About Us

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology – University of New England
• Bachelor of Arts, double major in History, Politics and Society & Psychology – Southern Cross University
• Diploma of Children’s Services – Meadowbank TAFE
• SAL Consulting’s Phase 1 Accreditation in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics with the Child Trauma Academy
• Registered Psychologist, AHPRA Number: PSY0001650836.

Amelia is a dedicated practitioner who has experience working with children, carers, parents and teachers in both educational, out of home care and family based settings She delivers regular clinical support for carers, youth worker/ care teams, out of home care organisations, and families. Amelia is experienced in the design and implementation of therapeutic support plans for children and young people with complex needs.

Amelia also provides direct therapy for children and young people in out of home care (foster care, intensive foster care, and residential care) as well as children, young people and adults who are referred by their General Practitioners, Paediatricians or Psychiatrists, and has been a lead in coordination of therapeutic supports for multi-disciplinary teams.

• Master of Speech Pathology – Charles Sturt University (2016)
• Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics) – La Trobe University (2012)
• Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD (2016)
• Child Protection Certificate (2015)

Anica finished her Master of Speech Pathology at Charles Sturt University.  During this time, she initiated student-led projects on telehealth, traumatic brain injury and aged care.   Alongside university, Anica has worked across the fields of education and healthcare.  This included working with clients as well as in project management and program coordination.  She has a passion for healthcare equality, particularly focusing on people with a disability and rural populations.

• Registered Nurse – New Zealand & Australia
• Diploma of Community Services – Case Management Hornsby TAFE
• Founding Member of National Disability Practitioners, A Division of NDS

Barbara draws on over 35 year’s experience as a registered nurse, senior case manager, team leader and project officer.  She has supported people with disabilities in a variety of settings including residential settings; supported accommodation, respite and across the community, working with individuals, families and their carers.

Barbara has worked with people with disabilities and complex support needs being supported in the out of home care area, aged care, boarding houses and criminal justice areas.  She has extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary teams through change and supporting staff on a day to day basis.  Barbara has a strong collaborative approach when working with people with complex supports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our psychiatry service recognises that behaviours of concern may reflect adverse developmental experiences, stress, health issues, sensory and communication difficulties and mental health needs.

Our consultant psychiatrist, Dr Bruce Chenoweth is a highly experienced practitioner. He has many years of practice working with children, adolescents and adults with developmental disability and mental health needs. Dr Chenoweth works closely with the broader SAL Consulting team in order to deliver services in a holistic and collaborative way. Our psychiatry services are informed by neuro-developmental, attachment and bio-psycho-social models of practice.

Dr Chenoweth has special interests, experience and training working with children, young people and adults who have:

• Developmental delay
• Intellectual disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Complex mental health needs
• A history of complex developmental trauma
• Been placed in out-of-home care
• Behaviours of concern

Dr Chenoweth provides a one off initial assessment and care plan and liaises with the individual’s primary care practitioner who will provide ongoing support. We also offer Skype consultations for people living regional and remote areas.

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

• Over 20 years experience working with adults and children with disabilities, mental health difficulties, and backgrounds of trauma and abuse and providing clinical support to teams, families and individuals
• Experience in the design and delivery of Behaviour Support and Skills Development programming, and management of programming teams
• Policy writing, organisational review and organisational systems development
• Coordination of therapeutic services for a multi-disciplinary team
• Design and delivery of individual therapeutic services for children and young people, and people with disabilities
• Design and Delivery of staff training for Human Service Organisations
• Delivery of psychometric assessments and clinician / practitioner training
• Supervision and mentoring of intern and registered psychologists, other clinical staff, human services managers and direct support staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Associations:

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

Conferences:

• 2nd International Neurosequential Model Symposium: Are you ready? Nothing’s Impossible: Two Unique approaches utilising Six Core Strengths, the 6 r’s for Healing Trauma and NMT. June, 2016.

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

Gary is a practitioner with more than 20 years experience with a long-standing record of providing tailored quality behaviour and service development support design and delivery for children and adults in the disability and youth / intensive services (out-of-home care) sectors; client/family support; training, and systems development and monitoring services to non-government service provider organisations, in the disability and youth (out-of-home care) sectors.

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

Publications

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

Conference Presentations

• Child Trauma Academy NMT Conference, Banff (2014) NMT & Six Core Strengths in Regional Australia: Re-shaping neurodevelopmentally-informed practice development in residential care settings with Marie Pinter

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with Honours), University of New South Wales
• Master of Education and Developmental Psychology, Western Sydney University
• Certificate IV Training & Assessment, Hunter TAFE

Holly is a dedicated practitioner who has 10 years of experience working with individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviours, utilising person-centred, evidence-based clinical practice. She is competent in conducting clinical assessments, intervention planning, design and delivery. Holly also provides training and care coordination with local services to facilitate clients’ rehabilitation in the community.

Holly has a strong interest in neuroscience and is currently studying the Master of Brain and Mind Sciences at The University of Sydney.

