About us
We help youngsters thrive in their communication journey
Welcome to Reach for Mars
Speech Pathology
Our passion drives our commitment to making a positive impact in the community we grew up in and call home.
Our commitment to evidence-based practice and delivering high-quality services ensures that each individual receives the best care possible. We take great pride in empowering families, offering the tools and support they need to thrive in their communication journey.
OUR MISSION
Inclusivity is not just a goal
but a cornerstone of our practice
Everyone, regardless of their unique background or needs, is warmly welcomed and supported.
Our Backgrounds
A Culturally Attuned Multilingual Team
With a team proficient in multiple languages, including Arabic, Hindi, Somali, Turkish, and Urdu, and boasting years of collective experience, we are dedicated to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps to provide truly personalised and holistic care. Our team stands ready to make a meaningful impact in your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Embark on this cosmic adventure with us, as we launch into a universe of possibilities and reach for new heights together.
Our Mission
Dedicated
Create an impact with our abilities, enthusiasm, and dedicated efforts empowering children and their families with the skills they need to thrive in their world.
Growth
Foster mutual growth through coaching, support, collaboration, communication, and shared celebrations of achievements.
Education
Appreciate learning by dedicating resources to one-on-one, small group, and team training sessions that emphasise growth in clinical, professional, and personal aspects.
Positivity
We engage by seizing chances, taking initiative, and embracing a positive outlook.
Meet the Team
Kamelia Dennaoui
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Kamelia obtained her Master of Speech Pathology degree at The University of Melbourne in 2013. She is the director and founder of Reach for Mars Speech Pathology.
Kamelia works with a broad and diverse caseload of children of all ages and abilities and has an interest in working with children and adolescents with literacy difficulties, speech sound disorders, early communication and language needs. She also has a strong passion in working with the Autistic community.
Kamelia speaks Arabic and is particularly interested in children who have additional languages. She completed a research project which was published with the help of her university supervisors in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology titled: ‘The English proficiency and academic language skills of Australian bilingual children during the primary school years’ (2015). This research was also presented at the 2014 Speech Pathology Australia National Conference.
Kamelia is committed to ongoing learning and professional development not only for herself but for all the staff at Reach for Mars. She has a warm, energetic, playful and empathetic approach when working with children and their families. She strives to empower and advocate for families and ensure they are supported and included in the community.
In her free time, Kamelia enjoys being with her husband and two children, watching movies, café hopping, and immersing herself in the world of fashion and design.
Dilara Cokmez
SPEECH THERAPIST
Dilara completed her bachelor of Health Sciences (majoring in Anatomy and Physiology) and Master’s degree in Speech Pathology at La Trobe University. Dilara is a dedicated speech pathologist who enjoys working with children aged 2-12 years. Her drive and passion lies in making a positive impact on her clients’ lives and their families, which makes her career in speech pathology highly rewarding.
Dilara is proficient in both Turkish and English, which allows her to work with a diverse group of pediatric clients. She is especially interested in speech sound disorders. She has experience working with Autistic community as well as children with various conditions like Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Neurofibromatosis, hearing loss, ADHD and intellectual disability. Her career has taught her to respect people’s deep, complex and meaningful stories and appreciate the impact of positive changes and effective communication despite barriers.
Dilara loves animals, and has her very own ginger cat. When she isn’t working, she enjoys being outdoors and exploring nature. When her social battery is low, she finds comfort in being at home where she can relax on the couch with her ginger cat and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while watching true crime series.
Essraa Yassine
SPEECH THERAPIST
Essraa completed her Masters in Speech Pathology in 2017 at La Trobe University. She has worked with children aged 0 to 16 years supporting the development of their language, phonology, literacy, play and social communication skills. Essraa also brings valuable experience from working in a special school which involved supporting students with intellectual disabilities and/or other diagnoses.
Essraa is a passionate and dedicated speech pathologist with an incredible flair for making every child feel at ease and excited about their journey to better communication. With her warm and welcoming demeanour, Essraa creates a fun and nurturing environment for young children and their families.
