About Us

• Bachelor of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) – Deakin University
• Engaging in Positive Behaviour Strategies Certificate – Monash University

Alana has 15 years experience in an Education setting as both a classroom teacher and an Assistant Principal. During this time, she has been involved with people with a wide range of needs and complexities. She is proud of the changes she has been able to implement advocating for young people living with a disability.

Alana’s empathetic, caring and friendly nature, along with her passion for the people she works with, enables her to build relationships with individuals and families with ease.

• Bachelor of Counselling

• Experience providing therapeutic services to families and couples.
• Experience providing Early Intervention and Prevention services to at risk children and their families. These roles include case management, crisis intervention support and therapeutic services to children, their families and foster families.
• Experience providing generalist counselling services for mental health, family domestic violence, grief & loss, trauma and AOD.
• Experience providing support to a range of culturally linguistically diverse clients having worked predominantly in Rural NSW and Darwin NT.

• Bachelor of Psychology – Murdoch University
• Bachelor of Criminology – Murdoch University

While completing her undergraduate studies, Alecia worked full-time in a hospitality staffing company, managing people and brands to help reach their full potential. During her Bachelor of Honours (Psychology) over the last year, Alecia took on a volunteer position within a social group for Autistic children, along with a position as a residential youth worker supporting youth at risk of homelessness.

In joining the team at SAL Consulting, Alecia hopes to gain more experience in a clinical environment.

• Bachelor of Psychological Science/Commerce (Marketing) – La Trobe University (2023)

Alessia has four years of experience working in customer service, administration support and duty management.

Alessia is currently completing her Honours of Psychological Science part-time at La Trobe University

Previously, Alessia was a placement student with SAL Consulting, completing a legislation and government policy review, regarding mandatory reporting obligations, within the context of aged care, child protection, disability services, education and justice, including how these requirements differ across the jurisdictions in which SAL Consulting operates. During this time, she also had the opportunity to shadow clinicians, participate in clinical induction sessions and professional development days and assist with client resource development.

• Bachelor of Arts Criminology – Lancaster University (UK)
• Master of Arts Social Work – University of Birmingham (UK)
• AASW membership

Alice has 10 years experience in the social care field in the UK, beginning as a support worker and qualifying as a social worker in 2019. Throughout this time, she has worked in roles supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities and families within children’s services. Her most recent role as a social worker in the UK supporting individuals with disabilities entailed producing strengths-based and person-centred needs assessments and support plans with a focus on relationship based practice. Her other responsibilities included safeguarding practices, supporting individuals through crisis, advocating and empowering individuals to make their own decisions and reducing restrictive practices through implementation of the Mental Capacity Act. She has also worked with allied health professionals, educational settings and wider support services to ensure that individual holistic needs are met and common goals are worked towards with the aim of maximising quality of life for people she is supporting. Alice is passionate about making a genuine lasting difference for others.

• Diploma Child Youth and Family Intervention – 2023
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – 2020
• Certificate IV Career Development – 2018
• Diploma Community Services (Childrens Services) – 1997

Amanda has lived and worked in the NT for five years and has embraced the uniqueness of this fantastic Territory. Amanda is a passionate advocate for children and their families, especially those within the out-of-home care sector, focusing on a holistic approach, trauma-informed care and family and cultural support. She is dedicated to making a positive difference in young people’s and their family’s lives. Throughout her career, she has worked predominantly in early childhood education, vocational education, family support, and advocacy, where she has progressed to leadership and management roles. She possess an empathetic approach, drawing upon her solid interpersonal skills to develop trust and rapport with clients to help work together to achieve optimal outcomes. She enjoys mentoring her teams and sharing her knowledge and expertise to equip others with the skills and tools required to empower, advocate, educate and encourage positive change in the lives of their clients. In each workplace she has been part of, she has ensured a positive and productive contribution in team and autonomous work situations and earned the respect of internal and external stakeholders as a consummate professional.

• Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Psychology), 2011, University of New England, Thesis: Genetic and environmental influences on early childhood reading: A Nuclear-Twin Family Design
• Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency (AHPRA) Registered Psychologist, First registered 2011, Authority to Practice Registration Number: PSY0001650836
• AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor, 2018, Wentworth Forensic Clinic, UNSW
• NMT practitioner, Phase 1 (ongoing) in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Child Trauma Academy
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, 2015, updated 2019, Carson Australasia Pty Ltd and Plenty Systems Pty Ltd
• Accredited administrator and scorer of the Attachment Style Interview (ASI) and Attachment Style Interview for Adolescents (ASI-AD) 2018
• Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Amelia has over 10 years’ experience supporting children and young people in out of home care and their care teams in government and non-government settings.

Amelia is experienced in providing support to people with disabilities and complex support needs and their teams, including the development, delivery and implementation of comprehensive positive behaviour support plans, including regulated restrictive practices and other NQSC requirements.

Amelia has extensive experience working with individuals and families with complex trauma experiences within the human services setting, including the provision of direct, trauma informed therapy; and experience in the administration of standardised psychometric assessments for children, young people and adults in the out of home care and the disability settings.

Amelia is a registered supervisor, with experience supporting provisional psychologists, case managers, behaviour support practitioners, and direct care workers within the disability and out of home care sectors.

• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

Amy completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from Charles Darwin University. After her studies she has worked in various fields and has experience conducting investigations and assessments of at-risk children and implementing strategies to improve safety and mitigate risk. Amy has also worked with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and supported them by developing strength based case plans and provided ongoing case management. 

• Bachelor of Arts – Social and Developmental Psychology
• Certificate IV in Disability

Amy has over 8 years experience across the care sector including Disability care, Aged care, Spinal injury care, Palliative care, Psychosocial recovery coaching, and a speciality of working with challenging behaviours.

• Bachelor of Science – Psychology (Macquarie University)

Anastasia is currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced at Monash University. During this time Anastasia has helped support individuals with disability through a person centred and strengths based approach. Anastasia has also volunteered as a mentor to high school students from refugee backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and information required to access vocational and educational pathways in Australia. Anastasia’s passions lie in working with vulnerable populations and individuals with complex trauma.

• Bachelor of Psychological Science (2024, Deakin University)
• Diploma of Health Science (2021, Deakin College)

Andrew has experience supporting a broad range of people to improve their quality of life. Andrew has experience working with young children to develop foundational skills, and as a personal carer supporting elderly people who face declining health and other age-associated challenges. Andrew has also worked alongside neurodivergent people to facilitate community involvement and develop skills to increase independence.

Andrew has a keen interest in developmental psychology, personality, and social cognition.

• Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts – Major: Psychology, Minor: Criminology
• Bachelor of Economics – Major: Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Angel has over 5 years of experience working with organisations that support children, young people and families. She specializes in a relational, attachment – based, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to facilitate positive and holistic outcomes. She works to empower clients by walking alongside them in their journey to build on their strengths to overcome their challenges.

• Master of Social Science (Educational Psychology)
• Postgraduate Dip in Education
• Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology

Angel has over 10 years of experience in working with children and adolescents in school and community settings in Hong Kong. She is proficient in working with students with neurodivergence and mental health needs, as well as providing practical recommendations to families and the supporting network. Her expertise also falls in standardized assessment and evidence-based intervention to school aged students.

• Bachelor of Science
• Graduate Certificate Disability studies
• Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management
• Graduate Certificate in Governance and Risk Management

Angela has worked with people who have complex behaviour support needs for over 30 years and has extensive experience working with government and non-government services to improve clinical and governance supports surrounding the delivery of support to people with complex needs. Angela has provided clinical supervision to behaviour support practitioners for nearly 20 years

In recent years she has provided professional development, coaching, mentoring and supervision to behaviours support practitioners within a large not for profit disability service provider. This included development and delivery of a training program to prepare support workers for registration as practitioners within the NDIS.

