Turn your NDIS plan into action

Jamie Williams

Senior Speech Pathologist

Jamie grew up in Newcastle and graduated as a Speech Pathologist from Newcastle University in 2009. When Jamie isn’t at work she enjoys family time and exploring rock pools and the outdoors with her very energetic little boy.

Jamie believes feeding, communication and relationship are all aspects of our lives that we gain so much enjoyment from. Striving to empower individuals to have a voice, enjoy feeding/mealtimes and build and maintain relationships, through communication is one of her passions.

Jamie has a special interest in paediatric feeding, early intervention and working within a transdisciplinary model. Jamie believes in evidence based practice and has attended many professional development courses, some of these include, The SOS Approach to Feeding, Hanen It Takes Two to Talk, Key Word Sign, DIR Floor-time and PODD.

Chloe Barnard

Speech Pathologist

Chloe Barnard – Manager of Therapy Services, Hunter and Sydney / Speech Pathologist
 
Chloe is the Manager of Therapy Services for Ability Options, overseeing both the Hunter and Sydney clinical teams. Chloe is also a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist, who qualified in the UK. She moved to Australia in 2013, and has happily settled in the Hunter region with her partner and two lovable (and slightly naughty!) puppies. Chloe has a specialist interest in neurological conditions, both acquired and progressive, and in complex swallowing disorders. Back in the UK, Chloe ran a volunteer support project for those with traumatic brain injuries, and got to present the project to the Queen!

Chloe has widespread experience working in hospitals and the community, supporting adults and children to achieve their goals. Chloe enjoys working as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide a holistic approach to assessment, intervention, and management of communication and swallowing difficulties. Chloe is an LSVT certified clinician.

Nick Geldens

Physiotherapist

Nick is a Physiotherapist with a strong interest in regular exercise to improve overall health and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of adverse health-related events. After attending school in Sydney, Nick completed a degree in Commerce before his interest in health, anatomy and human movement led him to Newcastle to study Physiotherapy. Being a keen surfer and Australian beaches in general, Nick fell in love with Newcastle as soon as he moved here, and also fell in love with his partner, Hannah!
 
Throughout his four year Physiotherapy degree, Nick worked as a support worker for Newcastle Temporary Care and discovered a passion for working with people with a disability. Nick currently works part time with Ability Options and part time at the John Hunter Hospital. Outside of work, Nick enjoys running, cycling and surfing.

Chloe Davis

Speech Pathologist

Chloe is a Speech Pathologist who enjoys working holistically with families, regular support workers and transdisciplinary/interdisciplinary teams to find realistic ways to achieve goals that will make a difference in everyday life.

Chloe has a special interest in working on developing language skills and using Augmentative and alternative communication, including visuals, Key Word Sign, iPads and Communication Devices. Chloe is a Hanen certified Speech Pathologist.

Chloe is passionate about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow. She knows that communication has an impact on all areas of a person’s life. Chloe has developed these skills during interactions with people in the community as a volunteer and a Disability Support Worker.

Chloe can work with you, and people who are regularly around you to gain an understanding about your needs and how to work together to achieve your communication goals.

When she is not at work, Chloe loves to chill out/relax by reading, attending yoga classes and spending time with her family.

Tina Rakanovic

Speech Pathologist

Tina joined Ability Options because she has a keen interest in helping people with a disability, communicate their needs and wants, and believes that communication is a human right.
 
Before joining Ability Options, Tina practiced as a rural Speech Pathologist and supported young children and families in a fun and evidenced based way through building their speech, language and literacy skills. Tina believes that training parents and carers in therapeutic intervention is crucial for progress.
 
Tina was born overseas and arrived in Australia when she was a toddler. Tina is bilingual – she speaks Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian. Tina enjoys yoga, cooking, painting and living close to the beach. Tina is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and holds a full membership with Speech Pathology Australia.
 

Annie O'Neill

Occupational Therapist

Annie is an AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist who is passionate about enabling people with disabilities to engage in activities that are most meaningful to them. She enjoys thinking outside the square and working collaboratively with people to achieve their goals. Annie believes that everyone is entitled to live their life on their own terms and is an advocate for people with disabilities.
 
Originally from the east coast of the USA, Annie has been loving life in Newcastle for almost a decade. Annie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree from the University of Newcastle. While she loves everything about OT, she has a special interest in building life skills in the disability sector, neurological rehabilitation, equipment and assistive technology prescription, and home modifications.
 
In her spare time, Annie enjoys arts and crafts, digging for treasure at op shops, maintaining her succulent garden, reading, and watching documentaries.