Beatrijs Dewulf – Psychological Services Supervisor

Beatrijs Dewulf – Psychological Services Supervisor

Beatrijs Dewulf is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia with endorsements in Clinical Psychology as well as Educational and Developmental Psychology. She is also a Board Approved Supervisor and is passionate about providing supervision and support in a peer context, as well as for registrars and for those pursuing registration through a 4+2 and 5+1 pathway.

Since obtaining her ‘Licentiaat in de Pedagogische Wetenschappen’ from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, she has more than twenty-five years’ experience in different educational and psychological settings including schools, private practice, national youth initiatives and global aid organisations.

Beatrijs believes in a holistic approach to mental health and understands the need to work collaboratively with all stakeholders including parents, families, schools and allied health professionals. This ensures the delivery of a proactive and exemplary therapeutic service which secures the best possible outcomes for children and their families. She is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness and parenting programs. Beatrijs is also a skilled assessor and diagnostician with a focus on developmental and neurodevelopmental presentations (ADHD, ASD) as well as learning and gifted/talented presentations.

Spencer Health is proud to have Beatrijs in the role of Psychological Services Supervisor, where she is responsible for providing clinical supervision to psychologists within and external to the organisation. Her role also covers responsibilities focussed on clinical governance, ensuring that our psychological services are delivered to the highest ethical and quality standards ensuring that Spencer Health truly is a Centre For Excellence.

SIMONE CHARTRES - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - MOSMAN

Simone Chartres – Clinical Psychologist

Simone Chartres is an endorsed Clinical Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).  Mrs Chartres completed a Masters of Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt University and holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the University of Wollongong. Simone has had over 10 years of clinical experience working with young people and adults with complex presentations.

Before commencing her practice at SCPC, Simone worked in inpatient mental health hospitals, including St Vincent’s Hospital, as part of the Young Adult Mental Health Unit (USPACE), leading group and individual therapy. Mrs Chartres has also worked at Manly Drug Education and Counselling Centre (MDECC), Mosman Private Hospital, and directed early intervention programs in high schools.

Mrs. Chartres has conducted research with Professor Rocco Crino examining Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the role of family members. Mrs Chartres also has experience in treating clients with specific phobias, having worked at the Sydney Phobia Clinic which incorporates virtual reality for exposure therapy. Mrs Chartres has completed training at the MJC Pain Management and Research Centre (Royal North Shore Hospital), working within a multidisciplinary team to assist clients in the treatment of chronic pain.

Mrs Chartres is passionate about working with adolescents, adults and families, with extensive clinical experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders and eating disorders. She has received specialised training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and EMDR for processing traumatic memories.

Jessica Radovan - REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Jessica Radovan – Registered Psychologist

Jessica is a registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and Medicare. She is also currently undertaking further study, a Master of Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt University.

Jessica has over 13 years of experience both in Australia and the UK across various sectors, including community mental health services, non-government services, schools, hospital settings, and private practice. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults in these various roles. She is passionate about supporting people of all ages experiencing various challenges including depression, various anxiety conditions, behavioural concerns, and relationship issues.

Jessica has also worked with various health providers supporting her clients and is committed to working collaboratively to achieve best outcomes for her clients. Jessica aims to create a safe space for her clients where they can share their current difficulties and work together to come to a shared understanding of these difficulties from which they develop and practice strategies to alleviate these difficulties.

Jessica’s has much experience in working with children and young people with varying difficulties including depression, anxiety and OCD, as well as family and relationships difficulties. Jessica is trained in and uses a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and is trained in various parenting programs, including Triple P.

Jessica is experienced in administering various psychometric assessments to assess for intellectual ability and learning issues, as well the screening and assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

TIM BULLIVANT - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY REGISTRAR & REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Tim Bullivant – Clinical Psychology Registrar & Registered Psychologist

Tim is a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA), having completed a Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland. He is a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA) and the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour therapy (AACBT).

Tim has clinical experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in public and private settings. He worked with young people and their families at the Child and Youth Mental Health Service in Queensland. He has also provided treatment at the Alcohol and Drug Assessment Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and at the the University of Queensland Psychology Clinic.