• Diploma of Community Services
• Certificate IV in Disability
• Diploma of Early Childhood and Care
• TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and    Assessment
• TAELLN401A Address Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• TAEASS502B Design and Develop Assessment Tools
• Diploma of Training Design and Development
• Diploma of Counselling

Angie comes from a diverse employment history, providing varied experiences working alongside youth at risk, long-term prison offenders, young adults living with disabilities, supporting children and their families in the restoration process, and advocating for equitable education for children with additional rights.

Her training background has had a broad focus on adult learners from CALD grounds from varied educational experiences.

She has a passion for teaching across a vast demographic and believes that every learner is unique and that respectful and responsive relationships are at the heart of developing positive learning outcomes.

• Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (La Trobe University)
• AHPRA registered
• Additional training in:
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• Working with Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis
• Working with Individuals with a Dual Disability
• Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
• Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Working with Individuals with BPD: An Introduction (Spectrum)
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Working with Risk and Recovery
• Conducting a Mental State Examination (MSE)
• Positive Practices in Behavioural Support (Institute for Applied Behaviour Analysis)
• ACT Mindfully: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Training (Russ Harris)
• Sensory Modulation, Trauma & Attachment Informed Care (Tina Champagne)

Anja has over 30 years of experience in working in the health industry, first as a Nurse and then as an Occupational Therapist. After migrating to Australia, Anja completed her Master of Occupational Therapy Practice at La Trobe University. Following on from this, Anja pursued her dream of working with people with severe and enduring mental health conditions which she has done across community and inpatient settings.

Many of Anja’s clients have a trauma history and multiple diagnoses and/or find themselves in complex situations or within difficult-to-navigate systems.

Anja is able to conduct comprehensive Occupational Therapy functional assessments including housing and sensory assessments and provide Occupational Therapy interventions with regard to:

• Daily activities,
• Structure and routine,
• Occupational balance,
• Identifying and incorporating meaningful activities,
• Stress management,
• Sensory modulation and
• Suitable and therapeutic living environments.

Anja is also available to provide Occupational Therapy input at care team meetings and training for families and carers.

• Master in Professional Psychology
• Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
• Graduate Diploma of Psychology
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Ashley has experience as an educator in the supervision and support of children aged between 6 months and 5 years. Her work involves developing positive relationships with children, their parents and families, as well as working with children diagnosed with a range of disorders. She also has experience working as an ABA therapist for young children aged 5 years with ASD. In addition, Ashley volunteered at an anxiety and OCD support helpline, which focused on providing support, information and referrals about anxiety to callers, their families, GPs, allied health professionals and the community.

• Bachelor of Science with Honours, Psychology (Double Major) – UWA

Avia is an experienced educator, and has experience as a market researcher in health and consumer behavioural insights. She has also been part of numerous research teams investigating topics such as the employment of individuals with ASD and improving patient flow in clinics.

During her 7 years of studying psychology, Avia was a dedicated volunteer for various organisations, lending support to causes such as aiding injured workers, teaching self-defence classes, creating free websites for non-profit organisations, and working with rescued dogs. She currently volunteers at RMHC providing support to parents of critically ill children, as well as at Lifeline as a telephone crisis supporter.

• Bachelor of Arts / Fine Art, Griffith University QLD (QLD College of Art)

Belinda initially worked in arts administration, gallery management and art consultancy, and moved into the not-for-profit sector 7 years ago across arts, disability, youth and First Nations communities. More recently she has been immersed in remote Aboriginal homeland communities in Arnhem Land NT and Darwin’s Aboriginal town camp communities, building and coordinating Social Enterprise through community engagement and development.

• Bachelor of Arts (English Literature & Media Studies) University of Sussex
• Masters (Social and Political Thought) University of Sussex
• Diploma of Community Services, Ultimo College of TAFE
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Granville TAFE

At SAL Consulting Ben works with a range of organisations to help them build their capacity to achieve outstanding outcomes with their clients.

As an Organisational Development Consultant, Ben’s academic background in social and political theory and lifelong passion for social justice has served him well; providing the foundational and advance skills and knowledge needed to connect meaningfully with peers in the sector.

Previously, Ben worked in a number of community and service based roles and has managed large teams of staff delivering services to children and young people.

Ben draws from both his theoretical and practical backgrounds to support organisations to turn innovative thinking into meaningful practice. Like the people they serve, the organisations Ben works with have their own individualised needs, which require individualised responses.

Some of the activities Ben undertakes with organisations to help them build capacity include research; policy review and development; practice framework development; training development and delivery; service review; change management and strategic planning.

• Bachelor of Psychology and Diploma in child and adolescent clinical psychologist
• Diploma in classroom psychology, specialising in educational psychology

Cecilia is a provisionally registered psychologist with years of experience in educational and clinical psychology. She has worked supporting children in the school setting in Chile and in paediatric hospitals in Italy. She has also spent some valuable time working in the disability sector in Australia. She has a genuine enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge and has completed courses in Mindfulness and EFT Tapping therapy.

• Bachelor of Education – Secondary Teaching
• Master of Education – Special Learning Needs

Chloe has 12 years’ experience in CARE schools working with vulnerable youth to help them lead happy and fulfilling lives.

During this time in the Education sector, she focussed specifically on identifying and working to improve challenging behaviours, ensuring that all people have their needs met in a more positive way, and helping them to thrive in their communities.

Chloe also has experience working with young people from complex trauma backgrounds and people with disabilities.

Her passion is getting to know the people she works with and supporting them to achieve their goals.

• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons.) at Central Queensland University
• Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University
• Certified Behaviour Analyst with the Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia

• I have worked in the field of special needs and behaviour for the past 13 years, with a focus on autism.
• I am a local who has experience providing services across the Northern Territory including Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
• I have worked with a range of individuals of all ages and across a range of settings including home, daycare, education, vocation, and in the community, in programs underpinned by Positive Behaviour Support strategies and the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. In this role I have had extensive experience managing teams, conducting behaviour assessments, developing behaviour support plans, providing training, and supervising the implementation and delivery of programs and supports.
• I have facilitated workshops for families, carers and professionals on topics such as autism, behaviour, functional communication and skill-building.

• Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership (Distinction) – University of Canterbury, NZ.
• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology/Human Development) – University of Waikato, NZ.
• Diploma – New Zealand Policing.
• Certificate – Identifying and Responding to Vulnerability and Child Abuse.

Chrissy has worked inside the New Zealand Justice system supporting people with diverse and complex needs for over 12 years. She has worked in a variety of settings including government as a police officer, and in recent years as a justice advocate working with indigenous communities. Chrissy is passionate about blending indigenous approaches with multi-disciplinary process, as a medium for improving outcomes for clients and teams alike.

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Macquarie University
• Post Graduate Diploma (Psychology) – Macquarie University
• Post Graduate Diploma (Social Health) – Macquarie University
• Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training
• Registered Psychologist
• Registered Supervisor

Damon Draws on over 20 years experience working with adults and children with disabilities, mental health difficulties, and backgrounds of trauma and abuse and providing clinical support to teams, families and individuals. He has experience in the design and delivery of Behaviour Support and Skills Development programming, and management of programming teams.

Damon also has skills in and is involved with the following:

• Policy writing, organisational review and organisational systems development
• Coordination of therapeutic services for a multi-disciplinary team
• Design and delivery of individual therapeutic services for children and young people, and people with disabilities
• Design and Delivery of staff training for Human Service Organisations
• Delivery of psychometric assessments and clinician / practitioner training
• Supervision and mentoring of intern and registered psychologists, other clinical staff, human services managers and direct support staff

• Business College (UK)

Daniel has been fortunate to work within government and community services over the last 15 years across the UK and Australia. He feels privileged to be able to provide support to people from all walks of life with differing experiences and support needs.

