Mai Pham

Director

Originally completing a Master of Accounting and Finance overseas, Mai embarked on a journey, both physically and figuratively, when she emigrated to Australia in 2011.
Her education and work background to that point had not been the traditional allied health model, but her life journey, including the presence of both Autism and Down Syndrome in her extended family, led her and her heart to the health sector - and that is where the story of First Choice Allied Health begins.

Mai’s innately positive personality and willingness to take on challenges saw her grow a small podiatry-based practice into a progressive clinic, providing the highest level of care to a diverse group of patients. Originally based in Footscray, the clinic relocated to Ascot Vale in 2023 after Mai realised her dream to create a large, custom-designed and cutting-edge clinic where Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology could work collaboratively to achieve client goals. The podiatry and massage arms of First Choice remained in Footscray, under the diligent care of Mai’s protégé, Zoe Do.Guided by the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, Mai leads an amazing team of highly trained professionals in an inclusive environment where staff, patients and their families feel at ease, and everyone can soar and reach their full potential.

Mai’s unquenchable desire to help individuals living with challenges has seen her commence a Master of OT in 2022, so that she can support clients directly to gain independence and feel part of their community.

In her spare time Mai practices Falun Gong meditation and credits this pursuit as one of the keys to her success. In true Mai-style she has managed to tie this in with her other passion of community work and currently arranges free Falun Gong meditation workshops to the community.

Melissa Monsted

Senior Speech and Language Pathologist - MSPA - CPSP / Allied Health Team Leader

Melissa is passionate about her work and helping to make functional changes to her client’s lives. She enjoys providing a fun environment and integrating sensory input to help clients get the most out of their sessions. She takes a holistic family-centred approach, and works collaboratively with caregivers, and other professionals to ensure consistent input across all environments.

Melissa completed her Masters of Speech and Language Pathology at Macquarie University. She is registered with Speech Pathology Australia and has also practiced in the UK, US, and in Singapore.

Melissa has worked extensively with children with speech, fluency, and language disorders, children with dysphagia, and fussy eaters, children with disabilities, down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder. She has also worked with adults with disabilities.

Melissa is enthusiastic about ongoing professional development. She is trained in the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) and the Get Permission Approaches to Feeding, the ReST program, the Nuffield program, and DTTC for working with children with childhood apraxia of speech, Hanen: It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words, and Talkability programs, the Lidcombe Program, she has trained as a Key Word Sign presenter, and is extensively experienced in low-tech and high-tech AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) including Proloquo2Go and PECS. Melissa holds the skills to effectively use a variety of assessment tools, including the ADOS-2 to conduct thorough assessments for autism. In situations requiring a multidisciplinary approach, the allied health team leaders can deliver comprehensive assessments.

Melissa loves cooking and travelling and spending time with her friends and family.

Chloe Vuong

Speech Pathologist - MSPA - CPSP

Chloe is a dedicated graduate Speech Pathologist committed to providing comprehensive care tailored specifically to each client’s needs. She prioritises building trusting relationships with her clients and their families to foster collaboration throughout their therapeutic journey.

Chloe completed her Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne and is a registered practitioner with Speech Pathology Australia. From her degree, she has experience in areas including early intervention, literacy, language, speech, swallowing, augmentative and alternative communication, and fluency. Chloe has experience working across the lifespan with populations from 2 to 80 years old, including individuals with autism, intellectual disability, global development delay, and the TBI community.

Chloe is a passionate lifelong learner and strives to continually upskill herself to provide the best evidence-based care to her clients.

Chloe enjoys reading, crocheting, and walks on sunny days during her spare time.

Miza Marzuki

Speech Pathologist - MSPA - CPSP

Miza is an experienced and compassionate Speech Pathologist who possesses a profound interest and passion for working with adolescents and adults. She excels in supporting clients from diverse backgrounds, particularly focusing on language and social communication, which are her main areas of expertise.

With extensive experience working with clients from various backgrounds, including those with disabilities, neurodiversity, and cultural and linguistic diversity, Miza is dedicated to delivering personalized therapy that accentuates each client’s strengths while advocating for inclusive environments that uplift and empower individuals. Grounded in her core values of client-centered care and fostering supportive therapeutic relationships, Miza approaches her work with compassion and empathy.

Committed to lifelong learning to better support her clients, Miza engages in professional development activities such as trauma-informed care training, mental health first aid training, Pearson Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III) training, and courses on neurodiverse affirming practices, Autism, and ADHD.
In her downtime, Miza finds solace in reading and sets ambitious reading challenges each year to further fuel her passion."

Jada Thai

Speech Pathologist - MSPA - CPSP

Jada is a graduate Speech Pathologist passionate about fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for clients and their families. She believes in tailoring therapy to each individual’s unique strengths and goals, promoting meaningful progress and collaboration throughout the therapeutic journey.