Tim has experience providing treatment in relation to a range of presentations, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, behavioural difficulties, social skills, self-esteem, and parenting skills. Tim’s primary treatment approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), though his practice is also informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), narrative therapy, and family therapy. Tim also has experience in assessment of ADHD, specific learning disorders, and giftedness.

Tim is a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental psychologist. He is passionate about building a strong therapeutic alliance with his clients, believing that this and other relationships can be powerful agents of change and improve overall well-being.

DR. ZOË WHEELER -REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Zoë Wheeler – REGISTERED Psychologist

Currently on Maternity Leave – Returning September 2020.

Dr. Zoë Wheeler is a Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and has a Masters and PhD in Psychology from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Dr. Wheeler has previously worked in a high school as the Senior School Counsellor, in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and has also lectured in Early Childhood at Macquarie University.

Dr. Wheeler has a passion for working with teenagers and young adults, in addition to supporting parents. She has trained extensively in mood difficulties, behaviour change, and health behaviours, and believes in an empathic, emotion focused approach which fosters a strong therapeutic alliance.

Dr. Wheeler tailors her approach to each individual client and draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness. Dr. Wheeler conducts  intellectual and educational assessments, in addition to assessing and  treating a range of mood, situational, and behavioural difficulties. She has also worked with disadvantaged adolescents and in early intervention supporting families where a child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

NICOLE ANDREWS - CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - MOSMAN

Nicole Andrews – Clinical Psychologist

Nicole is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and is a full member of the APS and an Associate Member of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. She has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and their families. She works collaboratively with all of her clients in order to improve their wellbeing and help them reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives. Nicole has a special interest in ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and behavioural problems in children. Nicole strives to provide a holistic, empathic and caring service that is both personal and highly professional, utilising interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Brief Solution Focused therapy. Nicole has also developed a social skills group aimed at helping children build or improve their social skills and friendships.

Maria Morte-Sanorjo - Clinical Psychology Registrar/Registered Psychologist

Maria Morte-Sanorjo – Clinical Psychology Registrar/Registered Psychologist

Maria is a warm and compassionate therapist who has a special interest in perinatal mental health and early childhood development. She has received training in assessment and treatment of perinatal anxiety and depression and incorporates attachment-based relational approaches to help clients work the challenges of early parenthood. She is committed to working collaboratively with her clients in order to provide targeted interventions that are in line with the client’s personal goals and values. Maria provides a supportive environment for her clients to work through their difficulties and cultivate resilience and vitality.

Maria has worked in a range of clinical settings and has experience working with clients across the lifespan. She delivers evidence-based treatments and utilises modalities such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy. Maria can also offer psychometric assessments to explore an individual’s level of functioning and possible support needs.

Maria holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and is a recipient of the Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence in her postgraduate studies. During her undergraduate studies, she was awarded first-class honours for her empirical thesis on women’s reactions to infant crying. 

Sally Yousdale – Provisional Psychologist

Sally Yousdale

Sally is a Provisional Psychologist who is in the final stages of completing the Masters component of her Combined Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the Australian Catholic University. She also holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours from Southern Cross University, where she was awarded first-class honours and a Certificate of Academic Excellence.  Currently, Sally is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society (GKIHS) and a student member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).

Sally endeavours to support children, adolescents and families by building a collaborative therapeutic alliance. A collaborative relationship promotes an empowering and supportive environment, where clinicians and clients can work together to develop individualised goals and targeted interventions. Such collaboration and authenticity allow clients to safely share their difficulties, and clinicians to offer practical, evidence-based strategies and techniques that may help to alleviate these difficulties.

Sally has a demonstrated history of providing psychological interventions and conducting psychological assessments with people of all ages. She has clinical experience working in private practice, schools, community mental health settings and psychiatric hospitals (both inpatient and outpatient settings). Sally has provided individual interventions for a range of presentations, including addiction disorders, anxiety disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioural difficulties, trauma and mood disorders. She has also provided group interventions for mood disorders and addiction disorders. In addition, Sally has conducted assessments for presentations such as ADHD, giftedness and Specific Learning Disorder (SLD).