Prior to joining Sal Consulting, Daniel held the role of Program Manager for a specialist coordination service and a government contracted local area coordination provider. Overseeing programs with over 20 specialist staff, delivering tailored NDIS plans, quality support and referrals for over 5000 participants.

Daniel has also previously worked for a non-government organisation, leading their mental health training operation as well as having experience in veteran rehabilitation and supporting individuals back into employment.

Daniel believes in the power of having authentic conversations and the lasting change this can lead to.

Daniel believes that building a successful relationship in any walk of life is dependent on creating trust and showing authentic care for our clients and our people.

• Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Flinders University)
• Member of Speech Pathology Australia

Danielle’s goal as a new graduate Speech Pathologist is to always uphold a safe and welcoming environment to allow our clients to feel supported, whilst also providing an innovative and creative service that engages.

Danielle is passionate about contributing to the delivery of a comprehensive and integrated range of health services, appropriate to the needs of the local community.

• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Diana is passionate about connecting with and learning from people of all different walks of life.

She takes an empathetic, human-centred approach and has a wide range of technical skills, particularly surrounding advocacy, training, and research.

• Certificate II in Business – Dovaston Training & Assessment Centre
• Certificate IV in Business Administration – Swinburne Open Education (currently enrolled)

Diana has over 6 years’ experience working in the disability/community services sectors, including 3.5 years in an administrative role and just under 3 years as a NDIS Support Coordinator based in Darwin.

As an NDIS Support Coordinator, she worked closely with and supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians living with a rare neurodegenerative disease. One of the highlights in this role For Diana, was having the opportunity to travel to the remote communities on Groote Eylandt.

She is passionate about providing high quality client/customer service and administrative support to all staff members, with a keen interest in continuing her professional experience in the disability and community services sector.

• Bachelor of Science (Psychology)

Doirinne has worked in Human Services in both Australia and Ireland since she graduated in 2007.  She has worked across youth, disability and mental health sectors. Doirinne is passionate about working with and deepening her understanding of diverse cultures and populations.

• Dip. Teaching, B Ed.
• Dip Special Ed.
• M Spec Ed., JP

Doug has worked with people who have complex behaviour support needs for more than 35 years. He has worked as a Special Ed teacher, a behaviour support practitioner in a Community support team, Manager of a cluster of Group Homes for people with complex behaviour and for 15 years was the Senior Manager Behaviour Support for a Specialist Regional Behaviour Intervention team.

He has extensive experience working with families, staff and agencies to develop shared and agreed ways to support people who have very complex support needs.  Over his working career he has been asked to review many situations where a person’s support has broken down or become homeless due to the complexity of their support and subsequently assisted in the developed of a shared and agreed way forward.

For more than 20 years Doug has also been involved in the Restrictive Practice Process, assisting agencies develop their processes, developing the skills of RPA Convenors and Independent specialists and also providing independent specialist advice for people with very complex support due to mental health and Criminal Justice issues.

Doug also has extensive experience and a keen interest in the recruitment, training, support and supervision of behaviour support practitioners.

• Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) La Trobe University, 2002
• Bachelor of Social Work, La Trobe University, 2006
• Diploma of Management, Victoria University, 2012
• Certificate IV in Business, Victoria University, 2012
• Certificate IV in Project Management, Swinburne, 2019

For the last 13 years, Elisha has worked in a variety of teams and roles within the Victorian Government. This included Disability Services, Agency Performance, Population Health and most recently in Senior Project roles implementing the transfer of state services to the NDIS. During her time at the Department, she have gained an in-depth knowledge of policy and legislation, whilst working within complex stakeholder environments.

She has gained over 10 years’ experience managing multidisciplinary teams, which has helped develop a strong leadership style and assisted her to support teams through various periods of change. She has a passion for providing high-quality services, especially for people with disability.

• Bachelor of Health Science (Forensic Science and Psychology)
• First Aid Certification (Level 2)
• Sports Trainer (Level 1)

Elliot has gained extensive experience in providing personalised support to students with diverse learning needs. He is experienced in supporting students with behavioural challenges through both interventions and plans for managing their behaviour and developing positive coping strategies. Elliot is accustomed to collaborating closely with teachers and parents to devise strategies that support student learning and well-being.

Elliot has a strong interest in abnormal psychology, mental health, and the impact of behavioural changes on mental well-being and perspective.

• Master of Arts (Psychology) – University Of Sydney
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Macquarie University
• Cert IV – Workplace Training and Assessment

• 20 years experience working with people with disabilities, children and young people in out-of-home care, complex and vulnerable people, their carers and the agencies that support them;
• Consultation in complex case management and delivery of clinical services for individuals with trauma backgrounds and mental health issues, and for individuals who have contact with the criminal justice systems;
• Provision of complex assessments in disability, foster care, mental health and forensic settings;
• Design and delivery of therapeutic intervention / treatment programs for individuals with personality disorders, emotional disturbances, attachment disorders and complex post traumatic presentations; and training programs for practitioners working with this client group;
• Design and delivery of individual therapeutic intervention for children and young people, and people with disabilities;
• Provision of clinical supervision, and other clinician capacity building, to psychologists and clinicians in the disability and youth (out of home care) sectors;
• A strong focus on developing reflective and critical thinking, and developing the skills and practice approaches in practitioners on the human services sector;
• Organisational policy and practice review for government and nongovernment
• agencies
• Assessment of children and young people and foster carers in the out of home care sector;
• Development & delivery of a range of professional development / training resources for both government and nongovernment sectors.
• NMT practitioner and practice leader as part of SAL Consulting’s Phase 2 Accreditation in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics with the Child Trauma Academy.

• Master of Science in Forensic Studies, Behavioural Analysis
• Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies

Erika’s professional experience has primarily been focused on providing mental health support services and case management for those involved in the criminal justice system. Erika has worked in the community, in correctional facilities and in forensic psychiatric hospitals. She has extensive experience developing and monitoring individualized treatment plans to assist forensically involved individuals in improving their quality of life.

• Bachelor of Arts / Psychology
• Graduate Diploma of Adolescent Health and Welfare

Fiona has over 25 years’ experience in senior operational, strategic and governance roles in the disability, vocational education and training youth, aged care and homelessness sectors. Since 2013, Fiona has lived and worked in the Northern Territory (NT). Fiona also spent the first 11 years of her life growing up in the remote community of Numbulwar and regional centre of Alice Springs. Fiona has a deep knowledge of the NT and is passionate about ensuring the voices of people with disabilities are heard and that the diverse and often unmet needs of people living in regional and remote NT are met. She is committed to advocating for (and with) people living with a disability to ensure their rights to accessible services are upheld and that opportunities to participate as a valued member of their community are available.

• Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Macquarie University
• Postgraduate Diploma (Psychology) Macquarie University
• Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) University of Western Sydney
• Registered Psychologist: Authority to Practice Registration Number: PSY0001309914
• Endorsement – Educational & Developmental Psychology
• AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor

Associations:

•  Member, Australian Psychological Society
• Member, College of Educational and Developmental Psychology

Frances has over 10 years experience working with children, young people, adults and their families. She has worked within the government sector, in education, and in the private sector focussing on the needs and supports of families at risk, children and adults with disabilities, and those with complex trauma experiences.

Frances has extensive knowledge regarding emotional wellbeing, educational and developmental assessments utilising standardised and dynamic assessments, as well as qualitative measures, parenting capacity assessments, and psycho-social assessments.

Frances is focused on developing, delivering and reviewing supports for children, young people and families within human services. This has included developing and facilitating parenting groups, trauma informed behavioural and educational supports, and applying therapeutic models within the Out of Home Care, Disability, and Early Intervention sectors.

Frances has facilitated Life Story work with young people, and applies a range of trauma informed therapeutic models, including narrative therapy, and the neuroscience-sequential model of therapeutics.

Frances’ work also includes the provision of supervision to Psychologists, Case Workers, and Youth Work teams.