Jada completed her Master of Speech Pathology and is a certified practicing member of Speech Pathology Australia. During her studies, she gained experience working with individuals across the lifespan, from ages 3 to 90, in acute and subacute hospitals, primary schools, and gender-affirming voice clinics. Her clinical experience includes supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, speech sound disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and more.

In addition, Jada has worked as an early intervention therapy assistant and has expertise in areas such as language and literacy, voice, and dysphagia. She is committed to delivering evidence-based care and values ongoing professional development to ensure she provides the best outcomes for her clients.

Outside of work, Jada enjoys swimming, playing badminton, and exploring new activities with her friends.

Madeleine Swane

Speech Pathologist - MSPA - CPSP

Maddie is a dedicated and compassionate new graduate speech pathologist with experience supporting clients of all ages across a variety of practice areas, including, language, speech, early childhood intervention, swallowing and paediatric feeding.

Maddie graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology and is a certified practitioner with Speech Pathology Australia. She is committed to providing patient centred, child-led and neuroaffirming care. She takes pride in ensuring her

approach is tailored to each clients unique strengths and interests and aims to create a supportive environment for clients and their families.

Whether working with young children, adolescents, or adults, Maddie is dedicated to making a positive and meaningful impact on her clients' lives.

In her spare time Maddie enjoys cooking, catching up with friends and is an avid reader.

Dr Atefeh Taghizadeh

Senior Occupational Therapist

Dr Atefeh Taghizadeh completed her PhD in Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University, where she deepened her expertise in paediatric, evidence-based practice. Her doctoral research focused on developing a practical tool to support clinicians working with children with cerebral palsy to implement motor learning strategies within upper limb therapy. She continues to contribute to research and education as an adjunct research fellow at La Trobe University, and a casual researcher at Monash University with an ongoing commitment to enhancing clinician knowledge and empowering families. 

With over 15 years of experience as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Atefeh brings extensive knowledge, clinical skill, and passion to her role. Her professional interest lies in upper limb therapy and motor learning, where she draws on a diverse range of motor, behavioural, and cognitive approaches to support children’s development and participation. She has worked with children presenting with a wide range of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities (LD), Developmental Delays, and Cerebral Palsy, with a strong focus on promoting independence across self-care, play, education, social participation, and daily living. 

Atefeh’s therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based, child- and family-centred practice. She is dedicated to helping children and their families set meaningful goals, enhance functional capacity, and build confidence through collaborative and strengths-based intervention. Advocating for children’s rights, dignity, and opportunities for participation remains at the heart of her work. 

Beyond her professional commitments, Atefeh is passionate about exploring diverse cultures, music, fashion, and cuisine. She enjoys spending her leisure time reading, watching films, playing musical instruments, visiting museums and concerts, and attending cultural festivals. Her love of culinary exploration often leads her to experiment with new recipes and cuisines, embracing creativity both in and outside the therapy space.

Phoebe Chan

Occupational Therapist

Phoebe is an experienced and passionate paediatric occupational therapist from the Philippines, and recently received her registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Phoebe completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Santo Tomas in 2018 and has been practising in paediatrics since then. She is also certified in Developmental Play since 2019. She has already accomplished units in Master of Rehabilitation Science at the University of the Philippines-Manila. Phoebe still hopes that she will be able to contribute to the progress of paediatric practice in her hometown while living in Australia as she believes the value of occupational therapy in community and societal development is beyond geographic and cultural boundaries.

Phoebe has extensive experience working in a special education school and in a private paediatric therapy clinic in the Philippines. She has been working with children across different ages, from infancy to adolescents. She actively collaborates with families and teachers in creating individualized education plans and home instruction programs to ensure that goals and strategies are tailored to the needs of the children and their context.

Phoebe adopts a play-based approach, holistic approach, and family-centred approach. She values creating a safe space for learning and play, and at the same time, the roles, preferences, wellbeing of families in child development. 

Outside of work, Phoebe enjoys listening to music, watching films, and solo traveling.

Ivy Trinh

Occupational Therapist

Ivy is a dedicated and warm Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered occupational therapist who supports individuals across the lifespan, from children as young as five to adults up to 65 years old. She is passionate about helping individuals develop essential life skills through play-based and functional interventions tailored to their unique needs.

Ivy completed her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University in 2022 and has since gained experience working in homes, schools, and community settings. She has supported children in developing independence in daily routines, emotional regulation, handwriting, fine motor coordination, and executive functioning skills. She also works with adults to build self-care skills, household management, organisation, and community participation. 

Ivy takes a strengths-based, person-centred approach, making therapy engaging and meaningful for each individual. She collaborates closely with families, educators, caregivers, and other professionals to create individualised strategies that promote confidence and independence in everyday activities. 