Sally is training in a number of evidence-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Schema Therapy. In collaboration with Campbelltown Hospital, Total Health Care, Westmead Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital, Sally’s PhD research focuses on understanding eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours in females with Type 1 Diabetes. 

FRANCESCA EVANS - OPERATIONS MANAGER

Francesca Evans – OPERATIONS Manager

Francesca is the Practice Manager of Sydney Psychology Centre and has had many years of experience in performing a practice manager role.

Francesca has previously managed us here at Sydney Child Psychology and then moved on to the Orthopaedic area at the Mater hospital for a few years. However, Francesca missed us so much she has now returned. She is caring and professional and is always happy to go above and beyond to help us and all our lovely clients. Please don’t hesitate in calling her if you need anything at all.

Stephanie Jones – Client Care Officer Mosman

Stephanie Jones – Client Care Officer

Steph has had 6 years of customer service experience and is currently studying an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Speech & Hearing at Macquarie. She hopes in the future to become a qualified practitioner in the allied health sector. Steph is especially looking forward to working with and supporting kids and families in her new role. 

She loves reading books and dancing in the kitchen to 70s music, and is always down to have a chat, a laugh or just exchange pictures of her dogs.

HALINA REMINGTON - CUSTOMER CARE OFFICER

Halina Remington – Customer Care Officer

Halina brings with her vast experience in administration and marketing in the corporate, health and not for profit sectors. She is passionate about meeting and supporting our families in her role as administrative support at our Gladesville site. Halina is also a mum to a teenager and enjoys embarrassing her by breaking out into a dance to her favourite music. Halina’s strengths are her compassion and empathy and she believes that the most important thing is to be a good listener as she believes every one of us has an amazing story to tell.

Anna Smyth – Clinical Psychology Registrar & Registered Psychologist

Anna Smyth – Clinical Psychology Registrar & Registered Psychologist

Anna is a registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar who has completed a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from Southern Cross University and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Australian Catholic University. She completed her Honours thesis on decision-making in midwifery, and is particularly interested in nurturing attachment between mother and baby. Anna is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, and is currently completing her Clinical Psychology Registrar Program. Anna is trained in evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Perinatal Mental Health (COPE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy.

Anna has worked with children, adolescents and families with anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD and behavioural difficulties, providing both intervention and assessment at the Australian Catholic University Clinic. She has also worked in the Perinatal ward at St John of God Psychiatric hospital, working with acute perinatal mental illness and conducting both individual and group therapy. Anna is passionate about the perinatal field and aims to nurture and develop parent-baby relationships, as well as working with children and families.

Priyanka Aggarwala – Provisional Psychologist

Priyanka Aggarwala – Provisional Psychologist

Priyanka is a Provisionally Registered Psychologist who is in the final year of her Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree at the University of New England. She also completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours from Southern Cross University, where she achieved a First-Class honours. In addition, Priyanka also holds a Graduate Diploma in Counselling, which she completed at the Australian College of Applied Psychology.

Priyanka has gained experience working with adults struggling with a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and addiction. She has a also provided group therapy in adult inpatient units. Priyanka utilises a variety of evidenced-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Priyanka has a particular interest in Eating Disorders and is highly passionate about helping those suffering with eating disorders and body image issues, improve their relationship with food and develop a stronger and more stable body image and sense of self.

Priyanka also has an interest in working with children and young people and has experience as an Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist, helping children of varying ages in managing behaviours associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is passionate about taking a family based approach to supporting children presenting with neurodiverse presentations and mental health concerns. 

As a warm, empathetic and engaging clinician, Priyanka has a focus on connecting with her clients, understanding that the therapeutic relationship is key to positive health outcomes.

Danya Braunstein – Registered Psychologist

Danya Braunstein – Registered Psychologist

Danya Braunstein is a Registered Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor. She brings diverse experiences across clinical and academic settings to provide high quality psychology services to all clients. Valuing integrity, creativity, and authenticity, Danya strives to develop warm, compassionate relationships with adults, adolescents, and children. She is trained in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies.