Frances is interested in research, and determining what works, and for whom. Frances is an NMT Practitioner, included in SAL Consulting’s Phase 1 Accreditation in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics with the Child Trauma Academy.

• Master of Social work (Qualifying)
• Member of Australian Association of Social workers

Gagan has more than 6 years of experience supporting children, young people, and families facing complex challenges. Her expertise extends to providing support for young people in out-of-home care, particularly those with complex psychosocial needs. Some of Gagan’s other experience includes working with young people experiencing homelessness, as well as individuals seeking asylum and refuge.

• Master of Arts (Psychology) – University Of Sydney
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – University of New South Wales
• Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training
• Registered Psychologist – AHPRA Number PSY000114047

Gary is a practitioner with more than 35  years experience with a long-standing record of providing tailored quality behaviour and service development support design and delivery for children and adults in the disability and youth / intensive services (out-of-home care) sectors; client/family support; training, and systems development and monitoring services to non-government service provider organisations, in the disability and youth (out-of-home care) sectors.

He has previously developed and managed a statewide tertiary clinical support team, and currently provides professional supervision of clinical practitioners. He has led numerous reviews for government and non-government agencies, and has developed and delivered a range of professional development training resources, practice guides, policy frameworks, and service review and monitoring tools to both government and non-government sector programs.

Publications

Gardiner, L. and Raftl, G. and Summers, E. 2016. By Invitation Only. In: Stevens, R. and Whittle, S.R. ed. Changing Organisations from Within: Roles, Risks and Consultancy Relationships. Routledge: New York, pp. 195

• Certificate III in Business

Additional training:

• Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
• Provide support to people living with dementia
• LGBTI Aged Care Awareness
• Grief and Loss

Hanna has completed an Indigenous apprenticeship through the Commonwealth Government where she gained her Cert III in Business. In the apprenticeship, she was working in the National Indigenous call centre with the Department of Human Services. This is where she started her career in working with mainly vulnerable Indigenous people.

Hanna then moved into working as a Pharmacy Assistant based in the Royal Darwin Hospital, packing meds for remote Aboriginal communities, the prison and refugee centres.

Before joining SAL Consulting NT, Hanna worked for Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation in the Aged & Disability Care Program as Administration. The program serviced all people from all cultural backgrounds. Hanna was first point of contact and was deeply passionate about helping everyone who called through, and helping and working to deliver the best services to all of clientele. As a Larrakia woman, it also made her proud to work with Larrakia Nation.

Hanna is extremely passionate about helping her Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• Diploma in Business Administration – Cert IV
• Diploma in Government – Cert IV

Helen has 19 Years State Government experience, delivering administration and project support to sensitive business areas with discretion including Child Protection, Housing Accommodation & Disability Services.

• Bachelor’s degree of science- Neuroscience major
• Advance Diploma of clinical trauma hypnotic science
• Diploma of health science
• Clinical art therapy: practitioner certificate
• Diploma of remedial massage therapy
• Cert III and IV in fitness and personal training
• Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Isabel is a dedicated and multidisciplinary professional with a strong background in mental health, neuroscience, health and fitness and community service. With extensive experience in the health industry, trauma-informed care and disability support Isabel brings a unique blend of practical expertise, scientific knowledge, and clinical experience. Her passion lies in holistically exploring the connection between neurological function, human physiology, and psychological well-being to provide client-centred, evidence-based behaviour support and care.

● Bachelor of Psychology (Macquarie University)

Jade is a dedicated and compassionate individual with a strong background in providing support and assistance to those in need.

Jade has over 4 years of experience working with organisations that support children, young people and families with disabilities.

Jade is proficient in working with individuals with challenging behaviours through utilising positive behaviour support to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals.

• Bachelor of Social Sciences
• Graduate Certificate in Counselling
• Diploma of Governance

Jason enjoys supporting teams and individuals as they make a positive impact in the lives of people with complex support needs. Jason has experience working in the Out of Home Care, Child and Family, and Disability sectors.

• Post Graduate Diploma in Education – Special education, Hong Kong University
• Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) – Psychology, National University of Singapore

Jean has 10 years of experience working in the special needs sector, supporting children with special needs in their home, community and school settings. Working in a supervisory position, Jean used behavioural therapy techniques to devise behavioural support plans, conduct assessment, train junior staff and families, and help children integrate in the community.

• Bachelor of Inclusive Education and Disability Studies (Australian Catholic University)

Jia is a disability advocate and a supporter of person-centred practice and social role valorisation. Jia has experience in developing personalised support plans and delivering positive behaviour support for people with disability.

Jia has a strong passion for supporting people across all ages and backgrounds in attaining their goals through teaching functional skills and taking up positive social roles.

• Diploma of Accounting
• Currently studying with UNE -Diploma of Business
• Develop and use complex spreadsheets
• Prepare financial reports
• Process financial transactions and extract interim reports
• Apply principles of professional practice to work in the financial services industry

Jo is a Senior Finance and Accounts professional with over 25 years experience in a number of accounts and finance support roles across industry sectors. Her key strengths include detailed analytical and reporting skills with excellent customer service ability. She supports the Executive and Leadership teams to meet financial targets. Jo assist’s in the management of Client administration matters, including resolving issues as they arise. She has developed and assisted with continuous improvement projects. Ensuring the smooth running of the office support function, including the fortnightly payroll and invoicing, and all relevant documentation.

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Criminology Major

Joshua has previously worked as a Disability support worker and a Psychosocial Recovery Coach.

Bachelor of Commerce (Major Human Resources), Macquarie University 

Julia has gained over 8 years administration experience across a range of sectors including the Health and Corporate sectors.  Most recently her experience in the health sector has ranged from working as an Executive Assistant in the private Hospital sector to managing private practices for a range of Medical Specialists and Surgeons. Her key strengths include excellent time management skills and client management.  She has a passion for people and helping them to achieve their dreams.

Justin has worked in administrative roles for the past ten years. He has extensive experience in supporting systems and for the training team including both the professional development and Registered Training Organisation. He has a keen interest in music and photography in his spare time.

• Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours (La Trobe University)

Kaishia has experience as a clinical support worker for a range of individuals within the disability sector. She has a keen interest in Clinical Neuropsychology and a strong desire to help people, particularly those in vulnerable populations. Kaishia is determined to complete an internship to become a registered psychologist and she intends to continue psychological studies, specialising in Neuropsychology thereafter.

• Bachelor of Arts
• Diploma of Teaching
• Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Karyn has worked in New Zealand, England, and Australia, initially in the education sector and later expanding into therapeutic and training roles. She has provided direct student and client support, therapy, and advocacy, as well as guidance and support to care teams. As a natural progression of this varied experience Karyn has been heavily involved in providing consultation and training to various professionals, organisations, and families on topics related to child and adolescent well-being, neurodevelopment, and trauma-informed practice.

• Graduate Certificate of Educational Design – Monash University
• Masters of Education (Adult Education) – UTS
• Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Masters of Early Childhood – Macquarie University
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) – Macquarie University

Katherine is an experienced education and workforce development professional with 20 years’ experience leading successful programs in a range of organisations with in-depth involvement and understanding of working in community services and health sectors.  She engages organisations with a strong participatory and people-centred approach providing innovation and a passionate focus on building skills, knowledge and experience in the classroom and the workplace.

She believes in life-long learning, creating opportunities for people to step outside their comfort zone and the power of education to change lives.

• Bachelor of Science (Psychology), 1992, University of Newcastle
• Registered Psychologist – Authority to Practiced Registration Number PSY0001232248
• AHRPA Board Approved Supervisor
• NDIS Practitioner ID 00374, NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner (approved to provide Specialist Behaviour Support Services).
• Independent Specialist for Restrictive Practice Authorisation in NSW.

Katrina is a passionate practitioner with over 20 years of experience delivering complex assessment and intervention for children and adults with disabilities and/or a history of complex trauma. She has experience with Mental Health, Parenting Capacity and other complex assessments.

