Nicole is passionate about the assessment and identification of cognitive and executive functioning difficulties.

These challenges can significantly impact how a child presents in their world, and early identification is crucial to learning and growth. This includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, development delay and working memory difficulties in children.

Nicole will guide you and your child through the assessment process and provide support for the path forward.

• PhD scholarship (Caring for Carers) focused on research and development of an assessment tool to support those caring for people with additional needs.
• Presenter for the Pearson Academy, Australia’s leading provider of professional development for the education and health industry.
• The first Cogmed Qualified Practice in Victoria, second Australia-wide.
• Research on the impact of pregnancy on memory skills.
• Work within a multi-disciplinary Autism Assessment Team under the guidance of Dr Richard Eisenmajer, Gateway Support Services.
• Support for Preschool children with developmental delays, Specialist Children’s Services.
• Work as a Clinician within the Behaviour Intervention Support Team, Disability Services [DHS].
• Regional Coordinator (Barwon South Western region of Victoria) for the Program for Students with Disabilities, Lewis & Lewis Psychological Consultancy.

“My brother was diagnosed with an intellectual disability as a young child. His diagnosis felt like an insurmountable problem to my parents, and I can vividly recall the sense of hopelessness that overcame my family.

My parents knew that something was different for him but didn’t fully understand what was happening. Instead, they felt confused and overwhelmed until the picture became clearer many years later.

This path is similar for many of the families we meet. They know their child is facing challenges but are unsure what, why or what to do next.

Access to information and social attitudes toward children with a disability have, thankfully, shifted over time. Yet, despite this, many families carry an inheritance of fear and misunderstanding when they walk through my door.

My role is to help families understand what is happening and learn how they can best support their child into the future.”

Nicolette has a specific interest in educational and developmental psychology and strives to help children and adolescents grow and learn to their full potential.

She uses evidence-based techniques and assessments to address a variety of presenting concerns, including anxiety, learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, and social challenges.

Nicolette frequently works with students who present with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorder (including ‘Dyslexia’) and Intellectual Disability (ID), and is trained to assess for each of these diagnoses.

She can perform a range of standardised tests, including cognitive assessments, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fifth Edition, WISC-V and Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments (including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition, ADOS-2).

• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
• Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)
• Casual Research Assistant at Deakin University
• ADOS-2 trained

“I first worked with young children as a volunteer in a local, not-for-profit community organisation. During this time, I met many individuals and families affected by disability. Hearing their stories and learning of their struggles, I felt compelled to dedicate my career to understanding the impact of disability and advocating to help those affected to live fulfilling lives.”

Amanda is particularly interested in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the role of the whole family in a child’s therapy and wellbeing.

She uses and teaches evidence-based techniques to recognise and regulate emotions, and can help with a wide range of behaviours that create challenges at home and at school.

With a focus on support, information, and strategies that create positive outcomes for young people and their families, Amanda works to create a safe therapeutic environment where children and adults can feel understood and empowered.

As well as her bachelor of psychological science, Amanda holds a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of laws. She has worked in law, legal publishing, copywriting, and as a full time mum.

While studying her psychology degree, Amanda volunteered as an independent person at YRIPP, attending police interviews with young people when a parent or guardian was not available, providing support, monitoring their welfare and ultimately reducing the risk of future offending. This has helped her develop strong skills in advocacy, active listening and cross-cultural communication.

“A later-in-life ASD diagnosis combined with a life-long interest in mental health led me to enrol in a psychology degree at a time of my life when most people are reaching the peak of their careers. It has without a doubt been the best decision of my life, and I am excited to use my skills, experiences and accumulated wisdom to offer the kind of support that wasn’t so readily available when I was young.”

Nicole prides herself on providing evidence-based practice intervention to celebrate unique strengths and challenges for each client. Nicole is a skilled in educational and diagnostic assessments for children in pre school and young adults.

Provisional Psychologist at Mackillop Education providing evidence-based intervention for primary and secondary school students, as well as supporting educators with insight into the presentation of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Counsellor at Wyndham City Council and Hobsons Bay City Council, providing primary intervention to young people within the community.

“Throughout my life, I have always had a strong desire to help others, both in my personal and professional life. This drive led me to explore various helping professions, until I found my true passion in psychology. What drew me to psychology was the opportunity to provide life-improving skills and education to children and adolescents. I believe that by giving children the opportunity to learn these skills early in life, they can avoid unnecessary struggles and setbacks later on.

My own experiences as a young person inspired me to pursue this path. I remember feeling like I didn’t have the personal resources I needed during difficult times, and I don't want any child or teen to have to feel that way. I want to make a difference in the lives of children and families, by helping them develop the tools and understanding they need to overcome challenges and thrive.”

Lilly is passionate about supporting children and adolescents in implementing evidenced-based
strategies to address a variety of mental-health challenges. Lilly has a specific interest in
working with young people who present with neurodevelopmental disorders and young people
with disabilities. Lilly is committed to implementing neurodiversity-affirming practices and
creating an inclusive space for young people to feel empowered. Lilly can administer cognitive
and diagnostic assessments.

