Our Psychologists
Kathleen
Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Discipline Lead
Kathleen is a Registered Psychologist with a number of years’ experience working with young people in Out of Home Care settings and providing behavioural support to individuals with complex behavioural needs. Kathleen uses a range of therapeutic modalities including, Behavioural Analysis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Kathleen takes a playful and curious approach when working with children, young people and their families to ensure that they feel comfortable and safe in the therapeutic environment. Kathleen is passionate about supporting individuals and families to understand the purpose behind a behaviour and using this knowledge to develop new skills for more effective communication. She is also a firm believer in evidenced based practice and working in a holistic framework to provide informed and consistent support.
Outside of work, Kathleen spends her time with family and friends, watching home renovation shows and trying to be a better cook.
Megan
Clinical Psychologist
Megan is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties and mental health issues. She has an extensive background in the impact of trauma. Megan has a particular interest in the provision of professional supervision and promoting reflection in clinical practice. She is an AHPRA approved supervisor.
She is passionate about building a relaxed, enjoyable and safe environment for her clients to assist them to reach their goals. Megan has worked extensively supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma and stress, attachment difficulties, mood disorders and behavioural concerns through the delivery of individual therapy, group work as well as therapeutic parenting programs. Megan utilises a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches in her work including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TFCBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing’ EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Megan has three young children and in her spare time enjoys holidays with her family in their caravan and spending time with family and friends.
Melissa
Registered Psychologist
Melissa is a Registered Psychologist and has experience working with adolescents, young people and adults with mild mental health issues to severe mental illness. Mel is passionate about prevention and early intervention and is therefore drawn to working with children, young people and families.
Mel is committed to helping people live fuller, more meaningful lives and strives to provide a therapeutic space that is safe, respectful and compassionate. Mel values a playful, practical, evidence based approach and aims to be curious and collaborative to support individuals and their families reach shared goals. Mel draws on a number of therapeutic frameworks and techniques including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focussed Therapy (SFT) and Mindfulness.
Although intensely interested in all areas of psychology, Mel’s special interest groups are mood and anxiety concerns, resolving stress, interpersonal/relationship difficulties, low self-esteem/resilience, self-harming and suicidal behaviours, personality disorders, and culturally and linguistically diverse individuals and families.
Mel is a mum to two children and enjoys spending time with family and friends, the great outdoors, singing, and a good soy chai tea.
Sally
Registered Psychologist
Sally is a registered psychologist who has a warm and practical approach to therapy. She has worked with families in some amazing places including in rural and remote parts of Australia volunteering her time to work with the homeless before moving to Newcastle in 2017.
Sally has worked with children, youth, families and professionals in community services context, with a specialised interested in trauma and attachment. Sally’s enthusiastic and warm manner assists in developing safe and comfortable relationship with children and their families. Sally is committed to therapeutic interventions that are client-centred, creative, and focus on children’s strengths and interests. Her focus is providing evidence based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as creative therapies and teaching relaxation and mindfulness. Sally is an LGBTQIA + ally.
Outside of work Sally likes going to the beach, try new foods and spend time with her friends and family.
Darrin
Registered Psychologist
Darrin is a Registered Psychologist who is experienced in supporting young people and adolescents. Darrin spent over 20 years as a teacher before becoming a Psychologist. He has a wide range of experience working with young people and relates and communicates with them well.
Darrin has experience in working with anxiety and mood disorders in young people and uses a wide range of therapeutic techniques including CBT and ACT. He takes great care in developing strong therapeutic relationships with the young person and the families he works with. He develops a holistic approach to working with young people considering family systems, peer relationships and educational contexts.
Darrin moved from Albury/Wodonga where he has worked as a teacher and Psychologist to join the team at Beam Health in Warners Bay, Newcastle. Darrin grew up in Newcastle and has always considered the area as home.
He has 2 grown daughters and loves the beach, bike riding and cooking (and eating!)
Ben
Registered Psychologist
Benjamin is a Registered Psychologist with experience working in out-of-home care and private practice. Benjamin was employed as a Youth Worker in 2012 whilst completing his undergraduate studies. This work led him to develop a passion for supporting young people and their families. Since obtaining general registration as a Psychologist, Benjamin has gained valuable experience working with young people with a wide range of mental health concerns. Benjamin is skilled in psychological assessment, therapy, behaviour support, counselling, and suicide intervention.
