ACCENT ASSIST - Key Persons

Katrina Smeets

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Research Committee
  • Member of Speech Pathology Australia
  • Speech & Language Pathologist
Following several years spent teaching languages both in Australia and abroad, Katrina obtained her Masters of Speech Pathology from Flinders University, Adelaide. Katrina offers her clients excellent knowledge in accent modification techniques and has provided services through The Clear Speech Clinic at The Flinder's Medical Centre. Katrina speaks Indonesian and has lived and worked in Japan. Her background in psychology, education and languages gives her the ability to tailor therapy individually to each client. As an experienced teacher, Katrina worked in a range of schools within Melbourne (Methodist Ladies College and Thomas Carr College) and regional Victoria. Katrina has extensive knowledge and experience working with ESL populations, and was employed as an ESL language teacher at Melbourne Language Centre. Katrina is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and the Institute of Language and Phonology. Katrina's dynamic and enthusiastic approach compliments her specialty skills in accent modification. Katrina looks forward to assisting you.

Tristan Nickless

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Research Committee
  • Principal Speech & Language Pathologist / Director
As one of only 3% practising male speech pathologists in Australia, Tristan offers his clients specialist knowledge in a range of communication specialties. Coupled with his international business experience, Tristan is the principal speech pathologist developing Word By Mouth Speech Pathology's corporate services - accent modification; voice care; improved business communication. Tristan is involved in a range of research and development projects for the speech pathology profession. Over a four year period, Tristan served as the National Advisor - Private Practice for Speech Pathology Australia, the peak national body representing the profession to government and other stakeholders. Tristan is currently an advisor to the University of Melbourne's new Speech Pathology course, scheduled to begin in 2011. Amongst his speech pathology knowledge, Tristan brings to our practice a range of diverse business skills. He has had extensive experience in international marketing and project management. He was employed in a National Sales & Marketing role at Robert Bosch Australia Pty Ltd & Bosch Siemens HA GmBH; has worked in a number of roles within the local government sector as a member of Senior Management and Executive Teams; and in Business Development roles in economic development & tourism. Tristan has been awarded several degrees: a Master of Speech Pathology, a Bachelor of Business Management and a Bachelor of Arts in German Business (First Class Honours). As part of his undergraduate degree, Tristan was awarded a scholarship to study at Universität Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. Tristan has written several peer reviewed journal articles and many submissions to the Federal Goverment on behalf of the speech pathology profession. Tristan understands the dynamics of the corporate sector and enjoys assisting individuals in attaining their personal and professional goals through improved communication skills. Tristan welcomes your enquiry regarding Word By Mouth Pty Ltd's services.