Meet Our Team

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Administration & Receptionist Staff

  • Jacqui is our Practice Manager and has been working in the allied health field for more than 30 years. Jacqui has always been passionate and is committed to supporting teams that enable them to provide excellent quality health care. Jacqui’s role is to manage the overall operations required to deliver a high level of Psychology and Counselling and services within our local community.

Jacqui Nichols

Our reception staff are caring, warm and approachable. Taking the first step to call and make an appointment can be a daunting process. Carolyn, Kelly, Clare and Lindy understand that taking the time to consider the needs of our clients is important. They have created a light hearted and respectful reception space so you will feel at ease from the moment you come into the clinics. Our administration team are here to help with every step of your recovery journey.

Carolyn

PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR

Lindy

RECEPTIONIST ROWVILLE

Kelly

RECEPTIONIST EMERALD

Clare

RECEPTIONIST EMERALD

Psychologists

Hita Mistry

DIRECTOR

  • Hita is the Principal Clinical & Forensic Psychologist and has been practicing for over 20 years. Hita has experience in the forensic sector, public mental health and in tertiary education. She is dedicated to providing specialist care to people and values a client-centered approach to assessment and treatment. Hita has been trained in a number of therapies including MBT, ACT, CBT, DBT and Schema Therapy. She is also an experienced group facilitator and has worked with children and adults. Her area of specialisation is the treatment of complex presentations in adults including trauma, complex trauma and personality disorder. Hita is trained in EMDR, Ego State Therapy and Theory of Structural Dissociation. She also incorporates Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Polyvagal Theory in her work.

    Hita holds professional registration in both Australia and the UK. She is a Nationally Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and a member of the Clinical and Forensic Colleges with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and is an Associate Fellow and Chartered Forensic Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

    Hita is a Board Approved Supervisor with over 15 years of supervisory experience. She has a keen interest in the training, mentoring and development of our future generation of psychologists. Hita is a training consultant for both clinical and forensic psychology sectors having delivered training workshops, seminars and conferences both Nationally and Internationally.

Katerina Volny

  • Katerina Volny is a Psychologist that has worked for 20 years in the public mental health sector, private practice and other settings.  She enjoys working with individuals, families and in groups.  Katerina works primarily with mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy approaches.  Katerina is interested in providing support to her clients to overcome obstacles to reach their goals.  This involves listening to each person’s unique story and using therapeutic techniques to clarify their own values, find meaning in their life experience, and use their strengths to reach their potential.  She has experience particularly working with people that have experienced mental illness, trauma, eating disorders, and personality disorder.

    Katerina has commenced offering Hike Therapy, which is psychological treatment while walking in the forest.  This allows for the benefits of movement and nature in an alternative therapy environment.

Cathy Charlton

  • Cathy is a psychologist with 25 years experience who has worked with children and adolescents providing assessments. Cathy conducts neurodevelopmental assessments for children and adolescents at Emerald Psychology Practice. These include assessments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability (ID), and specific learning disorder (SLD – incorporating dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia).

    Cathy uses a range of psychological tests such as; COGNITIVE tests, including the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V and WIAT-III. AUTISM tests, including the ADOS-2, ADI-R and SRS. ADHD tests including the Conners 4, parent, teacher and self. Adaptive Behaviour tests such as the Vineland 3 and the Child Behaviour Checklist.

    Cathy provides a very comprehensive assessment and report which incorporates an initial needs assessment interview and from that she develops a plan that includes testing using various assessment tools and completion of questionnaires, depending on the individual’s needs. A feedback session is then conducted which explains the report, results and recommendations. The report is then given at the conclusion of the feedback session.

    Cathy has previously worked across approximately 70 schools in Victoria assessing students and providing reports and funding applications for the Department of Education and NDIS.

    Cathy works closely with children, adolescents, parents and relevant professionals including teachers, paediatricians, GP’s and various allied health professionals.

