Decades of expertise to support your audiology business
Thank you to our Guest Speakers at our 2025 Seminar in Melbourne
Brent is the Director of the National Acoustic Laboratories where he leads research and innovation initiatives that focus on transforming hearing healthcare. For over twenty years he headed research at major hearing aid companies (GN ReSound, Starkey) and at Silicon Valley startups that have developed innovative technologies and clinical tools used worldwide. He is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, a Fellow and current President of the International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology (ICRA) and an Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University.
Christopher Brew, Training Manager ANZ, GN Hearing
Chris commenced his clinical career at Hearing Australia before moving into research at the National Acoustic Laboratories, where he worked on researching speech in noise algorithms and perception, and cochlear dead regions. After a few years, he went out to start his own clinical practice, building it up before selling it to a large chain and joining them as their first Head of Audiology. That role included establishing clinical protocols, government compliance, sales, and counselling training. He then transitioned into Clinical Operations Manager of a team of seventy clinicians across Australia before moving on to a Business Development role. Spending significant time away from family forced another change in direction with Chris going back to clinical work close to home. Within the first year, he doubled the profitability of the clinic. After nine years at that location, an opportunity to work at GN Hearing was too good to refuse. As Training Manager for ANZ, he is responsible for GN Hearing Australia’s training programs and is proud to lead its amazing team of Product Specialists.
Dr Cliff is an Audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, Arizona, and an adjunct lecturer for the Department of Speech & Hearing Science at his alma mater. He served two tours of duty in Iraq and, after leaving the Marine Corps in 2006, started a medical massage therapy clinic where he worked while earning his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. In 2017, he opened Applied Hearing Solutions. Around the same time, he started his YouTube channel, Doctor Cliff, AuD, to educate consumers on their hearing loss treatment options and the importance of Hearing Aid Best Practices. His goal is to ensure that everyone with hearing loss has access to high-quality information so they can make better informed decisions about their hearing healthcare. He is internationally recognized as Dr. Cliff AuD, and his popular YouTube channel has over 1,000 videos about hearing loss and hearing treatment.
Yoav is a former Osteopath who transitioned from clinical practice to the fast-paced world of HealthTech startups. Driven by a deep passion for positively impacting patient care, he initially pursued Osteopathy to help people live healthier lives. Over time, he discovered an even greater passion for technology's potential to transform healthcare, leading him to pivot from hands-on care to innovative tech solutions. Now part of the Heidi Health team, Yoav is dedicated to supporting clinicians by providing AI-powered tools that streamline workflows and enhance patient care. Having experienced the challenges of clinical practice firsthand, Yoav is passionate about bringing the kind of solutions to healthcare professionals that he wishes had existed when he was in practice
Rebecca is a qualified audiologist with over twenty years’ experience, and finished her Masters of Audiology at Melbourne University in 2003. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including the public and private sectors, as well as wholesale and manufacturing. Rebecca’s areas of interest include aural rehabilitation, neural plasticity, and hearing aids. She has been a guest lecturer at numerous universities around Australia, particularly lecturing on Auditory Neural Plasticity and matching hearing aid technology to client needs. She has been with Bernafon Australia for fourteen years in a variety of roles, and five years ago became the Head of Audiology.
Chris Carlile
Assistant Secretary
Hearing Services Branch
Dept of Health & Aged Care
Since joining the Commonwealth Department of Health in 2012, Chris has led several portfolio responsibilities including Primary Healthcare Policy, Medicare Benefits and Portfolio Strategy. He is currently responsible for the Hearing Services Program and managing funded measures under the Roadmap for Hearing Health. Chris previously served as a Senior Advisor in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and also led several programs of work in what is now the Department of Social Services. Before joining the public service, Chris was Director of a torture and trauma rehabilitation service for humanitarian entrants. His long-term interest in overseas aid and development saw him working in Philippines and Bougainville for four years. His voluntary work includes over ten years’ service on the National Council for Caritas Australia and then on the National Advisory Council for Australian Catholic Earthcare. He is currently a voluntary State and Territory Coordinator for ANCOP Australia, a small non-profit overseas aid and development organisation working in the Philippines and Oceania. Formal studies include Bachelor of Theology, Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Master of Science in Guidance and Counselling, Master of Arts in Human Service Management and a Master of Arts in Social Policy and Social Planning.
Gabriela Luksza
Director
Hearing Policy and Compliancy, HSP
As Director of Hearing Policy Compliancy, Gabby is responsible for hearing health policy engagement and the Hearing Services Program (HSP) policy and projects. She oversees activities under the HSP compliance and e-monitoring framework, as well as HSP data analysis. Gabby commenced work at the (then) Department of Health and Ageing in 2011. During this time she also worked at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in 2019 and 2020. She has a broad range of experience in health policy and program roles, which include management of a telehealth pilot program, Indigenous health funding model policy; GP training program, the DVA Veterans’ Home Care program, antimicrobial resistance policy and the vaccine role-out in the Covid-19 taskforce. Prior to joining the Public Service, she was a private practice Podiatrist, specialising in sport medicine and paediatric care. Her work included multiple voluntary aid trips to Vietnam with a surgical team, diagnosing, treating and education on paediatric lower leg conditions.