Katrina is a therapist working with children and adults with a history of complex developmental trauma and/or disabilities utilising modalities including DBT, neurosequential and somatosensory approaches. As part of the Therapy Portfolio, she provides supervision to therapists and support to Marie Pinter, Partner in the further development of this important part of work provided by SAL Consulting.

She has a strong interest and commitment to developing and delivering training across both Out of Home Care and Disability Service Sectors to aid understanding and practical application of intervention with people with a history of complex developmental trauma and or disability.

She also has a passion for educating others in the neurodevelopmental impacts of trauma as well as the development of interventions based on a sequential understanding of the brain.  Further Katrina is committed to the application of Attachment Theory and Polyvagal Theory to understanding the impacts of trauma and in intervention design.

SAL Consulting is trained in the use of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), and Katrina is an NMT practitioner and practice leader as part of SAL Consulting’s Phase 2 Accreditation in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics with the Child Trauma Academy. She provides supervision, support and training to SAL Consulting clinicians undergoing Phase 1 Training. She also provides education and training to a range of service providers across a number of sectors to increase awareness of the benefit of intervention design based on a thorough understanding of sequential brain functioning.

• Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) – The University of Newcastle
• Masters of Remote and Indigenous Health – Flinders University (currently enrolled)

• Experience working with adults and children to manage complex communication needs and dysphagia.
• Experience with complex case management and Coordination of Supports, with a strong interest/passion for supporting clients and support workers to navigate severe dysphagia management and eating and drinking with acknowledged risk.
• Passionate about ensuring services provided are accessible and delivered in both a culturally safe and secure way.
• Experience working in remote locations across the Northern Territory, after relocating from New South Wales.

• Cert IV Business Administration

With over 20 years working in the administration field across a number of sectors, including over 10 years in the Financial Services sector, her key strengths include excellent time management skills, a strong eye for detail and first-class organisational skills.

Extensive experience dealing with high-level clients and managing key relationships, priding herself on being approachable and accessible for both staff members and clients alike.

Extremely passionate about her role and everything that SAL Consulting represents.

• Bachelor Social Science (Psychology) Western Sydney University
• Graduate Diploma in Counselling (currently studying)

Kim’s behaviour support experience has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of providing tailored support. She takes a person-centered approach to her work and always strives to understand her client’s unique needs. She is committed to positively impacting the lives of those she works with and is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Counselling to further develop her skills and knowledge.

• Bachelor of Education (Primary) – VIT
• Diploma of Counselling

Kim has over 13 years of experience in Education, working as a classroom teacher, counsellor and professional practice consultant. Kim has worked across a variety of education settings including schools, universities, alternative education settings and not for profits.

• Master of Psychology (Clinical)
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) (ACAP)
• Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science (ACAP)
• General registration with AHPRA

Kristen is passionate about delivering person-centred practice with compassion and understanding.

Kristen draws on over 8 years of experience supporting adults with disabilities and mental health challenges as a support worker and team coordinator. She has also provided integrated family intervention for parents of children with neurodiversity and behavioural and emotional difficulties.

Kristen also has experience delivering group psychological intervention for individuals in an acute phase of their mental health illness within an inpatient setting, drawing on cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy.

• Master of Psychology (Clinical)
• Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
• AHPRA Registered Clinical Psychologist
• AHPRA Registered Supervisor of Provisional Psychologists

Kristen is a clinical psychologist with experience working with complex clients with interactions with multiple service systems, primarily in the disability sector. Her expertise is in positive behaviour support, cognitive behaviour therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy – including adapted forms for clients with intellectual disabilities. Kristen is passionate about the translation of research into practice and making information and interventions accessible for clients, clinicians, families, and providers. She has experience across the government, non-government and private sector creating systemic change to improve outcomes for clients through the development of training, policy, practice and governance frameworks. Kristen takes a curious, collaborative and person-centred approach when working with individuals and teams.

• Master of International & Community Development, Deakin University
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Southern Cross University
• Bachelor of Human Movement Science, Southern Cross University

Throughout her career, Kylie has merged her education and community development expertise with her passion for social justice to create meaningful change. Kylie is particularly interested in using trauma informed, culturally safe practices to improve health and learning outcomes for young people with complex support needs. Kylie has worked in a variety of settings including mainstream public schools, zoo based conservation, the humanitarian aid sector, youth homelessness, the public health research sector and Aboriginal led not for profits.

Most recently, Kylie worked collaboratively with First Nations families, both urban and remote, to establish culturally safe early learning programs on country that privilege First languages and culture. Kylie has extensive team management and leadership experience, including managing high performing teams through change, leading multidisciplinary field work teams in remote villages in Timor-Leste and remote communities throughout the NT.

• Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Latrobe University
• Bachelor of Teaching (with Honours),University of Melbourne

Lara has worked over seventeen years in health, education and community sectors. Lara is a values-driven individual who can effectively deliver outcomes in complex and dynamic environments through an unwavering commitment to empowering others, inclusion and social change. Lara has a proven track record of achievements and leadership with high stakeholder and community engagement. Keys to success are resilience, adaptability, responsiveness to critical community and businesses needs, complemented by time management, organisation, strategic thinking, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Lara enjoys creating positive team cultures through developing trustful and supportive environments for individuals to thrive.

• Bachelor of Education (Primary)/ Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation
• Master of Education
• Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
• Bachelor of Science Honours (Psychology)

Laura has extensive experience in schools in remote NT (Maningrida), Melbourne, and Darwin/Palmerston region, working as a Teacher and in Special Education and wellbeing/behaviour roles. Laura has been in the Territory for 10 years working predominantly with kids to help them engage at school. She has also been engaged in her Psychology studies whilst to further develop her understanding and techniques to support students.

• Monash University – Engaging in Positive Behaviour Support Practices.
• MAPA Safety Intervention Foundation
• Open Colleges – Certificate 3 in Education Support

Laura has gained over 8 years experience in the Disability sector.

During this time she has worked as a Teacher’s Aide in a mainstream school and also in an ESL program for children in Primary Schools.

She became a support worker in the not for profit sector in 2019 and then progressed to becoming a Behaviour Support Coordinator in 2022.

In this role she worked with a cohort of participants and their allied health teams, as well as assisting behaviour support practitioners in implementing their plans and collecting data.

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Criminology, Majoring in Criminal Behaviour

Lauren blends expertise in psychology and criminology to offer compassionate and practical support for those with complex behavioural needs. With her strong foundation in academic research, she crafts compassionate and effective strategies that enhance client well-being and promote positive outcomes within forensic settings. She utilises her knowledge to reduce complex cases into manageable plans that lead to real-world improvements in the safety and welfare of those with whom she works. Lauren excels in fostering meaningful relationships that enhance public safety and rehabilitation outcomes through evidence-based insights and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Master of Accounting
• Bachelor of Business Administration

Leo has over 20 years of accounting experience in the international trade and disability care industries. He enjoys processing payroll and invoicing, managing accounts payable and receivable, and providing accurate financial reports. With excellent attention to detail, strong technology, analytical and problem-solving skills, he is able to effectively make sound decisions with little direction. Leo is also comfortable working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.

• Bachelor of Education and Master of Arts (Special Education)

Lesley has been working in the disability sector since 1987 and has a special interest in the mental health of children and young people with intellectual disability. She has been actively involved in the development of practice relating to interdisciplinary collaboration, family and systemic practice and trauma-informed frameworks for supporting people with intellectual disability; she has been providing training, supervision and mentoring in these areas for many years.  Lesley has also worked at an organisational level, across government and non-government agencies, contributing to the development of policy and practice guidelines, and building the capacity of the sector to deliver Positive Behaviour Support.