    Cathy makes sure her assessments are conducted in a gentle, fun, non-judgemental and happy environment.

Hannah Fitchet

  • Hannah (she/her) is a friendly and dedicated Clincal Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA). She is also a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australia Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA).

    Hannah works with adolescents (age 12 years upwards) and adults for clinical treatment. She is also trained to assess adult ADHD. She has experience with a variety of presentations such as trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, self-harm, behaviour and conduct issues, neurodiversity, and relationship issues, working with both young people and parents.  Hannah has experience working in a forensic setting with high-risk clients.

    She takes an evidence-based, client-centred approach to therapy, tailoring the intervention to each individual client and their needs. Some common frameworks she utilises are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She prides herself on practicing in a respectful, culturally responsive, and non-judgemental way and continues to learn and grow every day.  

Katya Kamysheva

  • Dr Katya Kamysheva has been working as a Clinical Psychologist for the past fourteen years in a variety of public and private health settings, including acute and community mental health, peri-natal and infant mental health, and health (psycho-oncology).

    Katya works in a warm, empathic and collaborative way to support clients with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and adjustment difficulties. She has a special interest in working with new parents in the perinatal and early parenting years to support healthy attachment and build confidence and resilience during this important time for parents and children.  She also has a number of years of experience working in a cancer setting and brings that particular expertise to working with clients who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond in the community.    

    Katya works from a client-centred approach and is genuinely interested in understanding each of her client’s individual circumstances, needs and goals in therapy. Katya is trained in a combination of several evidence-based psychological therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Practice, Existential Therapy, Schema Therapy and Attachment focused interventions, which can be used eclectically depending on her client’s needs.

Bhavana Sistla

  • Bhavana is a psychologist who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Bhavana’s background includes providing support to individuals dealing with a range of psychological difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, stress, self-esteem issues and emotion dysregulation.

     

    Bhavana’s approach to therapy is client-centred, and she prioritizes understanding her client’s unique circumstances, needs, and goals in therapy. She utilises a combination of evidence-based psychological therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Practice, and Schema Therapy, which she adapts to meet the specific needs of her clients. She works with her clients to achieve their individual goals and improve their wellbeing in a warm, welcoming and respectful environment.

Abanti Mandal

  • Abanti is a Registered Psychologist who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She is a dedicated and passionate therapist who strives to creates a space where clients feel safe and empowered to achieve their goals and enrichen their wellbeing. Her approach is warm, client-centered, and collaborative.

    Abanti has experience working with adolescents and adults in both a private and school setting. She has provided psychological therapy for clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, relationship issues, personality disorders, and trauma. Abanti uses various evidence-based approaches in therapy and has experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness to clients. Understanding that each client is different and unique, she aims to provide a tailored approach for each individual she works with.

Dean Constantineas

  • Dean is an AHPRA registered Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Dean is currently completing his Doctorate in Sport & Exercise and Clinical Psychology. He is a fun and empathetic individual who prioritises building strong therapeutic relationships with his clients. He utilises a humanistic approach which involves collaborating with his clients to help increase their self-awareness through reflective practice.

    Dean has experience working in various settings which includes private practices, schools as well as professional sporting teams. Additionally, Dean has worked with clients across the lifespan with a range of presentations such as depression, anxiety, behavioural concerns, trauma, ASD and ADHD. Dean’s practice draws upon evidence based interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based interventions. 

Ashleigh Parks

  • Ashleigh is a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She strives to create trusting and empathetic therapeutic relationships and work collaboratively with her clients to facilitate improved quality of life.

    Ashleigh has experience working with individuals across the life span experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image concerns, ASD, ADHD, low self-esteem, and interpersonal issues. She takes a client-centred and trauma informed approach to treatment whilst drawing on multiple therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Interventions, and Schema Therapy.

