Our passionate & dedicated team

Kibby Fung
Speech Pathologist
Qualifications
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Master of Speech Pathology (The University of Melbourne)
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Bachelor of Communication and Hearing Science (State University of New York, USA)
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Bachelor of Psychology (State University of New York, USA)​
Clinical Interests
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Early intervention
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Speech sounds
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Orofacial myology
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Feeding (eating and swallowing)
Learn More About Kibby
Kibby has extensive experience as a paediatric speech pathologist, specialising in working with preschool and primary-school aged children. She has worked in a range of settings across the US, Hong Kong, and Australia, including specialist early learning centres, public schools, community health, and private practices.
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Her passion lies in supporting children to discover their interests and strengths and build meaningful connections with others. Through her tailored approach, Kibby aims to create a safe, positive environment for every child she works with to develop their motivation and confidence in communication.
What Little Stepping Stones Means to Kibby
As a neurodivergent individual with ADHD, driven by lived experience, Kibby advocates for understanding, valuing and empowering each child’s unique mind without judgement.
Little stepping stones symbolises embracing and celebrating the uniqueness of every individual, as no two stones are alike. Little stepping stones also builds the bridge that connects everyone in the child’s care team.
Other interests
Kibby enjoys spending time with her cat Winston and dogs Audrey and Beanie, baking sweet goods and doing yoga.
Professional membership


Marina Youssef
Occupational Therapist
Qualifications
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Master of Occupational Therapy (La Trobe University)
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Bachelor of Health Sciences (La Trobe University)
Clinical Interests
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School readiness
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Fine motor and gross motor skills
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Play skills
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Social skills
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Confidence and overall self-esteem
Learn More About Marina
Marina earned her Bachelor of Health and Masters of Occupational Therapy degree from La Trobe University Bundoora. With over eight years of experience, she has specialised in working with children in various settings. This includes collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in community services, implementing the Key Worker model in Early Childhood Intervention, and working in private practices.
Marina's approach centres around engaging children through play while understanding the significance of providing innovative and enjoyable therapy to maintain children’s motivation and help them accomplish their goals.
She is deeply passionate about promoting inclusion and establishing strong relationships and networks within the community to ensure the best possible care for the children and families she works with.
What Little Stepping Stones Means to Marina
Little Stepping Stones holds a special meaning for Marina because it is a place where every single accomplishment, no matter how big or small, is recognized and celebrated.
Marina believes in the significance of tailoring the learning journey to each child's individual need and providing a comprehensive approach to help them reach their goals.
Other interests
Marina enjoys hiking, camping, spending time with family, babysitting her relatives’ children, and checking out local markets.
Professional membership


Esther de Bell
Speech Pathologist
Qualifications
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Master of Speech Pathology (The University of Melbourne)
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Bachelor of Psychological Science (Monash University)
Clinical Interests
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Stuttering
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Literacy
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Speech sounds
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Early intervention
Learn More About Esther
Esther is a paediatric speech pathologist who enjoys supporting young people and their families to reach their communication goals. She is passionate about incorporating the best available research evidence into her practice and empowering families to support their children.
Esther has a particular interest in developmental stuttering, having written her master's thesis on sex differences in stuttering severity for children with persistent stuttering. She has undergone further training in the Lidcombe Program. In 2023, she was the recipient of the "Stuttering Association for the Youth: Australia" award for excellence in paediatric and adult stuttering intervention.
Speech and literacy are also areas of clinical interest. Esther has undertaken training in the Little Learners Love Literacy scope and sequence, a program which she finds engaging for children who require reading and spelling support.
Esther has also completed further foundation level training in 2024 in orofacial myology to support children with structural and functional differences in the muscles of the mouth and face.
What Little Stepping Stones Means to Esther
It's about celebrating all of the small milestones along the way to achieving your goals. It's about using the steps you've made already as a launchpad for making that next step you're striving towards.
Other interests
Esther enjoys going to reformer pilates, knitting and learning Afrikaans.
Professional membership
Professional membership


Penni Hohtoulas
Occupational Therapist
Qualifications
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Bachelor of Applied Science with Masters in Occupational Therapy (La Trobe University)
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Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Deakin University)
Clinical Interests
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Play skills
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Fine and gross motor skills
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Handwriting
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Sensory processing
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Emotional regulation
Learn More About Penni
Being a passionate Occupational Therapist, Penni has worked in primary schools, private practices, acute care, and community health settings. Penni has always had a strong passion to work in the Paediatric field.
She is experienced in supporting children with various diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Sensory Processing, and Developmental Delays. Outside of her work as a therapist, Penni enjoys playing and coaching basketball, and spending time with family and friends.
What Little Stepping Stones Means to Penni
It reflects the milestones of a child’s development. The stones create a pathway which enables them to reach their full potential. It is so rewarding being able to walk the stepping stones with each of my clients.
Professional membership


Alice Gibbs-Cohen
Speech Pathologist
Qualifications
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Bachelor of Speech Pathology (the Australian Catholic University)
Clinical Interests
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Literacy
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Articulation (speech sounds)
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Expressive and receptive language
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
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Functional intervention adaptations
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Home practice implementation
Learn More About Alice
She holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from the Australian Catholic University, with experience working with children and adolescents across speech, language, literacy and social communication and has a clinical interest in neurodiversity-affirming care.
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She has a gentle and caring nature and has the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of the families and children she supports.
​Alice is a friendly and enthusiastic speech pathologist who is committed to building positive clinical partnerships with the clients and families she works with.​
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​She has a passion for supporting those with diverse needs and coming up with creative and functional strategies to support individuals.
Professional membership


Sara Xia
Speech Pathologist
Qualifications
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Master of Speech Pathology (The University of Melbourne)
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​Bachelor of Biomedicine (The University of Melbourne)
Clinical Interests
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Early intervention
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Speech sounds
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Expressive and receptive language
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Literacy
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Social communication
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Play skills
Sara is passionate about supporting children with literacy, speech sound production, language skills, and social communication. Sara also has a strong interest in neuro-affirming practices and diagnostic assessments, embracing a multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive and individualised care. Beyond her professional life, Sara enjoys yoga, reformer Pilates, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Learn More About Sara
Sara is a dedicated speech pathologist who is passionate about empowering children and their families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She brings extensive experience working with a wide range of clients with a range of presentations, including Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, orofacial myology, and speech and language disorders.
What Little Stepping Stones Means to Sara
Little Stepping Stones represents the stepping stones of a child’s journey toward growth and independence. Sara believes that every step, no matter how small, is a building block that leads to incredible achievements. Being part of this journey is a deeply rewarding experience that fuels her passion every day.
Professional membership
