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.”

In her journey to Psychology Wren has worked in various roles supporting children, adolescents
and young adults across primary, secondary and tertiary education, trauma informed and
complex behavioural environments, residential settings and individualised support work with the
neurodiverse community. Wren's professional and personal experiences navigating and
exploring the reality of neurodivergence has fueled a passion to embrace the journey of
learning, one where she understands the value and importance of having a community of
people who celebrate and recognise the uniqueness and individuality of each child and
adolescent. She is passionate about journeying with parents, children and adolescents to gain
insight into each young person's unique strengths and challenges and to support and empower
both families and young people to navigate the world around them.

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.