Outside of work, Ivy enjoys listening to music, watching TV shows, travelling, and going on walks.

Cherry Maghanoy

Occupational Therapist

Cherry is a dedicated and versatile occupational therapist from the Philippines, registered as a non-practicing therapist with Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) and a practitioner under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Cherry completed her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at Davao Doctors College in the Philippines in 2019. Since then, she has gained experience in both paediatric and adult settings, including private clinics and a government hospital’s rehabilitation department. Her tenure at the government hospital provided invaluable experience in managing diverse caseloads and providing OT services to individuals from all walks of life.

She believes that every person with a disability deserves to receive the best possible care, regardless of socioeconomic background. This belief has guided her in helping adults, especially those affected by stroke, regain independence in daily activities and supporting children in achieving developmental milestones.

Outside work, Cherry enjoys occasional hiking, sightseeing, watching movies or series, and reading.

Richard Zhang

Psychology Team Leader

Richard is endorsed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to hold full registration as a psychologist and a board-approved supervisor. He has extensive experience as a psychologist within a multi-disciplinary team, providing high-level psychology support services to school-age students covering primary, secondary and special schools. 

He completed a Master’s degree in Educational and Developmental Psychology at The University of Melbourne and is currently undertaking a registrar program for endorsement. He also had experience in a clinical and forensic setting where he provided individual and group therapy to clients with clinically diagnosable and often additional psychological issues, including adjustment and transition difficulties and family, social and relationship issues. 

Over the past years, Richard worked in the trauma and NDIS space, providing assessment, treatment, consultation, and professional reports. He is particularly interested in working with a diverse range of children and young people on equally diverse subjects. Richard has significant experience in providing support, counseling and advocacy to children and young adults in extreme circumstances and worked closely with those involved in their care.  Richard holds the skill to effectively use a suite of assessment tools, such as the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS to conduct thorough evaluations for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. In situations requiring a multidisciplinary approach, the allied health team leaders can deliver comprehensive assessments.

Richard uses an eclectic approach blended with a trauma-informed lens. His Master’s degree also gave him a strong background in providing educational, psychological, and neurodevelopmental assessments. Richard enjoys rock climbing, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends in his spare time.

Melanie Chan

Senior Psychologist

Melanie is a registered psychologist who has dedicated herself for the past five years to empowering clients of all ages to navigate the challenges that life sends their way. Knowing that the therapeutic relationship is the engine that propels the journey towards healing and growth, Melanie works diligently with each client to forge bonds of trust and empathy.

Having worked extensively with children on the autism spectrum. Melanie also recognises the value of incorporating each child's interests, hobbies, and preferences into the makeup of their sessions. This can be a powerful way to open lines of communication and, by extension, to therapeutic collaboration with young clients. In the interest of preserving this therapeutic collaboration, Melanie skilfully wields the principles of positive behaviour support to address challenging behaviours.

When working with adult clients suffering from anxiety and depression, Melanie places a special emphasis on creating an environment for these clients in which they can trust that they are being listened to in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental way. Melanie uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support her clients according to their individual needs and therapeutic goals.

Anh Vu

Administrator

Anh is currently completing her Bachelor of Design, where she’s honing her eye for detail, creativity, and problem-solving—skills that naturally carry over into her administrative work. With a strong sense of organisation and visual thinking, Anh brings creative ideas to efficiently complete everyday tasks, such as organising a variety of materials.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Uyen Truong

Administrator

Uyen is currently pursuing a Master’s in Translating and Interpreting at RMIT University. With over two years of experience in healthcare administration and customer services, she specialises in navigating high-pressure clinical environments and facilitating effective intercultural communication. She is deeply committed to ensuring that language and communication barriers are minimised to help clients achieve their health goals.

Uyen leverages her exceptional time management and adaptability to streamline clinic workflows and support our diverse community. By balancing technical proficiency with a collaborative spirit, she ensures a smooth experience for our therapist and a supportive environment for our clients.

When she isn't at the front desk, Uyen is likely cooking for loved ones, on the pickleball court or lifting weights, or channelling her creativity into making accessories.

Isabella Dunstan

Receptionist

Bella is currently completing a Bachelor of Psychology whilst minoring in Marketing at Australian Catholic University, where she is developing an understanding of human behaviour, cognitive processes, and the factors that shape how people think and feel. Her passion for learning about people naturally complements her administrative work, supporting her ability to communicate effectively, stay organised, and approach tasks with curiosity and attention to detail.

With a strong sense of organisation and a thoughtful, people-focused mindset, Bella brings efficiency, clarity, and initiative to everyday tasks, whether she’s coordinating information, managing schedules, or supporting team operations.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, working out, and spending quality moments with her loved ones.