Meet the team

Speech Pathologist- Ballina

Michelle McLisky (BachSpPAth, CPSP)

Michelle McLisky is the Principal Speech Pathologist and Director of Headland Speech Pathology. Michelle can be described as a confident and reliable clinician. She has a warm and friendly manner and enjoys connecting with and supporting people of all walks of life.

Michelle graduated from The University of Queensland in 2016 and is experienced in the use of:

  • SPEAK OUT! voice therapy for adults with Parkinson’s Disease

  • Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST/IMST) a rehabilitation technique for swallowing/speech/voice impairments

  • McNiel Dysphagia Therapy Program for adults with swallowing impairments

  • High and low tech AAC (Assistive Augmentative Communication) including eye-gaze access

In the years leading up to opening HSP, she published research in goal-based assessment and worked in a range of public health services including acute medical wards, palliative care, specialist rehabilitation centres, case management and outpatient community health.

Michelle has a special interest in neurodegenerative conditions and acquired brain injury. She enjoys complex clients and working as a part of a multidisciplinary team.

Michelle is passionate about patient education, promoting the independence of her clients and advocating for improved service delivery and high-quality healthcare.

Michelle is based in the Ballina clinic and services the surrounding areas.

Speech Pathologist- Tweed Heads

Rachel Mackenzie (BachSpPath, CPSP)

Rachel is a Speech Pathologist from New Zealand and can be described as a friendly, reliable and empathetic therapist who is passionate about working with people to improve their quality of life. She believes in building strong relationships with her clients to support the best possible outcomes. 

Rachel graduated from Canterbury University in 2018, and has worked in a variety of therapy settings with a range of patient demographics in both Australia and New Zealand. She has worked in regional and tertiary hospitals providing acute, rehabilitation and community care for clients with communication and swallowing disorders. Rachel valued the insights gained from supporting her clients across the full spectrum of their journey.

Rachel has a special interest in swallowing and acquired communication disorders and enjoys providing holistic, goal focussed therapy. She is dedicated to supporting and advocating her clients to achieve their goals and maintain their quality of life. 

Rachel is a licensed Parkinson’s Voice Project SPEAK OUT! provider.

Rachel is based in Tweed Heads and services the surrounding areas.