Benjamin is particularly interested in the treatment of depression, anger, and the administration of psychological assessments. Benjamin utilises a client-centred approach that focusses on a young person’s goals and existing strengths. Wherever possible, he tailors evidence-based practice to the specific needs of the young person to maximise treatment efficacy.
In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys Soccer, Chess, and playing his PlayStation.
Grace
Registered Psychologist
Grace is a Registered Psychologist who is extremely passionate about improving the lives of the children, adolescents and families who she works with. Grace is an incredibly bubbly, engaging and friendly clinician which allows her to easily establish rapport and build strong therapeutic relationships with people from all walks of life.
Grace has significant experience working with children, adolescents and families in addressing many psychological issues including anxiety, depression, behavioural concerns, trauma, stress and adjustment issues. Grace is passionate about helping children and adolescents to develop their ability to identify, understand and manage their own emotions.
Grace is experienced in delivering a number of evidenced based therapeutic interventions including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Grace also has experience in administering a range of Cognitive and Adaptive Assessments.
Outside of work Grace has a passion for animals and adores her two rescue cats, she also loves to be around family and friends.
Courtney
Registered Psychologist
Courtney is a Registered Psychologist with experience working with and supporting young people and their families. Courtney spent the last 2 years working in rural NSW with children and their families in the school system, which further developed her passion for working with and supporting young people and their families.
Courtney strives to provide a therapeutic space that is safe, respectful and supportive through a warm and enthusiastic manner and focusing on children’s strengths and interests. Courtney uses a range of evidenced based cognitive and behavioural interventions and techniques including, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution focussed Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Mindfulness, as well as creative and play therapies. Courtney has also had experience in conducting cognitive and behavioural psychological assessments.
Courtney takes great care in developing strong therapeutic relationships with the young person and their families to assist them in reaching their goals. Although interested in all areas of children’s mental health, Courtney can help with concerns around depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, grief and loss, school anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, and behavioural difficulties. Outside of work Courtney enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her family.
Brady
Registered Psychologist
Brady
For the past ten years Brady has been working with children and adolescents. He has been in mentorship, leadership and soccer coaching roles which has stemmed a passion for helping children realise their full potential.
Brady has also had a vast experience in the mental health field including drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinics, orphanages, dementia centres, support worker roles and has assisted research on CBT, anxiety, depression and body image.
Brady has also worked heavily in a therapeutic context with children on the Autism Spectrum. Brady completed his Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree in 2016 at Macquarie University and has received his provisional registration with AHPRA.
In his spare time he enjoys watching soccer, surfing and spending time with his family and friends.
Leah
Registered Psychologist
Leah is a Registered Psychologist, with a Bachelor of Psychology and Masters of Professional Psychology. Leah worked as a disability support worker across Newcastle for many years before moving into School Psychology where she continued to work with young people with disabilities and their families (from Early Intervention/Preschool age through to High School age). She was the Team Leader for a region of School Counselling service, and has also worked for NSW Health with young people experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties. Leah is passionate about working holistically with families and has particular experience in supporting young people struggling with chronic suicidality, self-harm, school disengagement, and/or high-level emotional dysregulation.
Leah uses a variety of evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, as well as art and play therapies. In everything she does, Leah incorporates fun and creativity. Leah also has experience in running group work for young people, and completing a range of psychological assessments.
Outside of work Leah spends all of her time showering her giant dog with love (and the rest of her family too) – and resisting the urge to adopt a trillion more animals.
Robert
Provisional Psychologist
Rob is a Provisional Psychologist who is close to obtaining his General Registration. Rob has experience providing counselling and assessment services to young people and families who present with complex trauma, learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and a number of other mental health issues.
Rob is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy qualification in which he is researching the positive impacts that therapy dogs have on the social and emotional wellbeing of children and adolescents in educational settings. Rob is also an active member of his local community where he coaches a junior soccer team in the Newcastle area.
Rob’s strengths are his enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to providing the best standard of care to young people and their families. He takes a holistic approach to understanding the nature of difficulties that people experience, including their physical, psychological, social, and educational contexts.
