Allied Health Assistants
Emma Furness
Allied Health Assistant
Bachelor of Science (Genetics & Psychology)
Masters of Teaching (Primary & Secondary)
Emma completed her Masters of Teaching at Deakin University after finishing her Bachelor of Science at Monash University. She is now studying a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance.
After working for six years as a tutor and then classroom teacher, Emma became more concerned about the children being left behind in traditional schooling and consequently turned her attention to early intervention. She loves how the team at Happy Chatter work together to provide the services and care for those who need it most.
In her downtime, Emma enjoys reading from her never-ending ‘To Be Read’ book pile and going on walks around her local creek.
Kate Milton
Allied Health Assistant
Cert IV Allied Health Assistance (OT)
Bachelor of Psychological Science (in progress)
Kate is an Allied Health Assistant specialising in Occupational Therapy, but being an AHA you may be seeing her doing Speech Pathology as well! Kate has been working in the community as a support worker for all ages before extending her skills at Happy Chatter.
Kate loves to help people and see them achieve their goals. She especially loves working with children and watching them grow and develop.
Kate is a mum of 3 and enjoys spending time on the weekends with her family and watching them play sport. She has recently found a love for gardening and nurturing her veggie patch. Kate’s other hobbies include, reading, walking her dog (Chino), and craft.
Neth Jayasooriya
Allied Health Assistant
Bachelor of Applied Science
Masters of Speech Pathology (in progress)
Neth completed her Bachelor of Applied Science at La Trobe University. She is currently completing her Master of Speech Pathology degree. She previously worked as an Allied Health Assistant at Austin Hospital. Neth completed her placement at Happy Chatter as a student in 2022 and joined the team as an Allied Health Assistant in 2023.
Neth is passionate about working on functional skills with clients of various ages to better equip them to navigate real life situations. She loves how the team at Happy Chatter take on a holistic approach to therapy. Neth enjoys providing therapy to a range of clients through 1:1 intervention and her group sessions are always full of fun and team building.
In her downtime, Neth likes to hunt for new restaurants and read until midnight.
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.
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.