Our Mission

Our Mission is to deliver quality, accessible allied health services in the community for individuals of all ages. We also aim to work collaboratively with stakeholders and enhance community and clinical education.

Our Values

Transparency

We aim to keep the communication lines open between all stakeholders involved in a person’s care.

Out of the Box Thinking

We aim to think about what makes up a whole person.

We consider alternative supports and make appropriate referrals to other services were needed.

Integrity

We aim to uphold ethical standards and remain true to our professional practice.

Our Story

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change, reorganise and adapt to experience (Cherry, 2024). Allied health professionals play a vital role in supporting this process for people of all ages and stages of life. We are strong advocates for supporting peoples’ capacity to improve their independence and overall health and wellbeing. Allied Awakening is representative of these two concepts. Let’s help you ‘awaken’ your brain and abilities!

Our Team

Lauren Burns

Lauren

Director & Lead Speech Pathologist

BSPath(Hons)(Newcastle), MSPA CPSP

Logo for Certified Practising Speech Pathologist featuring two interconnected circles, one light blue and one dark blue, with the text to the right.
Logo of LSV Loud, a certified clinician.

Lauren is a diverse clinician with 10 years experience as a speech pathologist, and more than 15 years experience in the disability sector. She has a strong commitment to empowering clients and the teams that support them, and to providing ethical and impactful services. Her experience spans disability across the lifespan, autism, and acquired brain injuries; with a special interest in neuroscience and behavioral studies. By advocating for equitable access and ethical practices, she aims to advance both clinical professions and the well-being of people with disabilities.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, and catching up with friends for a cuppa!

Lauren has additional certifications and has completed professional development in the following areas:

  • Speech Pathology in Adult Mental Health: An introduction

  • Cervical Auscultation for Dysphagia Assessment

  • Sheppard Dysphagia Resource DDS/DMSS Certification

  • Hanen: ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ for young children with language delays

  • PEERS for Adolescents (Social Skills Program)

  • PECS Level 1

  • Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) for Parkinson’s Disease

  • Trauma Expression and Connection Assessment (TECA) Tool

Ava

Allied Health Assistant (Speech Pathology)

Cert III in Allied Health Assistance & Bachelor of Speech Pathology Student

Ava is an Allied Health Assistant with a passion for helping people feel confident in their communication. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the University of Newcastle.

She chose to study speech pathology due to her love for being part of someone’s journey and supporting them as they grow and achieve their goals. She is especially interested in working with children and supporting child speech and language development in a fun, positive, and encouraging environment. Outside of work, Ava enjoys staying active, spending time with friends, and going to the beach.