About Us
Maxine Harton-Hotinsky
Maxine is a speech therapist, audiologist, and qualified lactation consultant. She opened her own practice in 2021 and divides her time between two areas she is most passionate about: pediatric speech therapy and lactation consulting.
​
As a speech therapist, Maxine has training in Auditory Verbal Therapy, RAVE-O, TalkTools, and Hanen, allowing her to use evidence-based techniques to support speech, language, and auditory development. She completed her community service at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and now works in the private sector in various settings, including the Children's Communication Centre, a preschool specializing in complex communication disorders.
​
As a lactation consultant, Maxine supports families throughout their feeding journey, from antenatal education to in-hospital care and home visits. She
helps parents navigate common feeding challenges, offering practical guidance to support both mother and baby. As a mother herself, she understands the challenges new parents face and provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each family's needs, helping them feel confident and supported.
Alia Catania
Alia Catania is a dedicated speech therapist and lactation consultant with a passion for supporting neonates, children, adults, and their families in their communication and feeding journeys.
​
Graduating cum laude from Wits University as the top student both academically and clinically, Alia began her career with community service at six clinics, where she independently spearheaded their speech therapy departments. Since then, she has gained diverse experience in both the private and public sectors, including working in neonatal and maternity wards, NICUs, ICUs, private practice, a specialized center, and carrying out home visits.
​
​Alia has completed a variety of professional development courses, including those focused on peadiatric reflux and neonatal dysphagia. Her qualifications
also include specialized training in cerebral palsy from Malamulele Onward, Makaton Level 1 for signs and symbols to teach communication, and PROMPT training for speech production. Committed to lifelong learning, she strives to stay updated with the latest research to empower clients on their journeys to better communication and feeding.
Zaahidah Docrat
Zaahidah graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2021 with a Speech-Language Pathology degree. She completed her community service at Johannesburg Health District Office, serving at various community clinics across Johannesburg. This experience provided her with invaluable insights into assisting people with diverse conditions across different demographic groups. During this period, she was privileged to work within a close multidisciplinary team, which equipped her with invaluable skills in ensuring holistic management of all patients.
​
In 2023, Zaahidah completed the South African Certified Lactation Consultant (SACLC) course through the University of the Witwatersrand. During this time, she volunteered at a hospital in the Northwest, where she worked in the maternity, paediatric, and neonatal ICU wards to educate and assist mothers in establishing breastfeeding. This experience developed her skills in providing patient-centered and holistic care.​​
​With the skills and lessons she has learned over the years, Zaahidah strives to manage her clients' care within a biopsychosocial model, ensuring they are treated holistically. She is passionate about empowering mothers on their breastfeeding journey—not just for nourishment, but for nurturing a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Zaahidah is committed to supporting parents through their journey with their child. She feels blessed to be part of this team and to have the opportunity to play a role in her clients' breastfeeding journey.
Get to Know MHH Speech Therapy and Lactation Consulting
Speech Therapy:
Speech therapy services are available at our rooms in Houghton and Linksfield, as well as through home visits in surrounding areas. We provide individualized support for children and adults across a range of communication challenges, using evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s needs.
​
Lactation Consultations:
We provide personalized antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support in our Linksfield rooms or through home visits. We also offer in-hospital consultations at Busamed Modderfontein and Life Roseacres hospitals, ensuring guidance and support at every stage of the journey.
​
Our Values
At our lactation and speech therapy practice, we are committed to providing exceptional, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique needs. We prioritize a patient-centered, collaborative approach, ensuring that every therapy is both effective and grounded in the latest research. With a strong focus on empathy, compassion, and integrity, we strive to create a supportive environment that empowers our clients. Continuous professional development allows us to deliver the highest standard of care, helping individuals achieve meaningful progress in both communication and breastfeeding outcomes.