Danya is passionate about assisting families to develop and maintain social-emotional wellbeing. She has a particular interest in supporting parents during the perinatal period, and changes to identity over the lifespan. As a trained babywearing consultant, Danya can offer group education and individual consultation, and advocates for babywearing as a strategy to enhance infant-caregiver attachment.

Danya has contributed to research into children’s development, including infant and family functioning and developmental assessments. She has also contributed to publications and research in the area of excessive gaming/screen use. Her previous clinical experience includes conducting group and individual therapy with adults and adolescents in a private hospital clinic, and conducting psychological interventions and screening assessments for private consultancy purposes. Prior to commencing psychological practice, Danya had extensive experience working in the media industry for over 10 years. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her two young children.

Emma Timmins - Provisional Psychologist

Emma Timmins – Provisional Psychologist

Emma is a Provisional Psychologist in her last year of a Master of Psychology (Clinical). Emma has a strong passion to help individuals who wish to create real and meaningful change in their lives so they can live their true, authentic selves. She believes there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to mental health treatment; clients are welcomed as the unique individuals they are. Emma understands the value of scientific research to inform treatment, and tailors this to ensure individual needs of her clients are met. Emma values a holistic approach to treatment so individuals can experience positive change across all facets of their lives.

Emma has a strong interest and training in a diverse range of therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy.  She has experience in psychometric testing with children and adolescents who struggle with learning difficulties, ADHD and Autism. She provides a range of assessments including WISC, WAIS, WIAT, WPPSI, PPVT, Connors and the ADOS.

Her areas of passion are working with children, young people and parents and with a child of her own, Emma is also experienced in peri and post-natal struggles as well as behavioural issues in toddlers.

CEO & PRINCIPAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Emma Spencer

Emma is a Clinical Psychologist who has a special interest in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families and peri-natal care.  Her background has been varied and included employment within hospital and community settings, both public and private.  Emma also worked for a number of years in consulting, as a trainer, project manager, neuropsychological assessor and also provided employment selection and transition services. Her leadership roles have included Site Manager, Clinical Supervisor and Executive Level Allied Health representative.  Emma is trained in a number of evidenced based therapies including CBT, ACT and DBT as well as Art and Play Therapies and she has written a number of therapeutic programs for mental health facilities nation wide.

Her clinical role within CDSA focusses on early intervention treatment services for children 0-6 years and their parents.  She is also passionate about supporting expectant/new mothers/fathers, with transitioning into these roles or to address mental health concerns.  Emma is a licensed 123 Magic trainer and Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, with a passion for working with parents to improve their confidence in parenting.

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Emma’s other passion is as an Assessor and Diagnostician with a focus on complex cases such as Autism and ADHD.  She takes assessment and diagnosis very seriously and as such has ensured the high quality of the tools and reporting requirements at the centre.  She is also a Clinical Supervisor providing supervision services to peers and Psychologists in training.

Paediatrician

Dr Sunita Gurnasinghani

Dr Sunita Gurnasinghani graduated in medicine from the University of Mumbai, India in 2000. Dr Gurnasinghani subsequently trained as a General Paediatrician in India and Australia. She has been recognised as Fellow of Royal Australian college of child health and paediatrics. She has worked in NSW hospitals in paediatrics for last 11 years.  She has extensive general paediatrics experience and subspecialty experience in NICU, developmental and community paediatrics, clinical genetics, etc. Dr Gurnasinghani has vast experience with Neuro-diverse presentations such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  Currently, she is also working as consultant paediatrician at Hornsby Hospital and teaching and research-based activities hold special interest for her. She has publication in American Journal Of Clinical Genetics to her name.  

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Dr Gurnasinghani’s goal is to provide holistic quality of life to children with various needs and to provide support to their families. She is also passionate about taking a systemic and multidisciplinary approach to the care and health goals of her clients.

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When she is not working, she travels, reads ,enjoys classical music and traditional dance forms.