• Master of Science (Psychology)
• Bachelor of Science (Psychology / Biology)
• AHPRA Registered Psychologist #PSY0001284651
• AHPRA Registered Supervisor of Provisional Psychologists
• Certificate IV Training & Assessment
• Member Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
• Committee member Psychologists in Developmental Disability (PsychDD)

Lisa has enjoyed working with people who primarily have an intellectual disability for 25 years. She started out as a support worker, then moved into practitioner and leadership roles. As a practitioner, Lisa has mainly delivered services in the areas of complex behaviour support and mental health, across a variety of community and service settings. This also extends to individual therapy, groups, training and consultation. Lisa has supervised provisional psychologists, psychologists, and behaviour support practitioners since 2004.  She has been responsible for leading the governance, development and delivery of a range of clinical systems and processes. Ensuring services are high quality through collaboration and alignment with individual client goals, supporting the care network, are consistent with best community practice, are accountable and meet governance requirements have been some key components. Lisa has collaborated with both government and non-government organisations to extend the development of practitioners and support workers in the behaviour support and psychology spaces.

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Charles Sturt University
• Masters in Counselling (Mental Health) – University of New England (current)
• Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training
• Australian Institute of Company Directors – Member Number: 2204161
• Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors – Company Director’s Course (2017)

Liz is a Director of SAL Consulting, a trans-disciplinary consulting firm that works with vulnerability and complexity across health, education, and human services. As a human services consultant and Behaviour Support Specialist, she has more than 20-years of experience delivering practice improvement and training, clinical support, organisational development, and program review / design services to government and non-government organisations. She is passionate about utilising current research in neuroscience, applying that to improved outcomes in leadership, program design and delivery of services, and assisting people to implement evidence based theory into day-to-day practice.

Publications

Gardiner, L. and Raftl, G. and Summers, E. 2016. By Invitation Only. In: Stevens, R. and Whittle, S.R. ed. Changing Organisations from Within: Roles, Risks and Consultancy Relationships. Routledge: New York, pp. 195

Conference Presentations

• Lower North Shore Child & Family Interagency Forum (2018) Understanding the impact of Trauma on Children and Families
• Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools Deputy Principals Conference (2017) Transforming Schools for our Most Vulnerable Students with Annelies Hoogland and Bern Nicholls
• Child Trauma Academy NMT Symposium, Banff (2014)  Youth Hope – A Developmentally Informed Approach to Program Design and Evaluation with Lisa Gardiner & Louise Limoges
• Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat Conference, Coffs Harbour (2014) Understanding Trauma
• Australian Childhood Foundation Conference, Melbourne (2014) Innovative Program Design – Youth Hope and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics with Lisa Gardiner & Louise Limoges
• Australian Children’s Welfare Association Conference (2014) Care South Brighter Futures – Changing Lives Every Day with Claire Behi.

Margie has many years of experience in team management across a number of industry sectors and prior to this role managed our bustling Allied Health clinic.

She is dedicated to promoting rewarding outcomes for clients through operational support of her clinicians and building solid foundations in consultancy skills in new team members.

• BSocSc(Psych)
• PGDip(Psych)
• MPsych (Forensic)

Marie Pinter is a Senior Psychologist. She has extensive experience working with high needs children and young people with complex trauma living in foster care and residential out of home care, and also those living with their birth families. She also has significant experience with inpatient and outpatient settings, community treatment programs and also with young people in detention and on parole.

Marie and her team provide intensive and specialised therapeutic interventions that are empirically sound, evidence-based and culturally appropriate to children, young people and adults including those with disabilities.

She also has experience in mental health assessments, psychosocial assessments and parenting capacity assessments (including expert reports) that involve multiple and complex issues.

Marie has a strong interest and commitment to improving the quality of services delivered by youth workers, foster carers and government and non-government agencies, as well as direct therapeutic work to young people and their families.  She provides supervision to psychologists and other clinical practitioners.

Her professional experience includes the role of complex case clinician at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Marie is an NMT practitioner and practice leader as part of SAL Consulting’s Phase 2 Accreditation in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics with the Child Trauma Academy.

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (University of the Philippines – Manila)

Marien has been providing Occupational Therapy services for over six years. She has worked predominantly with paediatric and adolescent clients providing a range of managements including early intervention, school readiness and emotional regulation.

• Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from The University of Sydney
• Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology from Western Sydney University
• AHPRA Registered Psychologist

• 9 years of direct experience working in disability services including accommodation support, respite services, and post school programs supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Proficient in the design and implementation of evidence based person-centred therapeutic interventions for adults and children with disabilities and mental health concerns
• Experience assessing and identifying the support requirements of individuals with complex needs
• Provision of clinical support and training to families, carers, teachers and support teams in both the Disability and Out of Home Care sectors
• Experience undertaking comprehensive service model assessments for individual with complex needs
• Provision of direct therapy to vulnerable children and adolescents with complex trauma; and adults with disabilities
• Proficient in the delivery of psychometric assessment

• Bachelor of Nursing
• Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management

Matthew (Matt) has a Bachelor of Nursing from RMIT University as well as an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management.

Matt has over 8 years experience within the Disability Sector. During this time he has worked with behaviours of concern and participants with complex needs in supported independent living environments. Matt has worked across a range of roles from disability care to team management.

• Certificate IV in Disability Studies – Swinburne Tafe (2004)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability) – RMIT (2012)
• IABA: Positive Practices in Behaviour Support through Nonlinear Applied Behaviour Analysis (2016)
• Currently completing: Masters in Disability Policy and Practice – Flinders University

Melissa has been working in the disability sector for 18 years with Government and NGOs. Her experience ranges from working as a support worker, service manager, case manager and a clinical and quality practice leader; as well as working as a Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner in Melbourne.

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Canterbury University
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Macquarie University
• Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training, Macquarie Community College
• Registered Psychologist – Authority to Practice Registration Number: PSY0001259842

Michael has over 20 years experience working with people with disabilities, children and young people in Out of Home Care, their carers, and agencies that support them.

Michael’s work portfolio includes:

• design and implementation of behaviour intervention and support plans for individuals with complex support needs;
• Psychometric and Psychological assessment;
• Service system development and review, including operationalising of policy, and developing quality assurance mechanisms;
• Organisational policy and practice review for government and non-government organisations;
• Project management, and service, program and agency review;
• Supervision and management of multi-disciplinary clinical support teams providing Case Management, psychological, behaviour intervention support and allied health therapies;
• Management of a range of support services for people with disabilities, including respite. accommodation and day programs;
• Development and delivery of training programs for the Disability and Out of Home Care sectors.

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
• Post Graduate Diploma (Psychology)
• Registered Psychologist – PSY0001117129
• Committee member PsychDD – The Association of Psychologists in Developmental Disability Services

Michelle has worked with people with complex support needs for 24 years in the disability and out of home care sectors, primarily in the delivery of behaviour support services. She has been a registered psychologist since 2001. Michelle has worked in a variety of settings including non-government, private, state and federal government in the delivery of supports including direct behaviour support and psychology services, staff training, systems and practice development, policy and service design. She enjoys working directly with the person and those in their support network. She also has extensive experience in leading teams to establish and deliver high quality behaviour support services. Michelle is passionate about supporting organisations and teams to ensure they have strong clinical governance, quality assurance, and staff support systems in place to facilitate effective service delivery. She has been involved in numerous partnerships and collaborative endeavours at a systems level to support positive outcomes for people with disabilities.

• Cert IV Team Leadership
• Cert II & III Business Administration
• Accidental Counsellor Training
• OH&S Training

Monica has a background as an administrator and team manager with 20+ years of experience in customer service, support and customer care across multiple industries.

• Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy (Charles Darwin University)

As a new graduate, most of Muriel’s professional experience to date is accredited to her time on placement. Throughout 2023 Muriel had the opportunity to experience placements involving

• Adolescent mental health,
• Complex disability,
• Equipment prescription and positioning,
• The establishment of a school-based service,
• Early intervention,
• Remote work and supervision,
• Complex trauma,
• Emotional regulation,
• And a student-led approach to placement.