Penelope Tsantis

  • Penelope is a passionate Psychologist with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She is passionate about empowering her clients and values a collaborative and person-centered approach to therapy.
    Penelope takes a holistic approach to mental health and utilises a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailored to each client's unique needs. She believes in the practice of compassion in mental health and wellbeing and is known for her warm and empathetic approach, creating a safe and supportive space for her clients to explore their challenges.  

    Penelope specialises in working with adolescents and young adults. Her areas of interest include anxiety disorders, stress management, emotional regulation, self-esteem, trauma, depression and relationships. 

Rebecca Cook

  • Rebecca, who uses she/her pronouns, is a Clinical Psychology Registrar with AHPRA registration and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Her proficiency lies in customising her use of evidence-based therapeutic interventions by actively listening to her clients and regarding them as experts in the therapeutic space. Her primary objective is to facilitate the recovery of her clients by comprehensively understanding how life events have influenced their experiences and their cognitive, emotional, and behavioural responses. Rebecca provides tailored support to clients dealing with complex trauma, personality, and interpersonal challenges. She has a keen interest in forensic psychology and personality disorders and is proficient in diagnosis, testing, and assessments. Rebecca's clientele present with a diverse range of psychological, cognitive, behavioural, personality, and emotional issues, including developmental language disorders, dyslexia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Panic Disorder, OCD, ASD, ADHD, and individuals who have been subjected to bullying and abuse. Rebecca fosters a warm, non-judgmental, and naturally empathetic environment aimed at aiding her clients in navigating self-exploration and overcoming challenges. She enjoys working with clients spanning all age groups, from children to older adults, as well as individuals from varied backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and cultures.

Carla Perrone

  • Carla (She/Her) is an AHPRA registered Psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She is a vibrant and insightful individual who possesses a deep interest in recovery and well-being. Her approach is empathic and person-centred, with great diligence in facilitating a safe environment and collaborative therapeutic relationships in therapy. 

    Carla has worked across the lifespan with a range of presentations, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, interpersonal challenges, behavioural issues, and parenting. Carla utilises a range of evidence-based treatment modalities that are best suited to her clients, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Carla is humanistic in nature, and practices with cultural humility, compassion, and respect for her clients. 

Caroline Caparas

  • Caroline is an experienced psychologist who fosters a safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences. She is able to use a range of therapeutic approaches namely Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to tailor to each clients’ needs. Caroline has a particular interest in counselling older adolescents and adults. Her areas of interest are anxiety; depression; relationships; tackling imposter syndrome and perfectionism; and building effective study skills and work habits. Overall, Caroline is passionate about helping people to live a rich and meaningful life. 

Angelique Grosskopf

  • Angelique is a registered psychologist with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. She has experience working within multidisciplinary allied health teams across forensic and public mental health settings, supporting clients with varied presentations including chronic depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorders, trauma-related and psychotic disorders. She has also worked with children and adolescents providing psychological therapy for depression and anxiety, and provides neuroaffirming, strength-based interventions for challenges associated with autism and ADHD diagnoses.

    Angelique has experience in cognitive and neuropsychological assessments for a range of presentations. She maintains a keen interest in the neurological underpinnings of mental health and the impact of life stressors including trauma and aims to empower clients to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Angelique’s former professional roles and life experiences deepen her understanding and practice as a psychologist, allowing her to offer thorough and compassionate support to clients. Angelique’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and schema therapy. 

Anna Burak

  • Anna works with individuals across the lifespan in a collaborative and empowering therapeutic environment and a safe space for her clients. Anna can provide a range of psychological services, including assessments and evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions.

    With proficiency in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other modalities, Anna is equipped to address a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, from depression and anxiety to selective mutism and family violence. Anna is dedicated to providing tailored interventions that foster resilience and facilitate healing.

Christine Steentjes

  • Christine is a psychologist with a highly eclectic style, developed from her 30 plus years of experience in the field.  Christine has worked in not for profit organizations, with the veteran community, in drug and alcohol and private practice. 

    Christine has a style of counselling that considers the needs of each individual and therapy is then tailored to those needs.  She enjoys working with individuals and couples. 