Outside of work Robert enjoys sports, spending time with friends, family and animals, and in undertaking new adventures.
Jason
Provisional Psychologist
Jason is a Provisional Psychologist and Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience working in various allied health, educational and research roles.
Jason completed his Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) in 2009 after returning to Australia from living in Japan. He worked in Schizophrenia research and as an academic at The University of Newcastle until 2019 when he returned to study a Master of Professional Psychology.
Jason has experience working with people of all ages, dealing with challenges in their life that impact their functioning and wellbeing. This includes mental health issues, disability, trauma, emotional dysregulation and challenging behaviours. Jason’s approach is evidence-based, holistic and individually tailored to the client, utilising Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Positive Behaviour Support and Mindfulness.
Outside of work Jason enjoys walking his dogs, digital photography, diving and travel.
Paula
Provisional Psychologist
Paula is a Provisional Psychologist who is passionate about working with children, young people and families. Paula completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) in 2009 and has worked with children and their families in the areas of mental health and well-being. Paula returned to study a Master of Professional Psychology in 2019.
Paula aims to create a safe and therapeutic space while using a warm and client-centred approach. Paula is passionate about improving the quality of life of children, adolescents and their families.
Paula’s approach is delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and teaching relaxation and mindfulness.
Paula is particularly interested in the treatment of depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation and challenging behaviours.
Outside of work Paula enjoys spending time with her family and friends, taking her dogs to the beach and keeping active.
Brooke
Provisional Psychologist
Brooke is a Provisional Psychologist who has had 3 years’ experience both working and volunteering in disability and psychology-related support roles. Having completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) in 2017, Brooke commenced work as a disability support worker in the Newcastle region. In 2019, Brooke joined a team of volunteers on a mental health placement in Bali, Indonesia where she conducted group sessions in a variety of settings with the focus being on key psychological themes such as art and creative therapy, dance and movement therapy, identity, music therapy, and positive psychology. Brooke returned to the University of Newcastle in 2020 to undertake a Masters in Professional Psychology.
Brooke has had experiencing working with individuals across the lifespan and believes wholeheartedly in a person-centred approach. She is passionate about helping support children and adolescents, as well as their families, and prides herself on providing a safe space for young people to feel heard.
Outside of work Brooke enjoys spending time with her friends, yoga, art, and getting outdoors.
Our Speech Pathologists
Delna
Speech and Language Pathologist, Discipline Lead
Delna is a Speech and Language Pathologist with over 10 years experience working in schools and providing support to individuals with Autism and other disabilities. Delna has worked in Sydney and London, across a variety of special needs schools, community-based services, private practice and early intervention centres.
Delna is passionate about ensuring each individual has the opportunity to reach their full communicative potential. She holds a special interest in expressive communication and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) and likes to work together with families and professionals to ensure an integrated, holistic and well-supported approach. Delna recently conducted an action research project looking at the development and implementation of individualised AAC systems as a school-wide approach.
Delna has a sound understanding of the national curriculum and is currently completing a Masters of Primary Teaching. Delna established the Therapists in Disability and Schools Network in Sydney and remains an active member.
Outside of work, Delna enjoys spending time with her kids, cooking and renovating.
Vivien
Speech Pathologist
Vivien is a Speech Pathologist with experience working in the Newcastle and Hunter areas supporting children and adults achieve their communication goals. Vivien has experience working with early childhood educators and enhancing their knowledge of Speech Pathology strategies to support children's language and speech development.
Vivien loves working with individuals and their families to support them to become more confident in their communicative interactions. She believes she has the most rewarding role and is passionate about addressing functional goals which are important to the individual.
Vivien has completed Hanen training and also uses Key Word Sign to support children's communication development. Vivien values the importance of collaborating with other allied health professionals to ensure holistic care for all.
Vivien loves spending time with family and friends, relaxing on the beach and exploring new places.
Rebecca
Speech Pathologist
Rebecca is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with experience working in a range of community settings, including mainstream schools, special education schools and private practice. Rebecca has spent the last 4 years working in Victoria before returning to her hometown of Newcastle in early 2020.