• Senior Finance and Accounts professional with over 25 years experience in a number of accounts and finance support roles across industry sectors.
• Key strengths include detailed analytical and reporting skills with excellent customer service ability.
• Support Senior Management / Partners meet financial targets.
• Assist in the management of Client administration matters, including resolving issues as they arise.
• Work on and assist with continuous improvement projects.
• Ensuring the smooth running of the office support function, including the fortnightly payroll and invoicing, and all relevant documentation.

• Bachelor of Psychology

Julio has recently completed his undergraduate psychological training at Western Sydney University and is currently holds Provisional Registration as a Psychologist in Australia.  With over 10 years’ experience working in the disability sector, Julio brings experience, knowledge and passion to his current role with us as a Clinical Consultant.

• Masters of Education (Adult Education) – UTS
• Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management – Harris Bromley
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – Response Training & Employment
• Masters of Early Childhood – Macquarie University
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) – Macquarie University

Katherine is an experienced education and workforce development professional with 15 years’ experience leading successful programs in a range of organisations with in-depth involvement and understanding of working in community services and health sectors.  She engages organisations with a strong participatory and people-centred approach providing innovation and a passionate focus on building skills, knowledge and experience in the classroom and the workplace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conference Presentations

2nd International Neurosequential Model Symposium: Are you ready? Nothing’s Impossible: Two Unique approaches utilising Six Core Strengths, the 6Rr’s for Healing Trauma and NMT. June, 2016.

• BSc Psychology
• MSc Play Therapy

My first encounter with therapeutic support began in my teens, when I completed extensive training and volunteered as a peer counsellor at a youth telephone helpline. After qualifying as a psychologist from Goldsmiths, University of London and while completing my MSc in Play Therapy in University of South Wales in UK I worked with adults transitioning from acute mental health setting into the community, adults with intellectual disability, domestic abuse victim support and young people at risk, special needs advocacy in education, out of home care, therapeutic services for children and in a community justice program for young high risk reoffenders with intellectual disability.

I am experienced in NGO, statutory and private sectors, providing developmentally appropriate and tailored individual, family and group therapeutic intervention as well as clinical supervision to staff.

• Bachelor Business Marketing
• Diploma HR Management
• Diploma Leadership & Management
• Diploma Venues/Events Management
• Cert IV Business Administration & Management
• Cert IV Project Management
• Cert IV Frontline Management
• Cert III Finance
• Cert II Computer Applications for the Office

Leigh Macklan has recently taken the leap from EA to Senior Manager, Operations & Projects.  With over 17 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant, Leigh brings knowledge and skills from industries including manufacturing, health insurance, finance, education, legal, construction, not for profit and social services.  Also with a background in marketing/graphic design and photography, Leigh’s passion for presentation (and perfection!) follow her into every role.

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

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

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Charles Sturt University
• Certificate IV Assessment & Workplace Training
• Australian Institute of Company Directors – Member Number: 2204161
• Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors – Company Director’s Course (2017)
• Neuroleadership Institute, Member Number: 00667

Liz is a Director of SAL Consulting, a trans-disciplinary consulting firm that works with vulnerability and complexity across health, education, and human services. As a human services consultant and Behaviour Support Specialist, she has more than 18-years of experience delivering practice improvement and training, clinical support, organisational development, and program review / design services to government and non-government organisations. She is passionate about utilising current research in neuroscience, applying that to improved outcomes in leadership, program design and delivery of services, and assisting people to implement evidence based theory into day-to-day practice.

Publications

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

Conference Presentations

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

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

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

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

Marie also has experience in mental health assessments, psychosocial assessments an parenting capacity assessments that involve multiple and complex issues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael’s work portfolio includes:

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

• Bachelor of Psychology – University of Newcastle
• Currently enrolled in Masters of Business Administration- University of Newcastle
• Registered Provisional Psychologist

• Application of psychological and holistic assessments for a range of people with complex needs, including children, young people and adults with a disability and/or complex trauma.
• Therapeutic and Behavioural Interventions for children or adults with a disability and/or mental health concerns, including complex trauma.
• Provision of Clinical Support (including psycho-education) for carers and residential staff teams, in both the Disability and Out of Home Care sectors.
• Identification and assessment of support needs of individuals with a disability, metal health issues and a variety of other complex needs.
• Development and delivering of comprehensive individualised Behaviour Intervention and Support plans.
• Over 4 years experience working as a Direct Support Professional, including key work for people with a disability and/or mental health concerns as well as individuals with complex trauma.
• Over 10 years experience working with vulnerable children and adolescents, including those with complex trauma in recreational respite environments
• Professional experience and training.

• Bachelors of Science (Psychology) 
• Masters of Early Childhood Education 
• Graduate Certificate: ABA Advanced certificate

Milka has worked in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis for over 6 years now. She began her career in 2014 working as a therapist for clients with developmental disorders such as ASD and various conduct disorders. 

Milka gained most of her experience working as a behaviour therapist for a number of early intervention clinics. Her experience includes providing 1:1 direct care services, natural environment training, program development, designing behaviour support plans and staff training. Milka has vast experience in working with clients between the ages of 2-14 who present a range of challenging behaviours.