Dr Sunita consults on Thursdays

DR VISHAL MALHOTRA - CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN

Dr Vishal Malhotra – Consultant Paediatrician

Dr Vishal Malhotra graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Delhi, India in 1996. He subsequently trained as General Paediatrician in Australia and was awarded fellowship of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians in Paediatrics and Child Health. Dr Malhotra’s post-graduate qualifications include a Diploma in Paediatrics and Child Health from the University of Sydney and a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Newcastle.

Dr Malhotra has extensive experience in General and Community Paediatrics having worked across tertiary, metropolitan and regional hospitals. He has previously worked as a Staff Specialist Paediatrician at Dubbo Base Hospital. Dr Malhotra has a wide range of expertise in general paediatric conditions from the early years of a child through to adolescence. His areas of interest include neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders, infant health issues, asthma and allergic conditions, epilepsy and bedwetting.

Dr Malhotra believes in an evidence based practical approach to patient care. He has an active interest in research and regularly reviews medical journals and attends paediatric conferences to keep abreast of latest changes in the field of paediatric medicine.

Dr Malhotra has a thriving private practice in the Central Coast of NSW and is a visiting medical officer at Gosford Private Hospital.

When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and pursues outdoor activities including golf, angling and hiking.

Beatrijs Dewulf – Psychological Services Supervisor

Beatrijs Dewulf – Psychological Services Supervisor

Beatrijs Dewulf is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia with endorsements in Clinical Psychology as well as Educational and Developmental Psychology. She is also a Board Approved Supervisor and is passionate about providing supervision and support in a peer context, as well as for registrars and for those pursuing registration through a 4+2 and 5+1 pathway.

Since obtaining her ‘Licentiaat in de Pedagogische Wetenschappen’ from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, she has more than twenty-five years’ experience in different educational and psychological settings including schools, private practice, national youth initiatives and global aid organisations.

Beatrijs believes in a holistic approach to mental health and understands the need to work collaboratively with all stakeholders including parents, families, schools and allied health professionals. This ensures the delivery of a proactive and exemplary therapeutic service which secures the best possible outcomes for children and their families. She is trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness and parenting programs. Beatrijs is also a skilled assessor and diagnostician with a focus on developmental and neurodevelopmental presentations (ADHD, ASD) as well as learning and gifted/talented presentations.

Spencer Health is proud to have Beatrijs in the role of Psychological Services Supervisor, where she is responsible for providing clinical supervision to psychologists within and external to the organisation. Her role also covers responsibilities focussed on clinical governance, ensuring that our psychological services are delivered to the highest ethical and quality standards ensuring that Spencer Health truly is a Centre For Excellence.

Amber Hunter - Registered Psychologist

Amber Hunter – Registered Psychologist

Amber is an empathic, insightful and compassionate Registered Psychologist with a passion for early intervention, wanting to help kids and young people live their best lives. She is committed to empowering people to achieve healthy and enjoyable lives by developing a greater capacity for resilience as well as developing more positive and meaningful relationships with themselves and others.

In addition to being a Psychologist, Amber is also a Registered Teacher and has been responsible for planning personalised learning and support, in consultation with parents, carers and allied health professionals, for primary school children, who have a range of learning difficulties including being on the Autism Spectrum. Amber has been involved in crisis intervention and case management of adolescents with drug and alcohol problems and worked with a number of agencies providing crisis support to those living with mental illness.

Amber worked for several years in consulting and human resources, as a project manager, trainer, leadership and psychometric assessor and also provided employment selection, career guidance and transition services.  Amber has strong assessment and behavioural analytical skills and considers psychological assessment to be a critically important factor for informing decisions around diagnosis and treatment.

At Child Development Solutions Amber works closely with children, parents and families supporting their improved health and well-being, conducts psychological assessments to inform treatment decisions and facilitates social skills groups.