Essraa’s areas of interest include working with the autistic community, children with developmental delays, literacy and early communication. Essraa speaks Arabic and ensures that families feel understood, valued, and fully involved in their child’s progress. As part of her commitment to continuous improvement, Essraa recently completed training in DIR Floortime, enhancing her expertise in helping children with communication and social-emotional challenges.
When she is not at work, Essraa enjoys spending her time with her husband and two beautiful girls, playing soccer and immersing herself in food and socialisation.
Naeema Abdulaziz
SPEECH THERAPIST
Naeema completed a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and a Master’s in Speech and Language Therapy Practice at the University of Auckland. During her studies at the University of Auckland, she received several scholarships including the Jane and Rebecca Hulst Scholarship and Ministry of Education Scholarship.
Naeema’s journey in speech pathology is not only professional but deeply rooted in passion. Her warmth and compassion create a safe space for clients, fostering an atmosphere of trust and encouragement. Her commitment to continuous learning ensures that she stays up-to-date with the latest research and innovative therapeutic techniques.
Naeema’s current caseload of clients is diverse and consists of individuals who present with speech, language, fluency and social communication difficulties. She also supports individuals who require augmentative alternative communication systems. With fluency in both English and Somali, she effortlessly connects with diverse communities and helps bridge language gaps.
When Naeema is not working, she enjoys going on road trips where she can explore the beauty of nature.
Rheme El-Hussein
SPEECH THERAPIST
Rheme completed a Bachelor’s degree of Health Sciences and a Masters of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University. Rheme initially worked in a school setting, providing speech pathology services to children from Foundation to year 12. Since having her two daughters, Rheme moved to private practice, where she now works closely with paediatric clients and their families.
Passionate about making a positive impact, Rheme firmly believes in the unique potential of each child. Witnessing her clients thrive and excel brings her immense contentment and fulfillment, driving her work with love and passion.
Rheme’s areas of interest include working with the Autistic community as well as children with language delays, intellectual disabilities, social emotional challenges and stuttering. Being bilingual in Arabic and English enables her to connect with and support a diverse range of clients.
In her free time, Rheme enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, engaging in community and interfaith work through volunteering at events. She is also a soccer enthusiast and a devoted fan of the Melbourne Victory football club.
Sana Mahkri
SPEECH THERAPIST
Sana is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist who completed her tertiary education at La Trobe University in 2009. She is passionate about working with children and their families to achieve the best outcomes possible.
Sana has a special interest in language delay/ disorders, speech-sound disorders, fluency (stuttering) & social skills. Over the course of her career, Sana has worked at multiple schools and private clinics across Melbourne. She also worked as a clinical supervisor offering support to students completing their speech pathology qualifications. Sana can speak Hindi & Urdu fluently.
As a mother, Sana has personal experience in dealing with children of varying ages. Sana strongly believes in continuously updating her skills & knowledge to reflect the current research and regularly seeks out professional development opportunities.
When she’s not at work, you’ll catch Sana at the soccer field, cheering her kids on with a cappuccino in her hand. If it’s not soccer season, she will probably be at the beach, watching the sunset with her loved ones.
Rukaya Taleb
SPEECH THERAPIST
Rukaya completed her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Neuroscience, at the University of Melbourne, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Children’s Development. Although initially on the path to becoming a psychologist, she discovered her true calling in speech therapy and went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology at Australian Catholic University.
With a heart dedicated to her community, Rukaya brings a sense of joy and enthusiasm to her profession, cherishing the opportunity to witness the growth and development of young minds. Rukaya has a particular interest in early childhood language and supporting children with hearing loss and she is deeply committed to empowering them to communicate effectively and confidently.
As an advocate for all children, Rukaya values the unique potential within each of her clients. Her nurturing approach and unwavering commitment create a safe and supportive space for children to flourish in their communication skills. Rukaya speaks English and Arabic, which allows her to effectively connect with diverse communities.
Beyond her professional life, Rukaya is a self-proclaimed foodie, always eager to explore diverse cuisines during her travels around the world. She finds solace in the pages of a good book, unwinding and enriching her mind during her downtime.
