Melanie von Bertouch
Owner/ Speech-Language Pathologist
Melanie graduated from Newcastle University in 2002. She moved to Townsville in 2009 and opened Coastal Kids Speech Pathology in 2010.
Melanie has a strong interest in the areas of literacy development and stuttering. Her passion is in helping families and children make long-term gains in their communication skills, and celebrating the successes along the way.
Having two children, Melanie understands the demands and stresses of parenting and aims to work with families to achieve their goals.
She is a Certified-Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Melanie works full time in the practice
Kayla Blomfield
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
A Townsville local, Kayla graduated from James Cook University in 2013. Kayla also has extensive experience in early childhood, so she knows kids really well.
Kayla has a strong interest in speech disorders. She is a Certified-Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Her commitment to professional development sees her attending workshops and courses in order to deliver quality, evidence-based speech therapy services to her families.
Kayla works Full time Monday to Friday.
Charlotte Papp
Speech-Language Pathologist
After graduating from James Cook University in Townsville in 2013, Charlotte went further north to Cairns where she worked for Education Queensland.
Charlotte is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and is committed to continually developing her professional skills in order to provide quality and evidence based services for all clients.
Charlotte enjoys working across all areas of communication but has a strong interest in working closely with families to ensure they feel involved and satisfied with the therapy process and empowered to support their children’s communication outside of the clinic.
Charlotte works part-time on Thursdays & Fridays
Holly Parker-Blanch
Speech – Language Pathologist
Holly was born and raised in Townsville and has graduated from JCU in 2020 with her Bachelor of Speech Pathology.
Holly has interest in treating children who require help with their phonological awareness and literacy skills.
Currently Holly has completed the following Training/workshops:
- Sounds – Write (Literacy programme)
- Working with young children with ASD
- SOS Feeding Therapy
Holly is committed to servicing children with the most current evidence based practice and strives to see gains in the children she provides therapy for.
Holly works full time in Monday to Friday.
Mikaela Howell
Senior Speech-Language Pathologist
Mikaela grew up in Townsville and graduated from James Cook University in 2015. After graduating, Mikaela worked for Department of Education in Atherton and Charters Towers, before moving back to Townsville.
She then went into private practice and loves it!
Mikaela is interested in speech sound disorders and early language.
Some of her most enjoyable professional development courses that she has completed so far, include Sounds-Write (a literacy program) and SOS Approach to Feeding.
She is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Mikaela currently on maternity leave.
Sarah Hiatt
Practice Manager
Sarah is a Townsville local and is the friendly face you first see when you enter our clinic.
Sarah has had first hand experience and understands the challenges involved when dealing with Speech and Language, As Her son has attended Speech therapy on and off over the years.
Sarah works in the clinic Monday to Friday
Samantha Jeffery
Speech – Language Pathologist
Sam grew up in Rockhampton and completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at CQUniversity in 2018. After graduating, she started working in private practice in the Gladstone region then relocated to Townsville in 2022.
Sam is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. She enjoys the diversity that private practice has to offer and is passionate about using evidence-based therapy approaches in a fun and meaningful way to support clients and their families to meet their goals.
Sam has undertaken training in the following workshops:
- SOS Approach to Feeding
- Hanen It Takes Two to Talk
- Sounds-Write Literacy Program
Sam works part-time on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Jasmine Diplock
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jasmine grew up in Mackay and Townsville and graduated from James Cook University in 2019. Some of Jasmine’s hobbies include adventuring the outdoors, travelling, arts/crafts, and spending time with friends, family and her fur baby.
Jasmine has a passion for working across the lifespan, and has an interest in early language development, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and feeding development.
Jasmine is a Certified-Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. She values following a holistic and evidence-based approach when it comes to supporting her clients and families. She enjoys seeing clients having fun and reaching their goals and potential.
Currently, Jasmine has completed the following Training/Workshops:
- Hanen: More than words
- Sounds Write (Literacy program)
- SOS Approach to Feeding
- PODD Training
- PROMPT Training
- Circle of Security Program
Jasmine works from Monday to Thursday.
Abbi Wilson
Allied Health Assistant
Abbi was raised in Mackay and is currently studying Speech Pathology at JCU.
She enjoys building relationships with her kids, and assisting them with reaching their goals.
She has undertaken training in the Sounds-Write Literacy Program, and takes an interest in clients who need help with their literacy skills.
Abbi is keen to keep developing her clinical expertise as she progresses to becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Abbi works in the clinic Tuesday and Friday.
Sophie Keyse
Allied Health Assistant
Sophie grew up in Townsville and is currently studying her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at JCU.
Sophie chose speech as her degree as she has a passion for helping people and believes it is a very fulfilling job.
When she’s not working or studying Sophie enjoys to spend time with her friends, family and take her dog’s on a run.
Sophie works Thursdays & Fridays.
Julie de Jongh
Customer Service
My name is Julie de Jongh, I am born and bred Townsville girl.
I have been in Administration work for over 40 years, the last 15 years being with Queensland Health.
My children are all grown up and I love spending time with my family and grandchildren.
I love watching the children at Coastal Kids Speech Pathology achieving their goals.
Julie works part time Monday to Wednesday.