Throughout her experiences thus far she has acknowledged her budding interests in mental health, advocacy and education, and universal design.

• 2001-2004:   Bachelor of Social Science, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne

Natalie has worked in the disability sector for over 20 years in a variety of roles including direct care, day programs, case management, behaviour support, in both not-for-profit and State Government environments. She has gained experience working in multidisciplinary environments and has over 10 years’ experience working in supervisory and operational roles, managing and supporting staff in various settings. She has a passion for working with vulnerable individuals and their families to improve their quality of life.

• Bachelor of Psychological Science

Nicole has been working in the disability sector for ten years, working with adults and children with intellectual disabilities and psychosocial disabilities including mood disorders, personality disorders, drug and alcohol abuse and complex trauma backgrounds.

Nicole is passionate about advocating for vulnerable people and provides quality person-centred care, supporting her clients with a strength-based approach, ensuring that they feel heard and understood.

• Bachelor of Education (Special Education).
• Vocational Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma
• Bachelor of Behaviour Studies (Psychology)

• Experienced Behaviour Support Practitioner working with complex individuals and support systems
• Strong evidenced history in behaviour assessment and support plan design.
• Experience in working with both government and non-government services and their unique organisational challenges.
• Service system review and assessment, to support service improvement and evidence outcomes.
• Supervision, coaching and mentoring of staff providing and receiving behaviour support services.
• Management of Restricted Practice Authorisation processes.
• Extensive experience in providing training in a variety of topics to deliver service improvement.

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons)
• Registered Psychologist
• Registered Supervisor

Nicola is an experienced Clinical Services Manager with Development and implementation of policies and practice review. She has Experience in assessment and behaviour support services for children and adults with disabilities and / or a history of complex trauma. She has worked on Assessment of children, young people and adults with mental health and drug and alcohol issues within the health system. Nicola has experience in Design and delivery of therapeutic intervention / treatment programs for individuals with mental illness, disability and emotional disturbance. Nicola has also designed and delivered individual therapeutic intervention for children and young people, and people with disabilities.

Nicola has experience in consultation and supervision for clinicians and senior management regarding service provision and modelling for clients with complex needs and professional supervision of clinical practitioners in the in the disability sector

• Bachelor of Science Majoring in Psychology – Macquarie University
• Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced – Monash University

Rachel has a diverse background in Psychology and Behaviour Therapy, with three years of experience supporting neurodivergent children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. During Rachel’s undergraduate studies, she gained experience in Early Intervention Behaviour Therapy (EIBI) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Since gaining registration as a Provisional Psychologist, Rachel has integrated her experience in Behaviour Therapy with psychology frameworks to support neurodivergent individuals in overcoming a variety of emotional, behavioural and psychological challenges.

• Diploma of Business – 2014
• Diploma of Management 2015
• Cert IV Training and Assessment – 2015
• Cert IV Leadership and management 2020

Rebecca has extensive experience in Employment Services, Disability Services, and Community Services, demonstrating a proven track record in team management and operational excellence. Her most recent roles have honed her skills in leading diverse teams, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and the community. In previous positions, she successfully coordinated regional operations and enhanced performance outcomes across various locations.

Recognised for her conscientious and motivated approach, Rebecca embodies a can-do attitude that inspires teams to achieve their best. Her key strengths include effective communication, problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement, which enables her to navigate complex environments and meet critical deadlines. She thrives under pressure, managing challenges with calmness and confidence while driving performance through collaboration and mentorship.

With a strong work ethic and a passion for making a meaningful contribution, Rebecca is eager to embrace new challenges that further her career growth while positively impacting the communities she serves. She is committed to fostering teamwork, ensuring accountability, and delivering high-quality results that align with organisational goals.

• Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology – Victoria University of Wellington
• Master of Educational Psychology – Victoria University of Wellington
• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice – Victoria University of Wellington
• Registered Educational Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board

Rebecca is a New Zealand trained Educational Psychologist who has experience working in the education sector, home and community settings. Her previous role focused on supporting positive change in social-emotional, cognitive, learning and psychological wellbeing and growth. She has been working with children, young people and adolescents for over 2.5 years in her psychologist role and 5 years as a teaching assistant. Rebecca has worked within diverse communities and has experience working within a trauma-informed, family-centred and holistic approach.

Rebecca has facilitated workshops and training within school and early childhood settings on neurodiversity and behaviour and is passionate about supporting the growth of knowledge within the community.

• Bachelor of Management of Human Resources

After finishing her studies, Romana started her career as a Delivery Consultant specialising in implementing finance solutions via cloud-based planning and reporting tool. With the ability to effectively handle multiple priorities and solid reasoning and analytical skills she managed the efficient implementation and delivery for clients from many different industries.

Romana’s hardworking and focused approach; and certain aspects of her Human Resources studies gave her an advantage in building strong relationships with clients and she moved to a Client Success Coordinator role in the same industry.

• Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Banking and Finance

Roxanne has a strong medical administration and Accounts background working previously in insurance and nursing agency companies. Roxanne has worked in different areas in the health sector and was responsible for all aspects of the accounting cycle, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, NDIS and DVA Billing, and other day-to-day accounting activities.

• Bachelor of correctional and educational psychology
• Master of clinical psychology
• Advanced clinical training in Child-Centred Play Therapy
• Registered Provisional Psychologist – AHPRA PSY0002745504
• Registered clinical psychologist in Iran
• Trained in Expressive Art Therapy

Sahar is a dedicated client-centred therapy professional with a strong academic background. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees and has a wealth of experience, including private practice and volunteering with UNICEF and Cancer Children NGOs in Iran. Sahar is able to build a strong rapport with her clients, which is one of her strengths. Currently, she is completing her Ph.D. in Psychology at Charles Darwin University, Australia; her research focuses on the transformative impact of play therapy on foster families and children, emphasizing attachment, trauma, and parent-child dynamics. This journey has earned her recognition in the academic community, including the RTP Scholarship from the Faculty of Health.

Sahar’s passion is to support individuals on their path to insight and well-being, ensuring they are heard, seen, understood, and provided with comprehensive support.

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons)
• Master of Professional Psychology
• Registered Psychologist

Samara is a psychologist with experience supporting adults and children living with mental illness, developmental disabilities and/or complex developmental trauma.  

Samara is proficient in completing emotional wellbeing, cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment with adults and children utilising standardised and dynamic assessments. 

Samara is focused on providing person-centred and trauma informed support, through behaviour support, clinical support and individual psychotherapy utilising modalities including, positive behaviour support, DBT, CBT, ACT, mindfulness and neurosequential approaches.

Samara is passionate about providing support to those how have lived through adverse experiences and the neurodevelopmental impacts of trauma. Samara is currently strengthening her skills in Neurosequential Model of Therapeptuics (NMT).

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons)
• Member of the British Psychology Society

Sarah has experience working as an intensive family support practitioner at a non-government organisation in Sydney. This role included providing therapeutic casework to families and children, with a trauma-informed and strengths based approach. Sarah has also worked as a lead practitioner conducting psychosocial assessments at a joint community paediatric clinic in the Sydney Local Health District. Sarah has previously worked in schools in the UK, delivering individualised support to students with additional learning needs and running small intervention groups focused on emotional literacy support and social skills.

• BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Psychology
• MSc Forensic Psychology

Shaelee has 3 years experience in the youth and family, homelessness, health and social care, criminal justice, and education sectors in the UK. She has supported low-high risk populations, including children/youth/adults with various needs: learning, emotional, physical, psychosocial difficulties or disabilities and challenging behaviours. Her experience has included working with clients with complex trauma backgrounds and those affected by violence (including family), housing, health, and justice issues. Shaelee has strong academic interests in trauma, attachment, development, personality disorders, and violence behaviours and victimisation.

