Meet the Facilitators

Rebecca Leeson, Speech Pathologist

Michelle Collins, Speech Pathologist and musician

Michelle Collins, Speech Pathologist and musician

Rebecca is a speech pathologist with a Master’s degree in Human Communication. She created CUSP in 2023 alongside her co-facilitators Callum and Michelle.  Her vision was to create a service that prioritised social connection, creativity, enjoyment, and skill-building for people with acquired brain injury. Rebecca brings a calm, steady presence and has a genuine sense of care.

Michelle Collins, Speech Pathologist and musician

Michelle Collins, Speech Pathologist and musician

Michelle Collins, Speech Pathologist and musician

Michelle is wonderfully multi-talented. She is a speech pathologist, pianist, editor, and is soon to complete a Diploma in Counselling. She is one of the most empathic people you will ever meet, bringing kindness, gentleness, and warmth to the group. Michelle’s creativity spans art, music, and language, and she is known in the group for her humour and clever use of words. 

Callum Smith, Musician

Michelle Collins, Speech Pathologist and musician

Callum Smith, Musician

Callum has been working with people with acquired brain injury for many years. Callum was instrumental in the set up and development of CUSP programs.

He is a talented guitar player and enjoys collaborating with participants to create original songs and musical content. He brings warmth, humour, and creativity to every session.

About CUSP

CUSP is a community-based service providing group interventions for people with acquired brain injury (ABI). Our creative groups provide opportunities for expression, social interaction and connection through shared experience.  We prioritise fun, enjoyment and laughter as we work with individuals to achieve their goals.

Brainiacs social singing group

Brainiacs is a social music-focused group for people with ABI.  We get together for singing, song-writing, music quizzes, and most importantly, having fun! We welcome each other with kindness, openness, and patience. We respect individuality and creativity and value each other's contributions. 

Date: Next group starts April 2026

Time: 10.30am - 2.30pm

Place: Jika Jika Community Centre, Northcote.

 

Side by Side

Side by Side, is a 12-week creative project program.   Content is co-created by group members and facilitators. 

If you would like to develop your social confidence, do something a little different and be in an environment where you can be yourself, then this group is for you!  You will be supported to participate in a welcoming and fun environment.  Take a look at the project we completed in our last Side by Side group program.

https://youtu.be/GzKxVDxYPOE?feature=shared

Date of next program:  22nd January 2026

Time: 10.30am-2.30pm

Place: Jika Jika Community Centre, Northcote

Voice & Vibe

Join our music-infused communication group.


For people looking to increase the volume and strength of their voice.  This may include people experiencing reduced vocal volume due to neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, acquired brain injury, or other conditions that affect voice and communication.


Co-facilitated by speech pathologists and a musician, this group blends evidence-based voice therapy (LSVT principles) with music and singing to support functional communication.


Strengthen your voice, build confidence, connect with others, laugh, and express yourself in a supportive group environment.



Working together

Rebecca, Michelle and Callum have been working together to facilitate creative groups since 2023.


  We look forward to working with you to develop your skills, confidence and connections with others.


Rebecca and Michelle have authored two publications. 

You can read their paper on finding goal focus here. 

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2021.786445/full


You can read their paper on interventions that aim to increase social participation through recreation or leisure activity here. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2246377

Learn more

Contact Us

Creative Umbrella Speech Pathology

Email: Rebecca@cusp.social Instagram: Cuspsocial Mobile: 0435230365

Drop us a line!

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