Rebecca is passionate about working collaboratively with families and other professionals to ensure therapy is individualised to each child or young person and their family. Rebecca is certified to run the Hanen It Takes Two to Talk program for parents of young children with a language delay. She has also completed training in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) approaches which can be used for individuals with complex communication needs.
Rebecca is passionate about the speech pathology profession, currently serving the Advocacy Portfolio Leader of a State Branch of Speech Pathology Australia and volunteering her time for a Language and Literacy Community of Practice.
Outside of work Rebecca enjoys cooking, shopping at markets and gardening.
Sharon
Speech Pathologist
Sharon is a speech pathologist who enjoys working with children to attain their individualised communication goals.
Sharon has a particular interest in supporting children with special needs. Sharon draws on her previous experience as a teacher's aide, assisting students with special needs in a school environment, knowledge of key word signing (KWS), Proloquo2Go (communication app) and Applied Behaviour Therapy (ABA), to help children reach their full potential. Sharon has been working in the Newcastle area as a speech pathologist in a private practice.
Sharon has experience in evidence based programs such as the Social Communication Intervention Program (SCIP) and Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), and speech therapy via telehealth (e.g. Zoom/Skype). Sharon appreciates and utilises the benefits of a holistic and collaborative approach to the delivery of speech therapy services.
Sharon and her family have been living in the Cessnock area for the past 30-years. Sharon was very enthusiastic to take up her position with the Beam Health team, allowing her to assist children with speech pathology services in her local community.
Outside of work Sharon enjoys reading, gardening and candle making.
Our Occupational Therapists
Emilie
Occupational Therapist, Discipline Lead
Emilie is an experienced and dedicated Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2011 from McGill University in Canada. After several fulfilling years practicing in Canada, Emilie moved to Australia where she has since cultivated her career amidst supportive and diverse settings.
Emilie is enthusiastic about empowering children to utilize their strengths, enhance self-motivation, and overcome difficulties. Children recognize Emilie for her fun and engaging therapy sessions. She understands the best way for children to learn and make gains is through play and meaningful activities.
Emilie is well appreciated not only by children, but also by their carers. She adopts a flexible family-centred approach whereby the unique needs, concerns, and goals of each family are prioritized and tailored to. Her fundamental goal is to improve their quality of life by helping children to overcome developmental challenges and facilitate learning for progressive and sustainable improvement.
Emilie’s therapeutic approach stems from a broad range of experience and education including helping children and adolescents with a wide range of conditions and/or challenges, specifically, those that impact self-care and play skills, relationships with others, as well as performance at school and in physical or leisure activities.
Emilie’s notable areas of expertise include learning difficulties; executive functions; emotional and behavioural regulation; sensory processing; and motor challenges. Further, she is a certified Cogmed Coach – an intensive method aimed to help individuals with working memory and attention issues.
Emilie values spending time with family and friends and is passionate about travelling.
Jenny
Occupational Therapist
Jenny completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (honours) at the University of Newcastle in 2020. Before Jenny was an Occupational Therapist she worked as a Teacher’s Aide and Disability Support Worker. In these roles Jenny has gained experience working with a variety of conditions including Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing issues, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Over her degree Jenny completed clinical placements in occupational rehabilitation, community mental health, aged care and a paediatric placement. It was during her paediatric placement that Jenny rediscovered her passion for working with children and their families to achieve their goals.
Jenny is excited to be a part of the dynamic Beam team and is enthusiastic about gaining additional knowledge in sensory based therapy whilst also incorporating her existing love for creativity in play-based sessions. Jenny enjoys finding ways to make therapy fun and to build it in to everyday activities. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys live music, playing boardgames, cooking and spending time with her friends and family.
Tatum
Occupational Therapist
Tatum started her career and her passion as an Occupational Therapist in 2017 after graduating from the University of Newcastle. Tatum has worked in the paediatric setting since completing her degree and has experience working with children of various ages and disabilities.
Tatum is passionate about the role of Occupational Therapy in helping children develop skills to perform the purposeful activities that make up everyday life. She understands that this looks very different for each individual child and family but believes that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams despite the challenges they face.
Tatum likes to make therapy fun and engaging and spends the time tailoring therapy activities to suit each child’s unique personality and interests. As well as being fun and engaging, Tatum believes in therapy being meaningful and purposeful and will work collaboratively with the child’s support networks to determine relevant goals and provide the best outcomes.