Rob Aked
Director
Hearing Voucher Operations, HSP
Rob joined the Commonwealth Department of Health in 2010, and has led work on issues ranging from how the Australian Public Service uses data to respond to a crisis, developing a strategic policy environment for the Department of Health, and centralising and consolidating key data and reporting activities across all agencies involved in the initial response to Covid-19. He is currently responsible for the management of the Hearing Services Voucher Operations Program and developing the IT Portal to support the Program. Rob has been a public servant since 1989. Prior to joining Health, his service was predominantly as an aviation policy advisor focussing on aviation safety, aircraft noise and airport operations. He led key elements of the policy and legislative response to the Lockhart River disaster and led the research, development and implementation of the national aviation alcohol and other drugs policy following the 2002 Hamilton island crash. Rob also contributed to a paper exploring new ways to describe and assess aircraft noise in 2000 as part of a broader response to understand and addressing aircraft noise issues around major airports. Rob holds a Bachelor of Science degree from ANU.
Anthony Cordi
Commercial Director
Sonova
Anthony is an audiologist and the Commercial Director of Sonova. His career in audiology commenced in 2004 when he was employed by the federal government to provide hearing services in far North Queensland. His work included adult and paediatric assessment and rehabilitation, as well as providing services to remote indigenous populations. Following this, he worked in Adult Rehabilitation for a number of years before entering into training and development roles within Audiology. Since 2010, Anthony has worked in management roles within Audiology. For the past six years he has worked with Sonova Australia, holding roles across Phonak and Unitron. He is a member of Audiology Australia, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Sydney University in Hearing and Speech Science, a Master’s of Clinical Audiology from Macquarie University, an MBA from the University of South Australia, and is a full member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Shane joined Employment Innovations (EI) in 2008 as a Human Resources consultant in a sliding doors moment, and one for which he is forever grateful for taking the path. From 2016 to 2024 he was entrusted to run EI as CEO. In that time EI built an amazing business, delivering HR and payroll services around Employment Hero - a product borne out of EI in Shane’s earlier years. In April 2024, he shared the exciting news that Employment Hero had acquired EI to help accelerate its global strategy, and Shane integrated into the role of GM, Services.
Judy joined Starkey as an audiologist in 2010 and has worked both in the US and Australia. During her time at Starkey, she has worked on the US regional education and training team, managed education and audiology at Starkey Australia, and is now the Regional Director of Education and Audiology for Asia Pacific. She is responsible for aligning Starkey’s global education and training strategies in the APAC region. Before joining the Starkey team, Judy was director of the audiology department at a large Ear Nose and Throat practice in Washington DC. Prior to her thirteen years of experience at Starkey, she had over fifteen years of experience in the clinical setting, including hearing aid fittings, comprehensive diagnostic testing on adult and paediatric patients, vestibular testing, evoked potentials, and otoacoustic emissions testing. Judy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, and a Master’s degree in Audiology from Kent State University, and a Doctorate in Audiology from the Arizona School of Health Sciences.
Geraldine is the Sales Director for Widex Australia and New Zealand, leading a dynamic team across both countries. A Melbourne University graduate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Audiology, she brings over twenty years of experience to her role. As Sales Director, she leads a team of account and product managers and works closely with customers, partners, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service, support, and value. She is passionate about developing and executing strategic plans, marketing campaigns, and training programs that drive growth, awareness and loyalty for their products and brand. Geraldine also enjoys staying updated on the latest trends and developments in hearing technology and sharing her knowledge and expertise with the audiology community. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence have made her a respected figure in the hearing care industry.
Daniel Fechner
Director and Audiometrist
Daniel is an audiometrist, and the founder and Director of his independent practice, Ear Studio. He is a dedicated hearing care professional with over twenty-two years’ experience spanning independent and vertically integrated clinics as well as hearing aid and implant manufacturers. He trained in Germany, and after years in the corporate hearing industry, joined a social project for hearing impaired children in Peru. Since 2015, he is now based in Australia. Daniel combines his technical expertise with a deep commitment to improving clinical outcomes for individuals with hearing impairment. As a business owner of six years, he is passionate about helping other clinics enhance their operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and client care standards. While running his own hearing care clinic in Castle Hill in Sydney, he also offers consulting services to hearing care clinics nationwide and helps them with the implementation of technical solutions to their challenges.
Sharna serves as Signia’s Sales Director for Australia and New Zealand, bringing sixteen years of audiology expertise to the role. Her career reflects a strong commitment to improving client outcomes, and empowering teams. Sharna holds a Master of Clinical Audiology from Macquarie University, and she is an Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologist. Prior to her current role as Sales Director, Sharna worked as Signia's Business Unit Manager for NSW, ACT and SA, where she excelled in building strong partnerships and developing an in-depth knowledge of Signia products, playing a key role in supporting clinicians and businesses to achieve best client outcomes using Signia products. With a solid foundation in leadership, clinical expertise, and business development, she is dedicated to driving innovation and supporting the success of independent audiology practices.