Amber is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and alternate Saturdays

Cath Lowe – Registered Psychologist

Cath Lowe – Registered Psychologist

Cath is a registered psychologist who has been working with children and adolescents and their families in private practice and in a school context for the past 15 years. Cath is passionate about helping young people navigate the ups and downs of childhood and adolescence. Cath still works as a school counsellor, and as such, she has a vast experience in all the struggles that adolescents face such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem and body image difficulties. Cath works with young people in both individual and group counselling.  Cath is also experienced in critical incident management in schools. 

Cath has a particular interest in academic stress, having completed her Masters of Research by conducting a randomised controlled trial of the “Study without Stress” program with the Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University. 

Cath is passionate about helping Year 12 students manage their stress and enjoy their final year of school. 

Cath has four children of her own so understands the challenges of parenting in the modern age, both from a professional and personal perspective. She is a facilitator in many parenting courses such as the “Resourceful Adolescent Program” and “Engaging Adolescents”. Cath works with parents both individually and in a group context to help them improve their relationship their children/teenagers. 

Twinkle Garg – Provisional Psychologist

Twinkle Garg – Provisional Psychologist

Twinkle is a Provisional Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from Amity University, India. She has worked as a Psychologist for  a number of years in a variety of settings, with a variety of client groups in Australia and abroad.

Twinkle aims to help children and young people understand that their wide ranging emotions are all part of what makes them human but to also equip them with skills to better manage their tricky emotions (e.g. anxiety, depression, sadness, anger) and adapt their behaviour (e.g. conflict management, social skills, avoidance, challenging behaviour) to lead a full and rewarding life despite any hardship they experience.

In her work with families, she works to support parents and caregivers to better understand and be attuned to their child’s needs in order to more effectively support their emotional and behavioural development. Twinkle provides support to teachers, and families around understanding and supporting students’ emotional, social and learning needs and needs in relation to identified disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Dyslexia among other challenges in the classroom and at school more broadly. 

Twinkle is very passionate about working with children and their families. She is currently completing the final components of becoming recognised as a psychologist in Australia, and is excited to join our team to support our local community.

SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

Abigail Cohen – Speech Pathologist

Abigail has over 10 years of experience working as a speech pathologist. She has worked in a variety of service deliveries in private practice and in non-for profit organisations. Abigail has extensive experience assessing and delivering therapy to children from 0-18 years in the areas of speech (i.e. phonological disorders, articulation, Childhood Apraxia of speech), language (i.e. receptive and expressive language), fluency (i.e. stuttering) and literacy. Abigail has experience working with children with special needs, preschool-age and school-age children. She has professional and vast life experience working with children from multicultural backgrounds. Abigail is also fluent in Spanish and Hebrew. Abigail believes working with the parents is paramount to achieve the child’s communication goals.

Abigail is available on site Monday and Tuesday and also offers onsite appointments at school

Dianne Wagstaff – Art Therapist and Group Facilitator

Dianne Wagstaff – Art Therapist and Group Facilitator

Dianne is an Art Therapist who is passionate about supporting families and their children in various capacities. She believes that children are the ‘window’ to our worlds future and need to be given every opportunity to realise their fullest potential and ‘shine’.

Dianne’s experience over the last twenty years has seen her dedicate her life to this field of expertise through her work as a Child and Family Health Nurse and through her involvement with Guiding NSW as a Guide Leader. In addition, Dianne’s most recent voluntary work as a facilitator for a women’s support group through Red Tent Australia, has helped her connect with and provide support to local women within the community.

Dianne is an  Art and Sandplay Therapist with a focus on creative expression and developing therapeutic art programs for families and their children. Through a non- judgmental, supportive and nurturing approach she works to  create a safe space for each child to enable them to develop their own social and emotional skills, develop their own sense of self and to realise and develop their own unique gifts and talents. Diane believes that by working together from the heart we can enable them to form meaningful connections with others and feel independent and confident within their own community.

Sushmita Kanthan - Provisional Psychologist

Sushmita Kanthan – Provisional Psychologist

Sushmita is a graduate of the Master of Professional Psychology from The University of Newcastle, Australia. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours) from Western Sydney University. Sushmita is currently undertaking her 6^th year internship with the clinic as part of her psychology registration pathway.