    Her work draws from CBT, ACT, client centered therapy, CFT, EFT, addictions based therapies, inner child work and her couples work draws from The Gottman Methods.  Christine has a relaxed style, ensuring the emotional safety of her clients at all times. 

    Christine has strong spiritual foundations in her own life and is open to bringing this into the therapeutic arena where this suits her clientele. 

    Areas of work include, but are not limited to, trauma, addictions, co-dependency, relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, emotional dysregulation and stress. 

    Christine works via Telehealth only. 

Counsellors

Vanessa Wylie

  • Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in Counselling and is registered with the Australian Counselling Association. She enjoys working with individuals and couples, helping them navigate life’s transitions and build strong, resilient relationships. In addition to her counselling work, Vanessa has contributed to research and the development of well-being programs for older adults. 

    Vanessa provides practical, personalised strategies for various concerns, including overwhelm, relationship challenges, parenting, ageing, and grief. She utilises a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), Gottman Method Couple Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, ACT, CBT, and Mindfulness. Her practice is inclusive, and trauma informed. 

    Known for her warm, approachable style, Vanessa offers Telehealth sessions, allowing clients to conveniently access support from the comfort of their own private space. She is a registered provider for most major health funds.

Poppy Saxton (she/her)

  • Poppy has a Masters Degree in Counselling and is registered with the Australian Counselling Association, she offers individual and couples counselling services.

    Poppy works with adult clients to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, grief, addiction, and relationship problems among other issues. She is experienced working with neurodiverse, LGBTQI+, indigenous, and multicultural clients, and approaches her practice with an intersectional lens to best support their needs.

    Poppy facilitates a safe counselling space that allows clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and develop skills to live aligned with their values and does so by drawing from numerous evidence-based therapies.

    As a couples’ Counsellor, Poppy assists clients to clarify and move towards their goals by deepening their understanding of themselves and their partner allowing for increased empathy, informed communication, and meaningful connection. Poppy largely uses Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C) with couples’ clients.

Jyoti Pahla

  • Jyoti is a registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist. She offers clients an empathic, caring and non-judgemental space and walks alongside them to explore their challenges, stuckness or numbness. Her philosophy is to be open, curious and respectful. Using strengths-based and evidence-based approaches, she takes a holistic stance to help clients on their healing journey.  

    She works in areas such as (but not limited to) family, parenting, relational and other interpersonal challenges, grief, loss and bereavement, anxiety, depression and life transitions.  

Marcus Mogford

  • Marcus is a registered psychotherapist and counsellor who has worked in a variety of mental health settings since 2016.

    His clinical practice has focused on areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioural addiction, grief and bereavement, self-esteem and identity, and challenges in relationships.

    Marcus primarily uses a Gestalt therapy approach, but also draws on psychodynamic theories, trauma-informed treatment modalities, and psychospiritual approaches in accordance with the needs and interests of his clients. His aim is to situate his therapeutic approach in the context (and service) of each client’s unique experience, history, and circumstances.

    Marcus is interested in supporting people to deepen their relationship with themselves, other people, and the world around them. Depth of relationship in this sense is inseparable from depth of awareness and both lead to lasting change.

    Marcus believes that such depth of relationship and awareness profoundly affects the quality of our experience, while also enabling us to respond to demands and challenges with greater choice, skill and flexibility.

David Bokan

  • David is a registered Provisional Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). David is currently completing his final year of a Master of Psychology (Clinical) program. David has a keen interest in working collaboratively with clients to achieve the best possible outcomes for them. He utilises best practice evidence-based treatments tailored to the client’s individual needs. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as mindfulness-based interventions. In addition,

    David has experience working with a Trauma-Informed lens. He has experience working with a range of client presentations including anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

    David is passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and ensuring a safe and empowering therapeutic environment.