Shaelee completed her thesis on “Antisocial Personality Disorder in relation to violence and negative life events in a nationally representative sample of UK men”.

She has a genuine enthusiasm for helping people to improve their coping skills, behavioural presentations, and psychological well-being.

Tertiary qualifications in Education, Counselling, Community Services and Management. With a multitude of professional development in Trauma informed practices, youth suicide, mediation, juvenile justice, and behaviour management.

Sharon is a multi-skilled and self-motivated, well respected Indigenous Community Member. She is a highly qualified community service provider with experience across the past 35+ years in education, cultural competencies and community engagement
Sharon is a proud Nyamal mother, grandmother and great grandmother from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Born in Roebourne and grew up in Wittenoom and Port Hedland. She brings culturally appropriate knowledge from her experience working in the role of cultural broker, mentor and cultural advisor. She has many years of experience of living and working within the Indigenous community where she has represented herself with high cultural values, respect and knowledge. Sharon is constantly reflecting, and is exploring SEWB principles and applying them in her engagements for better outcomes for her people.

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Certificate IV in Community Services Work
• Member of Australian Association of Social Workers

Stacey has a vast experience working in the field of disability, supporting people with complex needs and focusing on a person centred approach. She has also provided therapeutic support to children in out of home care.

Stacey has experience working in homelessness services, providing referrals, emergency relief and ongoing support as required. She has worked extensively in the Child Protection space which can be both challenging and rewarding at the same time.

She also has experience in formulating and implementing assessments as required and has worked in a multidisciplinary team of professionals.

• Cert IV Business Administration

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of NSW
• Modules in Applied Psychology, Birkbeck College, London
• Diploma of Playwork, Hackney Play Association, London
• Master of Arts in Creative Writing, University of Technology Sydney
• Certificate IV in Community Services Work, SAL Consulting
• Master of Art Therapy (current), Western Sydney University

Tess has over 10 years of experience working with children, young people, and adults. She has worked in a range of roles including:

• providing direct social support
• providing specialized play support
• facilitating art workshops
• implementation of therapeutic programs
• assessment and coordination of family support needs
• training and supervision of carers and volunteers
• clinical behaviour support

Tess has worked in the Playwork sector in the UK, facilitating play for children and young people with a range of disabilities and neurodiversities, one-on-one, in groups, and in a range of social outreach and cultural community contexts. She has worked on intensive play-based autism intervention programs, and has coordinated family support within the disability sector in the UK.

In Australia Tess has worked in direct support roles with adults and children with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses, trauma histories, neurodiversity, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. She has also worked as an arts educator and workshop facilitator with children and adults.

Tess has a depth of experience working previously with SAL Consulting as Clinical Support Worker. In this role she implemented lifestyle and behaviour support plans, consulted with individuals, families, and organisations in an information-gathering capacity, and provided a range of supports to clinicians in the forms of research, writing, and collaborating on formulation and content writing for behaviour support plans.

Tess is passionate about working in ways that provide opportunities for autonomy and growth, and is particularly interested in how creative processes such as play, art, and creative writing can support therapeutic change.

I am a Bardi/Jawi man who grew up in the small community One Arm Point where I learned from my elders on my country then moved to Larakia (Darwin) when I was 9yrs old. I developed a strong passion for Aboriginal mental health and healing people using my Cultural knowledge and understanding of the human condition. I began working at Darwin’s Mental Health Unit where I was able to offer support to vulnerable Indigenous people of all ages as an Aboriginal Health worker, providing doctors a depth of understanding of Cultural perspectives while being a strong advocate and voice for Indigenous patients. Constantly reflecting, I am exploring SEWB principles and applying them in my engagements for better outcomes for my people.

• Masters of Social Work
• Bachelor of Communications

Vinh’s expertise is rooted in a deep commitment to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children and their families. Vinh’s professional journey can be encapsulated in three core areas:

• Holistic Assessments

Vinh has consistently employed comprehensive psychosocial evaluations to delve into the unique challenges and strengths of children and families. This involves tools like life history interviews, which not only provide insights into immediate concerns but also help in understanding the broader context of a child’s environment.

• Individualized Care Plans:

Recognizing the uniqueness of each child’s situation, Vinh has collaborated with them and their families to craft tailored care plans. These plans, often visualized through tools like vision boards, are designed to align with their aspirations, ensuring a child-centric approach. This also involves connecting families with community resources, from local clubs to vocational workshops, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being.

• Crisis Intervention & Advocacy:

Vinh’s previous roles often placed him at the forefront during emergencies, where he developed and implemented safety plans for children at immediate risk. Beyond immediate interventions, Vinh has been a staunch advocate for children’s rights, especially in complex legal scenarios. Collaborating with legal aid representatives and child protection agencies, Vinh has ensured that the best interests of the child remain at the forefront of all decisions

• Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences – Macquarie University
• Master of Speech and Language Pathology – Macquarie University
• Member of Speech Pathology Australia

As a new graduate, Vydeki aims to support her clients in achieving their goals by closely collaborating with key stakeholders in their support network. From her previous role as an Allied Health Assistant, she is familiar with delivering individualised therapy for paediatric speech and language development for neurodiverse populations. She is committed to developing her skills through professional development and widening her experiences.

• Diploma Counselling from Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)
• Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (AHA)
• Member of Australian Counselling Association (ACA)

Xana has over 5 years experience in the disability sector, as an AHA and a Counsellor, supporting clients across the lifespan to achieve their goals.

When practicing as a counsellor, Xana supported adolescents to increase their self-confidence and find their strengths. Xana works with her clients and their support networks to ensure consistent supports are provided.

Xana also has experience in coordinating group therapy programs with focuses on social engagement, communication and functional activities.

• Doctor of Psychology (Forensic) – Deakin University
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Psych) – Deakin University
• Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Thesis entitled The ARMIDILO: Risk Assessment of Sex Offenders with an Intellectual Disability, and Impact on Employment, Recreation and Leisure) – Deakin University
• Graduate Certificate of Domestic and Family Violence Practice – Central Queensland University
• Registered as Psychologist with AHPRA (Reg Number: PSY0001617444)

Dr Maxwell has more than 12 years of experience working with individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system, in both welfare and clinical roles. This has included the provision of assessment for treatment needs and individual intervention for individuals with offending behaviour. Provision of group-based sexual and violent offending behaviour programs (CBT and DBT-based) for individuals with and without an intellectual disability. Provision of group-based drug and alcohol programs for offenders and development/provision of mindfulness programs for offenders. Administration of psychometrics to determine risk, motivation for intervention and personality assessments.

Dr Maxwell also has experience in providing complex assessment reports for court for individuals with a disability, offending behaviour, and legal mandates. Extensive experience in providing treatment plans, risk assessments and treatment progress reports for individuals who are mandated under various legal acts. She also engages in multi-disciplinary teams to provide client-centred and best-practice interventions for individuals with adults and adolescents who present with complex needs, aiming to reduce the risk associated with behavioural presentation and increase the quality of life for those individuals.

Dr Maxwell has worked across multiple states and territories in Australia and has engaged in developing multi-stakeholder-based service provisions for clients who have extensive and complex needs. Dr Maxwell has engaged in training and presentation of adapted DBT treatment programs both internationally and within Australia. Dr Maxwell also has extensive experience working within the family violence field, working with men and adolescents who use violence in the context of family systems.

• Maxwell, Y., Day, A., & Casey, S. (2013). Understanding the needs of vulnerable prisoners: the role of social and emotional well-being. International Journal of Prisoner Health, 9(2), 57 – 67.
• Sakdalan, J. and Maxwell, Y. (2023), “The application of adapted dialectical behaviour therapy concepts and skills in the treatment of adults with autistic spectrum disorder who display challenging or offending behaviours”, Advances in Autism, Vol. 9 No. 2, pp. 132-149.