In 2015 Milka completed her Bachelors of Science (Psychology) at Monash University and continued on to complete her Masters in Early Childhood Education in 2018. Milka has also completed the ABA advanced certificate course sequence through the Florida Institute of Technology. She hopes to complete her supervision hours to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA).

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

I have worked in the disability sector for the past 17 years in a variety of roles including direct care, day programs, case management, behaviour support, in both not-for-profit and State Government environments. I have a passion for working with vulnerable individuals and their families to improve their quality of life.

I have had over 8 years’ experience in supervisory and operational roles, managing staff in various settings. My last few roles involved the operational management of a team of disability case managers, which included regular supervision, assistance with crisis responses, regular liaison with clients, families and stakeholders, planning and facilitating regular staff meetings, monitoring staff training needs and the prioritisation, allocation and monitoring of caseloads and client waitlist.

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

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

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

• Experienced Clinical Services Manager
• Development and implementation of policies and practice review
• Experience in assessment and behaviour support services for children and adults with disabilities and / or a history of complex trauma
• Assessment of children, young people and adults with mental health and drug and alcohol issues within the health system
• Design and delivery of therapeutic intervention / treatment programs for individuals with mental illness, disability and emotional disturbance
• Design and delivery of individual therapeutic intervention for children and young people, and people with disabilities
• Experience in consultation and supervision for clinicians and senior management regarding service provision and modeling for clients with complex needs
• Professional supervision of clinical practitioners in the in the disability sector

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

Samara has experience providing support to people with a disability and mental health concerns as well as those caring for them. Samara has also spent time in Sri Lanka working within the community to bring support to those with complex needs, in aid to increase wellbeing. During this time Samara also worked within the community to provide psychoeducation and increase understanding of those with complex needs.

Samara is proficient in the assessment and development of person-centred evidence-based interventions for those with complex needs, along with providing support for those caring for them.

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (2013)
• Certificate IV in training and assessment (2007, renewed in 2013)
• Diploma in Arts (2002)

Stephan has worked in the community services industry for 13 years before come on board with SAL. His career in the community services industry began in 2003 when he began working as a support worker, supporting people with intellectual disabilities in their homes. In 2007, Stephan completed his Certificate IV in training and assessment and delivered Certificate III and IV training in disability work. Between 2008 and 2012, Stephan worked as a manager in mental health and community justice programs. In 2012 Stephan returned to university to complete his studies, graduating with a Bachelors of Arts (Psychology), while still working as a trainer and support worker. In 2014 he began his first role as a behaviour support clinician working with people in the Community Justice Program in the NGO sector and with Ageing, Disability and Home Care. Stephan started with SAL in 2016.

Our paediatric service recognises the impact that medical issues, adverse experiences and relationships can have an impact on development, learning, socialisation, behaviour and mental health and wellbeing.

Our consultant paediatrician, Dr Yvette Vella is an experienced practitioner with a passion for children and young people to achieve better health outcomes. Dr Vella provides comprehensive initial appointments and reports and coordinates ongoing care.

Dr Vella has special interests, experience and training working with children and young people who have:

• Developmental delay
• Intellectual disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Mental health needs
• Difficulty engaging in education
• A history of complex developmental trauma
• Been placed in out-of-home care
• Behaviours of concern
• Complex medical presentations

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

• Over eight years of experience in working with individuals who have a disability, including as a disability support worker, ABA therapist and clinician (psychologist). This includes 1:1 disability support in community and disability accommodation services (both government and non-government agencies), 1:1 ABA therapy support, in vivo training of disability support workers, review of behaviours of concern to understand functions of behaviour, the provision of behaviour support plans and in vivo support to disability support workers to enhance proactive strategies.
• Seven years of experience working with individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system, in both welfare and clinical roles. This includes welfare support in relation to adjustment to prison, engagement with child protection/legal services/banking services and provision of recreational activities to prisoners. In clinical roles this has included the provision of assessment for treatment needs and individual intervention to individuals with offending behaviour. Provision of group based sexual and violent offending behaviour programs (CBT and DBT based) for intellectual disabled and non-intellectual disabled offenders. Provision group based drug and alcohol programs for offenders and development/provision of mindfulness programs for offenders. Administration of psychometrics to determine risk, motivation for intervention, and personality assessments.
• Experiencing in providing complex assessment reports for court for individuals with a disability, offending behaviour and have legal mandates. Extensive experience in providing treatment plans, risk assessments and treatment progress reports for individuals who are mandated under Section 8 (Compulsory Treatment) of the Disability Act 2006 (Victoria). Provision of reports for other legal panels (e.g. Forensic Leave Panel and Multi Agency Panel) for individuals mandated by legal orders under Serious Sex Offender (Detention and Supervision) Act 2009 (Victoria) and Crimes Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried Act 1997 (Victoria). Significant engagement in multi-disciplinary teams to provide client centred and best practice intervention for individuals with a disability to aid in behaviour of concern reduction and increase quality of life for those individuals.
• Specific interest in research related to quality of life and domestic and family violence in relation to individuals with a disability.

• Maxwell, Y., Day, A., & Casey, S. (2013). Understanding the needs of vulnerable prisoners: the role of social and emotional well-being. International Journal of Prisoner Health, 9(2), 57 – 67.