Sheena is the Marketing Manager for WS Audiology in Australia and New Zealand. She is an accomplished marketing leader with over twenty-five years of experience driving growth and engagement through innovative marketing strategies across various diverse sectors, including technology, financial services, FMCG, manufacturing, and retail. She specialises in developing and executing marketing strategies that build strong brands, drive growth and elevate customer experiences. With a passion for delivering impactful marketing solutions, she is committed to keeping brands ahead in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.
Katie Bryan
Founder & CEO
Katie is a Chartered Accountant, award-winning business advisor, and founder of Propeller Advisory, a firm dedicated to helping audiologists take control of their business finances. With over eight years’ experience running a thriving advisory practice, she has worked closely with countless audiology business owners, equipping them with financial tools and strategies to boost profitability, streamline financial processes, and create long-term sustainability. Katie understands the challenges of running an audiology clinic - balancing patient care with rising costs, navigating complex pricing structures, and ensuring consistent cash flow. Too often, audiologists feel like they’re working harder but not seeing the financial results they deserve. She helps turn that around by simplifying financial management, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring that profitability isn’t just an afterthought - it’s built into the business model. As a mother, business owner, and mentor to ambitious entrepreneurs, Katie is passionate about designing businesses that provide both financial freedom and flexibility. She’s built a career on making complex financial concepts accessible, engaging and, dare we say, enjoyable.
Wesley Ong
Audiologist & Owner
Wesley has worked as a clinical audiologist at some of Queensland’s busiest clinics, and helped thousands of clients from the Gold Coast to North Queensland hear better. He has a particularly strong interest in hearing aid technology, enabling him to select and customise the most appropriate devices to suit the range of clients he engages with on a daily basis. As the National Business Development Manager for one of Australia’s largest audiological equipment suppliers and hearing aid manufacturers, he was responsible for training audiologists and audiometrists from across the country in various clinical procedures and hearing aid technology. He has also filled a national clinical training role for one of Australia’s largest hearing clinics, and been a guest lecturer at several universities. Wesley is also both a full member and a board member of EARS Inc., an Australian, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of deafness and increasing access to hearing care through the training and equipping of health workers and teachers in developing countries.
Paul started his career as a business analyst in New Zealand and since then, for the past twenty-three years, has led commercial teams across various medical industries throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Throughout his entire career, Paul has worked with organisations focused on strengthening B2B customer partnerships via solutions-based sales methodologies, ultimately designed to improve customer outcomes via partnerships that strengthen both businesses.
Wesley Ong
Audiologist & Owner
Wesley has worked as a clinical audiologist at some of Queensland’s busiest clinics, and helped thousands of clients from the Gold Coast to North Queensland hear better. He has a particularly strong interest in hearing aid technology, enabling him to select and customise the most appropriate devices to suit the range of clients he engages with on a daily basis. As the National Business Development Manager for one of Australia’s largest audiological equipment suppliers and hearing aid manufacturers, he was responsible for training audiologists and audiometrists from across the country in various clinical procedures and hearing aid technology. He has also filled a national clinical training role for one of Australia’s largest hearing clinics, and been a guest lecturer at several universities. Wesley is also both a full member and a board member of EARS Inc., an Australian, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of deafness and increasing access to hearing care through the training and equipping of health workers and teachers in developing countries.
Paul started his career as a business analyst in New Zealand, and since then for the past twenty-three years has led commercial teams across various medical industries throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Throughout his entire career, Paul has worked with organisations focused on strengthening B2B customer partnerships via solutions-based sales methodologies, ultimately designed to improve customer outcomes via partnerships that strengthen both businesses.
Anders Damkjaer Nielsen
Product Manager
Anders is the Product Manager at HIMSA, the company behind Noah, the Noahlink and the Noahlink Wireless. As a company, HIMSA works tirelessly to unify the hearing healthcare industry, creating data standards and supporting hearing care solutions integration into the greater whole. After spending a few years in the trenches of support, Anders took on the responsibilities of design and innovation of HIMSA products, with a focus on Noah ES. He acts as the Danish office’s contact point for companies seeking integration.
Anders Damkjaer Nielsen
Product Manager
Anders is the Product Manager at HIMSA, the company behind Noah, the Noahlink and the Noahlink Wireless. As a company, HIMSA works tirelessly to unify the hearing healthcare industry, creating data standards and supporting hearing care solutions integration into the greater whole. After spending a few years in the trenches of support, Anders took on the responsibilities of design and innovation of HIMSA products, with a focus on Noah ES. He acts as the Danish office’s contact point for companies seeking integration.
Glen is the founder and Director of Otowave, and a HIMSA-certified support engineer with twenty-seven years of experience at the intersection of IT and audiology. Having managed IT support for Australia's largest audiology business, Glen's dedication to personalised and reliable service inspired the creation of Otowave, which is committed to delivering customized IT solutions that align with the unique needs of audiology practices across Australia and New Zealand.
Kon is Senior Service Manager ANZ & China for Natus. He has over thirty-three years in the audiology industry and has been with Natus for seventeen years. Kon leads a skilled team of field service engineers who calibrate, service and repair audiology and balance equipment for customers across Australia, New Zealand and China.