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Meet our Team

Michelle Petersen

Michelle Petersen

Director & Speech Pathologist

  • Qualifications
    Bachelor of Speech Pathology (University of Queensland, 2004) Graduate Diploma in Health Management (University of New England, 2018) Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia
  • Training & Professional Development
    Certified for Hanen “It Takes Two To Talk”, “More Than Words”, “Learning Language and Loving It”, and “Teacher Talk” programs Registered Sounds-Write Phonics Practitioner PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets): Introduction to PROMPT Technique, Technique Practicum, and Bridging courses Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach for feeding difficulties Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration 28-hour Foundation Course in Orofacial Myology Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Introductory Workshop LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Online workshop (Theory & Implementation) … and many more workshops on communication and literacy topics over the years!
  • Why did you choose speech pathology?
    I love the variety and challenge of speech pathology. There are so many areas in which we work – I don’t think I will ever run out of learning opportunities! It’s so satisfying to help people overcome the frustration of communication difficulties because it has an exponential effect on not only their life, but the life of their family and friends, and their future potential. I love working with people of all ages, but little kids in particular stop me from taking myself too seriously and remind me to have fun!
  • Favourite thing about Charters Towers?
    Heritage buildings; quiet lifestyle; school options; close proximity to Townsville for the airport or a city/beach fix; close to family; friendly people; fun community events; being able to go bush or to the river.
  • Favourite quote?
    "Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.” – Brene Brown

I have worked as a speech pathologist in Charters Towers since 2005.

I spent 12 years with Queensland Health at the Charters Towers Health Service and I’ve also completed short contracts with a not-for-profit organisation in Launceston (Tasmania), the Townsville Hospital, and the Cunningham Centre (which provides professional support for clinicians in Queensland Health). 

In 2017, I started working in private practice before opening Talking Towers Speech Pathology in July 2020.

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Cyrena Myrteza

Speech Pathologist

  • Qualifications
    Bachelor of Speech Pathology (University of Queensland, 2004) Graduate Diploma in Health Management (University of New England, 2018) Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia
  • Training & Professional Development
    Certified for Hanen “It Takes Two To Talk”, “More Than Words”, “Learning Language and Loving It”, and “Teacher Talk” programs Registered Sounds-Write Phonics Practitioner PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets): Introduction to PROMPT Technique, Technique Practicum, and Bridging courses Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach for feeding difficulties Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration 28-hour Foundation Course in Orofacial Myology Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Introductory Workshop LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Online workshop (Theory & Implementation) … and many more workshops on communication and literacy topics over the years!
  • Why did you choose speech pathology?
    I love the variety and challenge of speech pathology. There are so many areas in which we work – I don’t think I will ever run out of learning opportunities! It’s so satisfying to help people overcome the frustration of communication difficulties because it has an exponential effect on not only their life, but the life of their family and friends, and their future potential. I love working with people of all ages, but little kids in particular stop me from taking myself too seriously and remind me to have fun!
  • Favourite thing about Charters Towers?
    Heritage buildings; quiet lifestyle; school options; close proximity to Townsville for the airport or a city/beach fix; close to family; friendly people; fun community events; being able to go bush or to the river.
  • Favourite quote?
    "Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.” – Brene Brown
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Kayci Hanrahan

Administration Officer

  • Qualifications
    Bachelor of Speech Pathology (University of Queensland, 2004) Graduate Diploma in Health Management (University of New England, 2018) Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia
  • Training & Professional Development
    Certified for Hanen “It Takes Two To Talk”, “More Than Words”, “Learning Language and Loving It”, and “Teacher Talk” programs Registered Sounds-Write Phonics Practitioner PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets): Introduction to PROMPT Technique, Technique Practicum, and Bridging courses Lidcombe Program for Early Stuttering Intervention SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach for feeding difficulties Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration 28-hour Foundation Course in Orofacial Myology Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Introductory Workshop LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Online workshop (Theory & Implementation) … and many more workshops on communication and literacy topics over the years!
  • Why did you choose speech pathology?
    I love the variety and challenge of speech pathology. There are so many areas in which we work – I don’t think I will ever run out of learning opportunities! It’s so satisfying to help people overcome the frustration of communication difficulties because it has an exponential effect on not only their life, but the life of their family and friends, and their future potential. I love working with people of all ages, but little kids in particular stop me from taking myself too seriously and remind me to have fun!
  • Favourite thing about Charters Towers?
    Heritage buildings; quiet lifestyle; school options; close proximity to Townsville for the airport or a city/beach fix; close to family; friendly people; fun community events; being able to go bush or to the river.
  • Favourite quote?
    "Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.” – Brene Brown
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