Meet the Team
Little Lions was established for the purpose of empowering kids and equipping parents.
With extensive experience and a wide range of qualifications, the Little Lions team is here to help you and your child.
Founders & Leadership Team
Nathan Keehan
CEO & Managing Director
Nathan holds a Bachelor of Business, with majors in Management and Marketing, and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from UWA.
His experience spans startups through to listed companies, government at all levels, and not-for profit organisations — locally and globally.
He founded Little Lions with his wife Kerry, and sister-in-law Suzie, to make a positive impact in families and the community at-large, by empowering kids and equipping parents.
Nathan & Kerry are the proud parents of their own little lions; Joel, Lara and Hudson.
Kerry Keehan
Director & Speech Pathologist
Kerry holds a Bachelor of Human Communication Science (Speech Pathology) from Curtin University.
She has extensive experience working with children from pre-school to school age through the Language Development Centre, particularly children diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder.
She has developed years of experience providing specialised early direct intervention for students in the areas of speech, language and literacy difficulties.
Kerry is PROMPT trained, Sounds Write trained, and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Most importantly, Kerry is the mother of three young children who provide energy, entertainment, and expert opinion for continually improving Little Lions for all families!
Suzie Pickering
Director & Speech Pathologist
Suzie holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Edith Cowan University.
She has clinical experience working in a range of Speech Pathology settings including public and private schools, the Language Development Centre, and private practice. Working in multiple settings has allowed Suzie to grow her clinical skills and work with a range of professionals, including principals, teachers, and psychologists.
She currently works with a variety of disorders and presentations, including children with Developmental Language Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, stuttering, speech delay, literacy difficulties and social skill difficulties.
Suzie is PROMPT trained, Hanen trained, and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Therapists at Little Lions
Elmarie Kilian
Speech Pathologist
Elmarie holds a Bachelor of Communication Pathology from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, training as a speech pathologist and audiologist.
She has 25-years’ experience and has worked internationally in South Africa, in the United Kingdom and now in Perth. Shehas a passion for the children she works with.
Her particular interest is early intervention in children under 3 and in treating children of all ages with complex structural and muscles-based disorders that impacts their speech and feeding, for example:
late talkers
apraxia of speech and other speech delays and disorders
dysarthria
cerebral palsy and other neurological impairments
children with low muscle tone
children with genetic syndromes for example Down’s syndrome and Prader Willi syndrome
tongue tie and tongue thrust
dysphagia
sensory feeding disorders, including ARFID
Elmarie is trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT, Oral Placement Therapy by TalkTools – Level 3, sensory-tactile approach to teaching speech in Apraxia, post graduate dysphagia, SOS approach to feeding, and is a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Jessica Cook
Speech Pathologist
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) from Curtin University.
She has clinical experience working with children in a range of settings including the Language Development Centre, private practice and within a private school. This has provided Jessica with a range of experience in providing evidence-based services in the areas of speech, language, feeding and literacy.
Jessica believes in providing holistic services and in the importance of family involvement to promote better communication outcomes across all settings. She is dedicated to professional development and providing evidence-based services to all her clients.
Jessica is PROMPT trained and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Catherine Simpson
Speech Pathologist
Catherine holds a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from The University of British Columbia as well as the College of Speech and Hearing Professional of British Columbia. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics with a certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TEOSL).
Catherine has 25 years of experience and has worked internationally including Canada, United Arab Emirates, USA, and Japan. For the past 11 years Catherine has been a clinical educator for Edith Cowan University and continues to mentor Speech Pathology students. She is a Dyslexia- SPELD Foundation (DSF) tutor for literacy disorders and an Orofacial Myology therapist (including Tongue Thrust).
Catherine has had extensive clinical experience working with children and adults in a range of settings, including private practice, primary schools, high schools, and hospitals. This has provided Catherine with a range of experience in early language, school aged language, literacy, voice, feeding, speech and disability.
Catherine is Sounds Write trained, PROMPT trained, Hanen trained, and is a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Mitthi Harshal
Speech Pathologist
Mitthi holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from The University of Newcastle, and completed postgraduate studies in Neurological Rehabilitation at Edith Cowan University.
With over 15 years of experience working with children, Mitthi is comfortable dealing with a range of communication and feeding difficulties including language disorders, specific learning disorders, speech sound disorders, stuttering as well as dysphagia management.
Mitthi has experience in special needs education settings and community-based roles within the disabilities sector, working with toddlers to young adults. This has included working at public and private schools, Language Development Centres and private practice.
Mitthi is trained in the Sounds Write literacy program, Talk for Writing and Colourful Semantics. She is also Lidcombe (Stutter management) and PROMPT trained. Mitthi is a member of Speech Pathology Australia, Developmental Disorders of Language and Literacy Network and Dysphagia Special Interest Group.
Vanessa Christou
Speech Pathologist & Audiologist
Vanessa is a highly dedicated and experienced Clinical Audiologist with a unique background in both Audiology and Speech Pathology. She holds a Master's degree in Clinical Audiology from the University of Western Australia and a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours from Edith Cowan University. This dual expertise gives her a comprehensive understanding of human communication and allows her to provide truly holistic care.
With experience in various roles in private practice and government in both Speech Pathology and Audiology, Vanessa is adept at performing audiological assessments and Speech Pathology assessment/therapy for children of all ages. She is passionate about delivering exceptional client care and is highly skilled at making complex information easy to understand.
Beyond her clinical work, Vanessa has a strong background in research. She has contributed to various research projects and has a passion for integrating the latest findings into her practice to ensure the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Vanessa is also trained in Hanen It takes two to talk, PECS and soon to be Sounds-Write Trained in Sep 2025. She has a strong passion in working with children of all ages in both fields. Vanessa has a particular interest in working with children who have literacy, language, articulation disorders, as well as children with a hearing impairment.