Japjot Walia

  • Japjot is a provisional psychologist currently completing his final year of study as a Master of Clinical Psychology student, and holds a deep appreciation for working collaboratively with clients to facilitate growth and wellbeing in meaningful ways.

    As part of his initial placement within a clinic setting, Japjot has worked with diverse presentations including anxiety, trauma, and burnout. He has utilised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) modalities to meet client-centred goals. Japjot also brings unique experience working with children and adolescents in sports settings as a coach. This role centres around developing self-confidence, motivation, resilience, emotional regulation and positive self-talk to facilitate performance.

    Japjot relishes the opportunity to work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to ensure the best interests of young people are put first to ensure healthy and normative development through their early years. Japjot’s light hearted and conversational approach aims to provide a safe and open space for discussion with clients to facilitate introspection and personal growth.

Bridget McLean

  • Bridget is a registered provisional psychologist currently completing her final year of a Master of Clinical Psychology program. Bridget aims to work collaboratively with clients in an empathetic, non-judgemental, individualised way at a pace that suits the client to achieve the best possible mental health outcomes.

    Bridget is trained in evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions. She has experience working with various presentations, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD.

     Bridget is passionate about providing a safe and empowering therapeutic environment in which clients feel heard, supported, and validated. She is dedicated to helping children and young people to build resilience, reach their goals, and lead meaningful lives, through collaborative work with both the parents and the young person.

Monica Smit

  • Monica is currently completing her final year in the Master of Counselling program. With a Bachelor of Nursing background, she has actively engaged in the health industry for over 25years. In 2020, she began her role as a Crisis Supporter at Lifeline and continues to volunteer in this capacity.

    Monica strives to create a warm, empathetic, and supportive environment that enables clients to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Her goal is to equip clients with effective strategies and tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges they may face in life.

    In addition to her compassionate approach, Monica is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic environment that promotes growth and resilience. She is committed to professional development, which allows her to work with individuals of all ages, especially children and adolescents.

Provisional Psychologists

Corinna La Ferlita

  • Corinna is a provisional psychologist who is dedicated to supporting people in understanding their experiences and symptoms, and then collaboratively developing skills to enhance their wellbeing and achieve personal goals. Currently in the final year of her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, Corinna is gaining valuable experience in individual therapy and assessments. Corinna approaches therapy with warmth and empathy, focusing on each individual's needs. She aims to create a safe, non-judgemental environment for individuals to explore their experiences and address their concerns. Therapies that she is known to utilise include cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, exposure and response prevention, and dialectical behaviour therapy.

Dean Spilkin

  • Dean is a Provisional Clinical Psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Currently in the final year of his Master of Clinical Psychology program, he is deeply committed to supporting clients in their mental health journeys. With a strong passion for helping others in a warm, empathetic, and non-judgemental way, Dean creates a collaborative space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to reach their therapeutic goals.

    Dean is trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques, and draws on a variety of evidence-based techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. He has experience working with a diverse range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and neurodevelopmental challenges.

    Dean is dedicated to reducing stigma surrounding male vulnerability and mental health struggles, striving to create a safe and supportive environment for men to explore their emotions and seek help.

    Dean is passionate about fostering resilience and supporting his clients in building meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Kristina Bradshaw

  • Kristina is a registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRAH) as a Provisional Psychologist and is a current member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi). Kristina is a current Master of Professional Psychology candidate completing her final year of study and is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based support to individuals as they explore personal obstacles and challenges within a safe environment. Kristina’s values of acceptance, authenticity, collaboration and hope are reflected in her therapeutic style and approachable manner. Kristina works with individuals across the lifespan with a range of presentations such as depression, anxiety, behavioural concerns, interpersonal issues and grief.

    Kristina’s curiosity in the neurological basis of behaviour and the mechanisms by which drugs influence behaviour is reflected in her special interest in trauma-related disorders and addiction. She utilises a range of treatment approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based interventions to ensure treatment is tailored to the unique needs of the individual.

Provisional Counsellors