Sushmita has experience working with children, adolescents and adults through various settings in her employment and education history.  She has been formally trained as an Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist and is passionate about working with neurodiverse children on their social and emotional skill development. Sushmita is also experienced in working with children and young people learn the skills to manage their feelings, gain control of their anger and learn to manage their anxiety. She is a creative and engaging therapist with a huge passion for working with children and adolescents particularly. She believes early intervention is key in helping teach individuals the skills needed to build a more stable life for themselves when they become adults. Her friendly, empathetic and approachable nature enables her to rapidly build rapport with her clients. She likes using fun and play when providing therapy to help ease her clients into therapy, which she understands, can sometimes feel daunting.

When not working, Sushmita likes indulging in reading poetry and prose, baking and participating in creative craft activities.

Sushmita is available for appointments Monday-Fridays.

Anne Taylor - Practice Manager

Anne Taylor – Practice Manager

Anne has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Education in Adult Vocational Education. She spent many years in the corporate sector as a Training and Development Manager and Consultant, specialising in customer service, management, and interpersonal skills development.

Whilst raising her children ,Anne also worked in a voluntary teachers aid position for a number of years at a school for children with disabilities. This provided invaluable experience working with children with neuro diverse presentations ,such as autism spectrum disorders, and learning and language difficulties.

Since returning full time to the workforce Anne has been working in various support and administrative roles in the health and medical fields. She loves the opportunity this provides to give a friendly welcome and help people feel comfortable in what can often be a very challenging time for their family.

Danya Braunstein – Registered Psychologist

Danya Braunstein – Registered Psychologist

Danya Braunstein is a Registered Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor. She brings diverse experiences across clinical and academic settings to provide high quality psychology services to all clients. Valuing integrity, creativity, and authenticity, Danya strives to develop warm, compassionate relationships with adults, adolescents, and children. She is trained in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies.

Danya is passionate about assisting families to develop and maintain social-emotional wellbeing. She has a particular interest in supporting parents during the perinatal period, and changes to identity over the lifespan. As a trained babywearing consultant, Danya can offer group education and individual consultation, and advocates for babywearing as a strategy to enhance infant-caregiver attachment.

Danya has contributed to research into children’s development, including infant and family functioning and developmental assessments. She has also contributed to publications and research in the area of excessive gaming/screen use. Her previous clinical experience includes conducting group and individual therapy with adults and adolescents in a private hospital clinic, and conducting psychological interventions and screening assessments for private consultancy purposes. Prior to commencing psychological practice, Danya had extensive experience working in the media industry for over 10 years. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her two young children.

CEO & PRINCIPAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Emma Spencer

Emma is a Clinical Psychologist who has a special interest in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families and peri-natal care.  Her background has been varied and included employment within hospital and community settings, both public and private.  Emma also worked for a number of years in consulting, as a trainer, project manager, neuropsychological assessor and also provided employment selection and transition services. Her leadership roles have included Site Manager, Clinical Supervisor and Executive Level Allied Health representative.  Emma is trained in a number of evidenced based therapies including CBT, ACT and DBT as well as Art and Play Therapies and she has written a number of therapeutic programs for mental health facilities nation wide.

Her clinical role within CDSA focusses on early intervention treatment services for children 0-6 years and their parents.  She is also passionate about supporting expectant/new mothers/fathers, with transitioning into these roles or to address mental health concerns.  Emma is a licensed 123 Magic trainer and Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, with a passion for working with parents to improve their confidence in parenting.

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Emma’s other passion is as an Assessor and Diagnostician with a focus on complex cases such as Autism and ADHD.  She takes assessment and diagnosis very seriously and as such has ensured the high quality of the tools and reporting requirements at the centre.  She is also a Clinical Supervisor providing supervision services to peers and Psychologists in training.

Amber Hunter - Registered Psychologist

Amber Hunter – Registered Psychologist

Amber is an empathic, insightful and compassionate Registered Psychologist with a passion for early intervention, wanting to help kids and young people live their best lives. She is committed to empowering people to achieve healthy and enjoyable lives by developing a greater capacity for resilience as well as developing more positive and meaningful relationships with themselves and others.