Outi Vilko
Occupational Therapist
Outi is a registered Occupational Therapist and has completed post-graduate degrees in Rehabilitation and Continence Management.
She has 15 years of experience working in public and private settings including disability services, special needs education settings and hospitals. Outi is experienced in providing assessments and interventions for children facing a variety of developmental challenges, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, ADHD, Sensory Processing issues, and emotional difficulties.
For the past decade, Outi has gained extensive experience and knowledge in continence issues, behavioral challenges, and sensory difficulties. She is passionate about empowering children and their families to achieve their goals with a holistic approach. Outi aims to create an engaging and enjoyable therapy environment while closely collaborating with caregivers, families, and educators to develop strategies that supports child’s development.
Outi is a member of Occupational Therapy Australia and The Continence Foundation of Australia.
Shrusti Shah
Occupational Therapist
Shrusti holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours from Curtin University.
She has experience providing therapy across a range of settings, including homes, schools, clinics, and community environments, supporting individuals with diverse needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, global developmental delay, ADHD, intellectual disability, and psychosocial challenges.
Shrusti is passionate about empowering individuals to build independence and confidence in their daily lives. She enjoys working closely with families and support teams to deliver therapy that is creative, goal-oriented, strengths-based, and meaningful to each person’s unique journey.
Olivia Strong
Speech Pathologist
Olivia holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Edith Cowan University.
She has clinical experience working with pre-school to school-aged children in a variety of settings, including private practice and schools. Olivia has a particular interest in early language and speech sound delays.
She is passionate about supporting parents and families to achieve their child's goals in a fun and positive manner.
Olivia is a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Sophie Cormack
Speech Pathologist
Sophie holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Edith Cowan University.
She has clinical experience working with pre-school to school-aged children in a range of settings including private practise, public schools, and language development centres. Sophie has a particular interest in speech delays, Developmental Language Disorder and literacy.
Sophie is passionate about helping children develop their speech and language and seeing them thrive and achieve their goals.
Sophie is Sounds Write trained, and a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Vivega Magendren
Speech Pathologist
Vivega holds a Master's degree in Speech Pathology from Curtin University.
Vivega has clinical experience in providing assessment and intervention services to pre-school and school-aged children across the areas of speech, fluency, language and literacy. She has experience practicing in a range of settings including private practice, public schools, special needs education settings and within the disability sector. This has allowed her to work with various professionals including principals, teachers and other allied health practitioners.
Vivega enjoys working with children and prioritises incorporating children’s interests and strengths in sessions to ensure therapy is both fun and effective. She is keen to professionally develop her skills and deliver evidence-based services that promote successful outcomes and provide a positive impact.
Vivega is a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Ella Campbell
Occupational Therapist
Ella holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Edith Cowan University.
She has clinical experience working with pre-school to school aged children across a range of settings, including private practice, schools and community-based disability services.
Ella is passionate about supporting children and their families to achieve their goals through fun, functional and family-focused therapy.
Kathryne (Kat) Eaton
Speech Pathologist
Kat holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Edith Cowan University.
She is passionate about building strong connections with her clients and incorporating each child’s individual interests into sessions. Kat has a particular interest in disability and early intervention for language and speech delays. She has clinical experience across community, school, and private practice settings, and has worked closely with occupational therapists, teachers, and other professionals to provide holistic support.
Kat uses a family-centred approach and enjoys working alongside families every step of the way to select meaningful goals and celebrate progress together.
Kat is a member of Speech Pathology Australia.
Justine Paul
Therapy Assistant
Justine is soon to be a qualified Speech Pathologist. While finishing up her studies, she loves helping families on their therapy journey.
She is passionate about helping children meet their goals in an encouraging environment, using what she has learned through her role as a Therapy Assistant.
Tara Smith
Administration Lead
Tara has extensive experience in Administration, having worked in the medical field for over 12 years, as well as in daycare centres and at an Orthopaedic Hospital in South Africa.
Her passions include camping and the outdoors, photography, and family get togethers.
Tara is in her happy place when welcoming and interacting with children and parents, and looks forward to making your experience at Little Lions as enjoyable as possible!
Jess Sarif
Administration
Jess holds a Certificate III in Medical Administration and brings a strong background in customer service. She has previously worked with Synergy and Western Power, gaining valuable experience in high-paced, client-focused environments.
Jess is passionate about supporting young families and has over five years of volunteer experience working with children. As a parent herself, she brings both personal insight and genuine care to her work.
Karen Casupanan
Administration
Karen completed a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Tarlac State University, Philippines. She holds a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) and has also taken a course in Early Childhood Education at West Coast Institute making her a Qualified Educator.
She worked as a writer for ASEAN Journals in Thailand before working as an Administrative Officer in a marine company in United Arab Emirates. She was an early childhood educator/room leader at the University of Western Australia Early Learning Centre prior to joining Little Lions.
Karen enjoys working with children and is very passionate about supporting you and your child on the therapy journey with Little Lions.
Mel Pickering
Administration
Mel is the proud mother of Kerry and Suzie, and besotted Lola (Filipino for ‘Grandmother’) to Nathan & Kerry’s children.
With a passion for administration and extensive experience in helping parents and children, Mel looks forward to welcoming you to the clinic and helping to make your experience with Little Lions the best it possibly can be.
Join the Little Lions Team
Join a growing team committed to empowering kids and equipping parents, and having a whole lot of fun along the way!
We are always open to talking with speech pathologists and other allied health professionals (no matter your level of experience), administration professionals, and university students — and invite you to send your CV to info@littlelions.com.au.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Book an appointment for your child to see a therapist now!
