Dr Jessica Lillis
Director, Clinical Psychologist, DPsych (Health), BA (Psych) (Hons), MAPS
Jess is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience working with toddlers, children and adolescents across both the public and private sectors. She has expertise in the assessment of autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, other neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental health difficulties.
Jess has extensive experience in providing support for children presenting with:
- autism spectrum disorder
- emotion dysregulation
- social skill difficulties
- sleep difficulty
- attention and concentration difficulties
- behavioural difficulties
- developmental delay
- anxiety
- depression
- learning difficulties
- bullying and interpersonal issues
Jess works collaboratively with families, kindergartens, schools and other treating health professionals involved in a child’s care to ensure a coordinated therapy approach.
Jess’ professional qualifications include a Doctorate of Health Psychology from Deakin University, with further training to obtain her clinical psychology endorsement. Prior to that, she achieved a Bachelor of Arts (with Honours in Psychology) from Deakin University. Jess is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) including endorsement as a clinical psychologist and health psychologist. Jess has completed board-approved supervision training, and is a registered supervisor. Jess is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), a registered Medicare provider of specialist clinical psychology services, and is able to provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
Natasha Kolivas
Speech Pathologist, BPsySc (Hons), MSpPath, CPSP
Natasha is an enthusiastic Speech Pathologist who enjoys working with families to help their children meet their full potential. With the knowledge that the best learning happens when children are relaxed and having fun, she strives to provide a safe environment for learning and play through sessions that are strengths-based and individualised to the needs of each child. Natasha is also passionate about providing parents with the skills and knowledge that empowers them to be the experts in their child's development.
Through her experience working in the private sector, Natasha has experience working with infants, children, and adolescents in the areas of language, articulation, literacy, social communication, emotional regulation and play. She is able to support families with the diagnosis and management of many neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Natasha has specific knowledge and a special interest in early childhood communication and supporting families of children with Autism.
Natasha holds a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with Honours). Through ongoing professional development, Natasha also holds additional certifications which allow her to provide specialised assessments and programs, including:
- More Than Words Program, Hanen Centre
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Secret Agent Society (SAS)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
Natasha is a registered Medicare provider and is able to provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
Dr Laura Medcalf
RMT, PhD (Music Therapy Research), MMus, BMus
Laura is a registered music therapist who has been practicing for ten years. Bringing experience in a range of different areas spanning from early intervention and special education to palliative care and bereavement, Laura brings a client-focussed, caring and family-centred approach to her role. She has a strong passion for working with children and families and loves seeing children thrive through the naturally engaging use of music. Laura also enjoys working with adults with disabilities, using her therapy to provide opportunities for social interaction, choice and control, self-expression and validation of their individual identity.
Laura tailors her music therapy sessions to provide opportunities to work on social skills, language and communication, or fine and gross motor skills. She encourages self-expression and validation of the individual through their creative and imaginative use of music. She believes that music changes the way people feel – and says Music Therapy can be seen as a “sneaky therapy” in that it uses fun to work towards social, communication and language or other goals.
During music therapy sessions with Laura, clients and families may sing songs, choose songs, write songs, play instruments, dance and do some movement activities. Laura plays guitar, sings and brings a variety of instruments that anyone can play.
Laura has a Bachelor of Music, a Masters in Music Therapy and a PhD in Music Therapy Research. Laura is registered with the Australian music therapy association and can see NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan managed.
Alyssa Yong
Paediatric Physiotherapist, BSc, DPhysio
Alyssa is an experienced paediatric physiotherapist who is passionate in developing strong relationships with families to help achieve meaningful outcomes for their child. Working with babies, toddlers and school-aged children, Alyssa has expertise in treating conditions such as:
- Uneven head shape issues like Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly
- Torticollis
- Toe-walking
- Gross motor delay
- Developmental delay
- Cerebral palsy; and
- Other neurodevelopmental and muscular conditions.
As a mother of two young children, Alyssa connects deeply with parents seeking to help their children maximise outcomes by adopting play-based therapy to keep them engaged and motivated towards reaching their goals.
Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne, and is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the National Paediatric Group.
She is a registered Medicare provider and is able to provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed and plan managed.
Languages spoken: English, Mandarin.