When she’s not at work, Tatum enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing Pilates and eating new and delicious foods.
Tatum looks forward to working with you and your child in a fun and safe environment that will enable and encourage your child to achieve their goals!
Our Behaviour Specialists
Emmanuel
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Emmanuel is currently completing his final year of his Bachelor of Psychology at The University of Newcastle. Emmanuel has spent the last two years working as an applied behavioural analysis therapist. He has focused on clients with high needs and complex behaviours accommodating to a variety of needs.
Emmanuel is aiming to become a Board-Certified Behavioural Analyst and is interested in working with children and adolescents that have challenging and complex behaviours. Emmanuel thrives in analysing the functions of behaviours and then tailoring programs that allow for the appropriate management of these behaviours.
He will be working predominantly with NDIS participants and families, developing and implementing high quality Behaviour Support Plans.
In his spare time, Emmanuel enjoys spending time with his friends, listening to music and reading.
Rebecca
Behaviour Therapy Assistant
Rebecca is a qualified Primary school teacher with a major in special education.
Currently studying a degree in Psychology through the University of Newcastle, Rebecca hopes to become a Clinical psychologist in the future.
Rebecca has a passion for working with children and adolescents. Her goal is to ensure school is a positive and enriching experience for all by empowering students to identify and thrive in personal areas of strength. Rebecca’s work has seen her travel to communities all over with a personal highlight her time working in rural and Indigenous communities in Mount Isa.
Rebecca has spent the last 4 years working as the teacher of an Emotional Disturbance support unit in the Hunter Valley. During this time, she assisted students who have severe emotional and behavioural support needs to learn coping skills and strategies to empower them as they move through their schooling experience.
In her spare time Rebecca enjoys staying active and experiencing the outdoors through travelling, mountain biking and spending time by the beach.
Our Administration Team
Deb
Administration Team
Deb has been part of the admin team for 2 years and loves working with the children and families at Beam Health. She has a solid understanding of both the NDIS and Medicare systems and enjoys the regular interactions with the children, youth and families at our clinics.
Deb has over 20 years’ experience in office administration in both children’s services and the media & creative industries. Deb is mum to 3 sons and a beautiful border collie called Daisy. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, art, photography, music, reading, gardening and of course, spending time with her family & friends.
Fiona
Administration Team
Fiona is a country girl at heart, having lived in Dubbo for over 40 years. As Beam’s longest serving staff member she enjoys the interaction with the kids and parents of Beam. Fiona has over 25 years experience in administration working in Rural Counselling, Community Services and Education. She has a Certificate in Frontline Management.
In her spare time Fiona loves to go on holidays with her husband and 2 kids. She also loves to keep active, loves to garden, going to the movies and motor bike riding.
Becky
Administration Team
Becky moved to Australia from the UK 14 years ago and left a career in marketing to be a scuba diving instructor in Nelson Bay. She worked for the Marine Park Authority as an administration officer for several years before taking a career break to raise her 3 children.
With a degree in Animal Biology and Post Graduate Diploma in Pet Behaviour Counselling Becky has a love of all things furry, feathered and scaly and a keen interest in the use of assistance animals and therapy pets.
Becky has experience with the NDIS system from a participant parent perspective and understands the challenges of juggling kids and therapy appointments.
In her spare time Becky loves keeping active and spending time with her family doing all things outdoors from kayaking to horse riding.
Casey
Administration Team
Casey a is currently completing a Business Administration Traineeship with Beam Health and will achieve her traineeship in April 2021. Casey will receive a Cert III In Business once she have completed my studies.
Casey loves learning new administration tasks and enjoys all of the people and clients at Beam Health!
In Casey's spare time she enjoys going away camping, going to the beach, playing sport, & hanging out with friends and family.
Aleena
Administration Team
Aleena is currently completing a Business Administration Traineeship with Beam Health. Aleena commenced her traineeship in the middle of 2020 and thoroughly enjoys interacting with clients and making new friends throughout the amazing Beam Team.
Outside of work Aleena enjoys spending time with my family, walking my dogs and going to the gym with my friends .