Meet the Hearing Club Team

Audiologist

Maria Benke

Don’t be fooled by her youthful looks, because Maria is wise beyond her years. She considers herself an old soul and grew up in a large family. Maria’s hobbies include health and fitness, the occasional glass of wine and exploring the historic town of Castlemaine which she calls her home. Maria has a passion for people, and audiology allows her to make a difference in people’s lives by improving their access to better hearing and communications with loved ones.

Audiologist

Crystal Atkins

Crystal is originally from the Yarra Valley but is now living in Castlemaine. She enjoys getting out in nature and camping, reading multiple books at once, going to live music events, as well as watching her beloved North Melbourne in the AFL. She loves cooking and has an interest in making things from scratch such as butter. To Crystal, audiology is a way to make a difference in people’s lives every day and she enjoys getting to meet all the interesting people who walk through her door.

Senior Clinician

Ken Gilmore

Was born in Inglewood and moved to Bendigo in his late teens Ken has been serving the Bendigo hearing community for the past 20 years from our Bridge St site and our many visiting sites.

He is a passionate hearing service provider and a stronger peoples person which enables him to obtain outstanding and consistent hearing outcomes of our clients. And always service with a smile.

Audiologist

Katie Keese

Katie Keese has a Doctorate in Audiology and a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She has been working in the speech and hearing industry since 2011. Having worked in both The United States and Australia, Katie has been in many different clinical roles as well as corporate roles involving training and technical support.

Katie was drawn to Audiology because of the simple fact that you can take it anywhere in the world and help make a difference in someone’s life. Her passions lie in attending medical missions, taking road trips, and eating Mexican food.

Director

Lilian Scherer

Customer Service Specialist

Esmae Barnes

Esmae Barnes is our loud and outgoing team member – great qualities when meeting and greeting people with a hearing loss.
Esmae has been in Bendigo for 25 years and in the hearing industry for 7 years. Like Leanne, she knows the patients by name and regards them as her extended family.
She loves a challenge and enjoys the daily buzz of a busy office. Esmae is also our carrot cake queen so is very popular at morning tea time.

Customer Service Supervisor

Leanne Berry

Leanne Berry is a customer service specialist and a familiar face to all our patients in Bendigo. Leanne has been working in the clinic for over 20 years, is a Bendigo local and is extremely engaged and satisfied with what her job brings. A very light presence with a ready smile on her face, she provides a wealth of knowledge and support for newer staff members. She knows nearly every patient by name. They surely know hers too! Let’s not forget her mum’s sponge cake – that makes her even a more valuable member to the team!

Customer Service Specialist

Jackie Guillou

Jackie Guillou moved to Bendigo area 2 years ago from Melbourne suburbs and commenced work at the Clinic shortly after. She quickly immersed herself into Bendigo life by joining clubs such as Bendigo Athletic Club.

She has had over 25 years experience in customer service and administration and prides herself on being friendly and polite when dealing with patients.
She enjoys being a valued team member!

Customer Service Specialist

Kelly Townsend

Kelly Townsend is a customer service specialist and the newest member of our Woodend clinic. Kelly has lived in Woodend for the last 27 years and has a varied background in human services children’s services, retail operations and some business along the way as well. She finds the customer services industry quite rewarding and interesting and is looking forward meeting and getting to know all our patients at Woodend.

Customer Service Specialist

Severine van Dijk

Severine van Dijk, born in Maastricht – The Netherlands, has lived in Australia for 18 years. She has three beautiful daughters and enjoys living in the Macedon Ranges with its gorgeous natural surroundings and warm and supportive communities. Her background is tourism with a strong focus on customer service. She loves meeting and engaging with people and, being an empathetic person, has always felt the desire to help individuals. Working in Audiology, meeting and greeting people, and contributing to making a difference to somebody’s life has been rewarding.