Meet Our Team

Want to Join our Team?
Positions Available please call 59052811

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.

  • 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.  

Hannah Fitchet

  • 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.

Cathy Charlton

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 Clinical 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 Clinical 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 - including couples therapy, 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 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. 

Caroline Caparas

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.

Eleni Kavaliotis

  • Eleni is a registered Psychologist with AHPRA and holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

    Her clinical and research experience spans hospital, outpatient, community, and academic settings. In her practice, Eleni focuses on building collaborative, supportive relationships with each client, drawing on a range of evidence-based treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions.

    She primarily works with adolescents and adults, supporting individuals with a wide range of psychological and physical health concerns, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, eating and body image issues, and adjustment to life changes or health conditions.


    Eleni also has specialised training in sleep and circadian rhythm disorders, and uses approaches such as CBT for insomnia and circadian-based therapies to help improve sleep and mood for a range of vulnerable groups.


    Eleni is committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-informed care that is practical and responsive to each person’s background, values, and goals for therapy. 

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.

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.

Provisional Psychologists

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.

Kavini Vithana

  • Kavini is a registered provisional psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is currently completing her final year of a Master of Clinical Psychology.

    She draws on a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based strategies. Kavini has worked with individuals experiencing a variety of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and difficulties with emotional regulation, self-esteem, and motivation. She has experience providing both individual and group therapy in university clinic and hospital settings, supporting clients to build self-understanding, develop practical skills, and work towards meaningful personal goals.

    Kavini is passionate about supporting people of all ages and takes a warm, client-centred approach to therapy. She values authenticity and collaboration, striving to create an inclusive, supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered. Kavini is committed to tailoring therapy to each person’s unique strengths and experiences, with a focus on fostering sustainable, meaningful change.

Alicia Brand

  • Alicia is a registered Provisional Psychologist currently completing her final semester of a Master of Clinical Psychology. Alicia has a passion for working with children and young people of all ages, as well as their families and support systems.

    Alicia has experience working with variety of presentations including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, family/systems disruptions and trauma. In her sessions, Alicia calls on skills from a variety of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Integrative Family Therapy (ITF), Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT) and Play Therapy.

     Alicia is continuously learning so that she can work collaboratively with her clients in an empathetic and individualised way, that enables the client to achieve the best possible mental health outcomes. Alicia’s friendly personality and respectful approach provide a safe and empowering therapeutic environment in which clients feel heard, supported, and validated.

Sonia Ryter

  • As a Provisional Psychologist, Sonia is committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space for clients to explore their experiences and move toward growth and healing. Sonia's practice is grounded in trauma-informed principles and draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy (PDT).

    Sonia takes a flexible, client-centred approach, working with each individual to understand patterns, build emotional insight, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. Sonia values creating a therapeutic relationship that honours each client’s story, fosters resilience, and supports meaningful and lasting change.

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.

Seon Gong

  • Seon is a Provisional Psychologist currently completing the final year of the Master of Clinical Psychology program. She is a warm and approachable clinician who values collaboration and curiosity in working toward each client’s goals.

    Seon is passionate about using a strengths-based approach, supporting clients to reflect on and build upon their existing strengths to achieve meaningful therapeutic outcomes. Her practice draws on multiple evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions, to deliver tailored therapy for individual clients.  

    She has experience working with young children, adolescents, and adults across a range of presentations, including anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment and transition difficulties, trauma, and grief and loss. Seon is also experienced in supporting parents navigating challenges in parenting young children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, and she is a trained facilitator of Tuning into Kids parenting program. 

Courtney Thompson

  • Courtney is a provisional psychologist currently completing a Masters of Psychology (Clinical). She is passionate about supporting individuals throughout their mental health journey in a compassionate, collaborative, and empathic manner. 

    Courtney is trained in a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy. She works with individuals across the lifespan, including children, and has experience supporting individuals with a variety of presentations including anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, and ADHD. Courtney is committed to creating a safe, empathic, and non-judgemental space where clients feel heard and empowered to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change.

Provisional Counsellors

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.