Bachelor of Psychological sciences (Major in forensic studies)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Experience as a behaviour support practitioner implementing positive behaviour support
practices.

Area of Interest

Ally is passionate about understanding how adverse childhood experiences impact emotions and the nervous system throughout the lifespan. She is particularly
interested in supporting young people to develop strategies to address a variety of presenting concerns, such as anxiety and emotional dysregulation; through a
trauma-informed lens.

Additionally, Ally is skilled in Theraplay®, an attachment-based dyadic therapy focused on enhancing attachment and attunement between children and caregivers, aiming to comprehend the emotional needs that drive children’s behaviour.

• 60Master of Social Work
• Bachelor of Psychological Science & Bachelor of Criminology
• Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Completed level one Theraplay® training, an attachment-based therapy
• Trained in providing Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Trained in the family violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) framework
• 1000 hours of placement experience in mental health social work, providing a range of therapeutic services for young people and families, as well as conducting psychosocial assessments and group work facilitation.

Dani has an interest in sensory based occupational therapy, focusing on supporting an awareness of sensory needs and working towards integration of sensory support into various environments.

Dani is motivated to learn about all areas of paediatric occupational therapy to allow her to continue to learn and grow as a new graduate occupational therapist.

Dani has a Bachelor of occupational therapy (Honours) with her thesis relating to comparing sensory assessments. Dani is currently working on publishing her research in an academic journal.

My passion for occupational therapy was formed through personal and family experiences working with allied health teams including OT.

I was drawn to the variety of learning opportunities and pathways available as well as seeing firsthand how this role has an ability to create meaningful changes to the families we work with.

My passion for sensory based occupational therapy stems from personal experience with sensory processing difficulties, where I have grown to understand and appreciate the impact of sensory regulation in various situations and environments.

During my time at university, I worked as a therapy assistant with families and their allied health teams. I was learning alongside the families and supporting working towards meaningful goals by facilitating each child to peruse their passion and goals.

Lucy is passionate about understanding each child’s unique occupations and learning strategies to support their participation to the fullest extent. She is also focused on enhancing her knowledge in play-based learning and trauma-informed care.

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (2022)
• Member of Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA)
• Disability Support Worker for children with non-verbal Autism, ADHD, PDA and Intellectual Disability (2020-2022)
• Occupational Therapy Assistant (2020-2022)
• McHappy Day Event Coordinator (2019, 2020)
• Volunteer at an OT school holiday program for children (2018)
• 1000 hours of placement experience in various settings, including schools, prisons, community health services and hospital paediatric departments

“My passion for occupational therapy began in year ten during a week of work experience at a private adult OT clinic. I was fascinated by the diverse roles and tasks, as well as the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life. This experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in occupational therapy, and I have been committed to understanding and supporting the unique needs of children and their families ever since.”

Abbey is passionate about helping people who have experienced significant trauma, understanding its profound impact on their lives and wellbeing. She is also deeply interested in neurodiversity and the unique ways people think, communicate and experience the world.

• Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
• Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Completed training in:
  • Attachment and Trauma
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Aboriginal Cultural Awareness
  • Beginning Practice in Child Protection
• Trained in the family violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) framework
• 1000 hours of placement experience in settlement services and family violence services, supporting migrants and vulnerable families
• Work experience in the family violence sector, using a trauma-informed and family-centred approach to support families facing trauma, family violence, socioeconomic disadvantages, homelessness, mental health issues and substance dependence

“My interest in mental health, personal experiences, and an ADHD diagnosis led me to a career where I could make a meaningful difference for others facing similar challenges. This inspired me to pursue mental health social work, combining my desire to support children with my passion for understanding mental health, trauma, and neurodiversity.”

Bianca is dedicated to creating a collaborative and safe space for children and adolescents to explore their emotional worlds. She is skilled in psychological assessments, diagnosis, and interventions, including cognitive, educational and autism assessments. Bianca has a particular interest in:

• Supporting parent-child attachment and relationships
• Assisting families with complex mental health challenges
• Providing cognitive assessments to help young people and families understand learning strengths and areas of challenge
• Conducting educational assessments to diagnose specific learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) and understand a student’s learning profile

• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
• Graduate Diploma of Psychology
• Master of Psychology (Clinical)
• Endorsement in clinical psychology with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Board-approved clinical supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia
• ADOS-2 trained

Bianca’s passion for psychology stems from her desire to support family systems.
“I recognise the profound impact that healthy attachments and strong relationships have on overall well-being, especially within the parent-child dynamic. I believe that by fostering a therapeutic space of warmth, trust and empathy, families can embark on a journey of understanding and connection. This belief fuels my enthusiasm for my role as a psychologist, and empowers me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I am fortunate to work with.”