

We are careful to be honest with each other, do the right thing, and be transparent in our work and our interactions.

Understanding

We all have different personalities, drivers and work styles. What we understand about our colleagues can help us interact constructively.

Communication 

We value open communication where there is honest encouragement, constructive criticism, and no gossip triangles.

Respect

We respect each other as colleagues by keeping shared workspaces tidy, including kitchen and admin, and by following through at work.

We work with these values at the core of our team

Positivity

We are careful to be honest with each other, do the right thing, and be transparent in our work and our interactions.

+

Understanding

We all have different personalities, drivers and work styles. What we understand about our colleagues can help us interact constructively.

+

Respect

We respect each other as colleagues by keeping shared workspaces tidy, including kitchen and admin, and by following through at work.

+

Integrity

We are careful to be honest with each other, do the right thing, and be transparent in our work and our interactions.

+

Communication

We value open communication where there is honest encouragement, constructive criticism, and no gossip triangles.