LITTLE STAR TEAM
Director
Dr Sarita K Hamall
Stuttering Specialist
Dr Sarita K Hamall is the owner/Director of Little Star Speech Therapy and has over 22-years experience working as a speech pathologist. She is a highly experienced clinician in the treatment of stuttering disorders in clients preschool-age to adults. Sarita is knowledgeable in the Lidcombe Program and modified treatment approaches for severe stuttering. In 2012, Sarita completed a PhD at the University of Newcastle, where she contributed to the evidence-base of early stuttering treatment delivery. She has mentored speech pathologists and students for over 15-years and continues to share her expertise with those in the community. Sarita has a true love of the profession and feels the happiest when she sees the achievements of each and every client.
Director / General Manager
Chris Hamall is born in Newcastle, NSW and is the owner/General Manager of Little Star Speech Therapy. Since 2012, Chris has been instrumental in growing Little Star from a single clinician to multiple skilled professionals. He brings his 15 years knowledge and experience working with children with multiple needs, disability, and mental health issues under the "Community Services Sector" in the Hunter. This experience has helped him grow into a compassionate professional who truly understands and respects the needs of clients and families. His extensive knowledge in community outreach and business matters ensures that he maintains the very best standards for the clinic and the wellbeing of all staff and clients. He is happy to be part of a team of compassionate professionals and takes pride in maintaining quality services for all children.
Chris Hamall
little star staff
Administration Officer
Marisa Smythe
Marisa was born in Newcastle, Australia and has lived here for most of her life. Her working career has varied over the years. She worked as a carer in the community before moving into aged care, where she remained for 20 years. This taught her about respect, empathy, looking after the needs of the disabled and the importance of making a difference in other people's lives. Following the birth of her two daughters, Marisa advanced into an administration and leadership role with medical specialists and allied health. She is very excited to be working at Little Star Speech Therapy as our Administration Officer including the wonderful staff and team. She is a people person who loves talking, listening and helping those in need. Marisa is very excited to be working with children and their families to achieve their goals.
Reception / Admin
Shilpa Khanal
Shilpa was born and raised in Nepal and she came to Newcastle, Australia 6 years ago. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in field of Business and Accounting and has extensive experience working in age care and disability. Shilpa is an energetic and optimistic person who loves working with families and children. She loves to be "the reason behind someone's happiness" and it shows with her genuine and vibrant personality. Shilpa is our receptionist/admin at Little Star and her intention is to help families, clients and staff with their administration needs. Her preferred area of work is in the allied health and disability sector.
Clinician
emma purdon
Emma is a speech pathologist who was born and raised in Newcastle. She completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) degree at the University of Newcastle. Emma is committed to helping children achieve their goals in all areas of communication. She has a special interest in stuttering, and is trained in both preschool (Lidcombe Program) and school-aged stuttering intervention. She also enjoys assisting children with their literacy skills. Emma is a 'Sounds-Write' certified practitioner, and is trained in delivering strategies to assist children of all ages with reading and spelling difficulties. Her warm personality and enthusiasm creates a positive environment in which children feel confident to achieve success. She is committed to delivering a high standard of effective and enjoyable services to all clients.
Clinician
isabelle reece
Isabelle completed a Bachelor’s degree of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. She has experience working with a range of paediatric clients in speech, language and disability. She is knowledgable in the assessment and treatment of stuttering disorders. Isabelle has completed training in PROMPT targeting children with severe speech sound disorders. She is committed to helping all children reach their communication goals in a supportive and fun environment. She utilises evidence-based treatment approaches whilst individualising goals for the child. Isabelle’s kind nature and enthusiasm is seen in her dedication to children. She loves watching children’s confidence grow as a result of their improved communication.
Clinician
Joanna Nelson
Jo completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) degree at the University of Newcastle. She has worked in Newcastle and on the Mid North Coast of NSW to help children and their families build confidence and achieve their communication goals.
Jo gained early experience working alongside occupational therapists and continues to welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with other professionals. She loves supporting children in the areas of early communication, literacy, fluency, and pragmatic language.
Jo is trained in programs including Hanen It Takes Two to Talk, Sounds Write, Lidcombe, and Secret Agent Society and is passionate about ongoing professional development to best support her clients and families. Jo’s positive outlook and ability to focus on each person's strengths and areas of interest helps her build meaningful connections with her clients.
Clinician
Alana completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree at the
University of Newcastle. She is an energetic and vibrant clinician who is
passionate about working with children in achieving their communication
goals. Alana is extremely dedicated to professional development and has
completed many specialised postgraduate training courses. Alana is
trained in the Lidcombe Program for stuttering intervention, she is a Hanen
Certified Clinician with training in the It Takes Two to Talk & More Than
Words’ and ‘Target Word’ programs. Alana is also trained in the PROMPT
technique and literacy programs such as Sounds-Write and Talk for Writing
programs. Alana has a warm, caring, and captivating rapport with her
clients and always strives to make each session not only fun and engaging,
but also tailored to suit each individual child and their family’s needs.
Alana Wilson
Clinician
Annemarie Laurence
Annemarie is from Newcastle, NSW and is a clinical educator and speech pathologist. She has touched the lives of many aspiring speech pathologists at the University of Newcastle with her excellence in mentorship and leadership. Annemarie is trained in Professional Development programs, some of which includes Sounds-Write for literacy and Story Champs for language development. She has a beautiful demeanour, which calms busy clients, as they relate to her warm presence. Annemarie is available to see clients at Little Star Speech Therapy for later appointments in the afternoon. She strives to make a difference for children who struggle with communication and help empower families along the way.
AHA Speech Pathologist
Isabella Gerritsen
Isabella Gerritsen was born and raised in Newcastle NSW. She is in her final months of completing a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Newcastle University where she will be graduating in the middle of this year. She has a passion for working with children to achieve their goals big or small empowering families along the way.
She brings her previous experience working within the early education setting as well as an Allied Health Assistant where she can integrate these skills into her new role at Little Star Speech Therapy. Isabella is excited to be joining the team at Little Star Speech Therapy and is looking forward to get to know all the beautiful families she will be working alongside.
Clinician
Sophie Gonano