In addition to being a Psychologist, Amber is also a Registered Teacher and has been responsible for planning personalised learning and support, in consultation with parents, carers and allied health professionals, for primary school children, who have a range of learning difficulties including being on the Autism Spectrum. Amber has been involved in crisis intervention and case management of adolescents with drug and alcohol problems and worked with a number of agencies providing crisis support to those living with mental illness.

Amber worked for several years in consulting and human resources, as a project manager, trainer, leadership and psychometric assessor and also provided employment selection, career guidance and transition services.  Amber has strong assessment and behavioural analytical skills and considers psychological assessment to be a critically important factor for informing decisions around diagnosis and treatment.

At Child Development Solutions Amber works closely with children, parents and families supporting their improved health and well-being, conducts psychological assessments to inform treatment decisions and facilitates social skills groups.

Amber is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and alternate Saturdays

Dianne Wagstaff – Art Therapist and Group Facilitator

Dianne Wagstaff – Art Therapist and Group Facilitator

Dianne is an Art Therapist who is passionate about supporting families and their children in various capacities. She believes that children are the ‘window’ to our worlds future and need to be given every opportunity to realise their fullest potential and ‘shine’.

Dianne’s experience over the last twenty years has seen her dedicate her life to this field of expertise through her work as a Child and Family Health Nurse and through her involvement with Guiding NSW as a Guide Leader. In addition, Dianne’s most recent voluntary work as a facilitator for a women’s support group through Red Tent Australia, has helped her connect with and provide support to local women within the community.

Dianne is an  Art and Sandplay Therapist with a focus on creative expression and developing therapeutic art programs for families and their children. Through a non- judgmental, supportive and nurturing approach she works to  create a safe space for each child to enable them to develop their own social and emotional skills, develop their own sense of self and to realise and develop their own unique gifts and talents. Diane believes that by working together from the heart we can enable them to form meaningful connections with others and feel independent and confident within their own community.

Anna Costello – Art Therapist

Anna Costello – Art Therapist

Anna is an Art Therapist who has passion for working with children, adolescents and their families. Currently Anna works with NDIS participants to achieve the goals and outcomes set out in their NDIS plan. Anna has developed her skills working with young people at Headspace as an Art Therapist, Counsellor and Group Facilitator.

Anna is interested in the field of Positive Psychology and Humanistic Psychology and enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan. Anna champions a Strength-Based approach when working with individuals. Anna uses art based and creative process such as drawing, writing, sculpting, painting and clay to facilitate the exploration of feelings, improve self-awareness, reduce anxiety, process grief and loss and foster self-regulation.

Anna works with individuals and groups using arts processes to create meaning, rather than focussing on the end product. When she’s not working Anna is often outdoors, surfing or going to Art Galleries around Sydney.

Sushmita Kanthan - Provisional Psychologist

Sushmita Kanthan – Provisional Psychologist

Sushmita is a graduate of the Master of Professional Psychology from The University of Newcastle, Australia. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Psychological Studies (Honours) from Western Sydney University. Sushmita is currently undertaking her 6^th year internship with the clinic as part of her psychology registration pathway.

Sushmita has experience working with children, adolescents and adults through various settings in her employment and education history.  She has been formally trained as an Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist and is passionate about working with neurodiverse children on their social and emotional skill development. Sushmita is also experienced in working with children and young people learn the skills to manage their feelings, gain control of their anger and learn to manage their anxiety. She is a creative and engaging therapist with a huge passion for working with children and adolescents particularly. She believes early intervention is key in helping teach individuals the skills needed to build a more stable life for themselves when they become adults. Her friendly, empathetic and approachable nature enables her to rapidly build rapport with her clients. She likes using fun and play when providing therapy to help ease her clients into therapy, which she understands, can sometimes feel daunting.

When not working, Sushmita likes indulging in reading poetry and prose, baking and participating in creative craft activities.

Sushmita is available for appointments Monday-Fridays.