Dr Jessica Lillis
Director, Clinical Psychologist, DPsych (Health), BA (Psych) (Hons), MAPS
Jess is a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience working with toddlers, children and adolescents, across both the public and private sectors. Jess has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent children, working from a neuro-affirming approach to support children to reach their full potential. This involves working collaboratively with children, their families, and their wider support system to ensure a safe and inclusive environment that celebrates each child's personal needs and strengths.
Jess draws from a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies.
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 - Say and Play Speech Therapy
Speech Pathologist, BPsySc (Hons), MSpPath, CPSP
Natasha is a neurodiversity affirming Speech Pathologist who loves helping children become their best selves! With the knowledge that learning happens when children are feeling relaxed and having fun, she strives to provide a safe environment for development and play through sessions that are strengths-based and individualised to the needs and interests of each child. Natasha is passionate about working with neurodivergent children and their families, to help them understand their unique communication needs, learning preferences, and connection style.
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). She is able to provide comprehensive assessments in the areas of:
- Language and communication
- Speech sounds and articulation
- Play and social engagement
- A combination of all the above, as part of a multidisciplinary assessment to inform an Autism diagnosis.
Through ongoing professional development, Natasha also holds additional certifications which allow her to provide and run specialised therapeutic programs, including:
- Social-Emotional Acuity Bridge Program (SEA Bridge Program)
- More Than Words Program, Hanen Centre
Natasha is able to provide individual and group therapy sessions, as well as professional education and/or consultation to schools, kindergartens and other groups interested in learning about child development from a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
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 - Dynamic Music Therapy
RMT, PhD (Music Therapy Research), MMthpy, BMus
Laura is a dedicated registered music therapist with over ten years of experience.
She takes a client-centred approach, prioritising care and family involvement in her practice. Laura is deeply committed to fostering a neuro-affirming environment where children and young people are encouraged to be themselves and explore their creativity through music. She thoughtfully addresses sensory needs, offers communication support, and takes into account environmental factors, special interests, and family preferences in her work.
Laura adopts a holistic approach to music therapy, bringing both skill and passion to her work. She is committed to making a positive impact on her clients' lives through a diverse range of individualised music therapy services. Laura has extensive experience working with autistic individuals, ADHDer’s, individuals with Down syndrome, hearing loss (including those with cochlear implants), developmental delays, and various other disabilities or genetic conditions. She finds great joy in helping children and young people reach their full potential within a safe and supportive environment.
Music therapy can help support:
- Language and communication skills
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Social understanding and support
- Emotional regulation and understanding
- Sensory support
- Self-esteem and confidence building
Laura includes activities such as:
- Singing and live music
- Dancing and gross motor music activities
- Song writing
- Sensory based music activities
- Play based music activities
- Playing instruments
- Recording
- Music listening
- Music relaxation techniques
Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance, a masters in music therapy, and a PhD in music therapy research. Laura works individually with clients and can work with NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
Emily Coen - Emily Coen Psychology
Psychologist, BAppSc(Psych), GradDipPsych, MPsych(Prof), MAPS
Emily is a registered psychologist with 10 years experience working with children, adolescents and their families across home, clinic and educational settings. Emily has a special interest in working with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disorders, anxiety, behaviour management and emotion regulation difficulties.
Emily is passionate about working with children and their families in a flexible and creative manner, to best support their goals.
Emily is accredited in the Cool Kids Anxiety Program and Tuning into Kids program facilitation.
Emily's professional qualifications include a Master of Professional Psychology from Federation University. Emily is registered with Psychology Board of Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Emily is a registered Medicare provider and can provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
To enquire, contact Emily at emilycoenpsychology@gmail.com
Erin Ward - Ready Set Speech
Speech Pathologist, BSpPath, CPSP
Erin founded Ready Set Speech after 18 years working as a Speech Pathologist in private practice, community health and public health settings. Erin has a strong foundation in early childhood development. She works with infants, toddlers, preschool and school aged children with a range of speech, language and literacy difficulties. Erin has a warm, approachable nature and always brings a sense of playfulness and fun to her therapy sessions.
Erin has a special interest in working with speech sound disorders including:
- A lisp, or difficulties saying sounds like ‘s’ and ‘sh’
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
- Speech that is late to develop
- Speech patterns where the child leaves off sound or substitutes one sound for another phonological disorders
- Speech that is hard to understand
At Ready Set Speech, Erin also works with children who may present with:
- Difficulty understanding and using language to communicate
- Literacy difficulties (reading, spelling, reading comprehension)
- Stuttering
- Tongue thrust
- Generalised developmental concerns like learning how to play, pay attention, follow instructions, or communicate with peers
Erin is certified practicing speech pathologist (CSPS) and is a member of Speech Pathology Australia. She is a registered Medicare Provider and can provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan managed.
Kathy Toomey - Kids and Teens Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, Psychotherapist/Teacher, B.A, BT, GradDipCounselPsyT
Kathy is a Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Teacher with over 20 years experience working with children and families in the education sector as teacher, leader and school counsellor. In the counselling space Kathy provides counselling and psychotherapy for children and adolescents between the ages of 5-17 years experiencing grief, loss, childhood/family chronic illness, anxiety, depression, self-confidence issues, ASD, adjustment difficulties, emotional regulation, interpersonal and relationship difficulties.
Kathy’s approach is person-centred. She is relatable, genuine and will ensure the children or teenagers she is working, feel at ease, listened to and supported. Kathy incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Bibliotherapy, Body Focussing and the use of expressive therapies into the counselling space. Kathy’s passion is to empower ‘Kids and Teens’ to be their best self, supporting them on their path of self-awareness, healing and discovery.
Kathy has achieved a double degree for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching and holds a Post-graduate degree for the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Kathy is registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia and is able to provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan managed.
PACFA Member Reg. No: 27563
Contact Kathy at Kathy@ktcounselling.com.au or visit www.ktcounselling.com.au
Tracy Davies - Be Well Nourishment Nutritional Solutions
Nutritionist, BA (Psych), GDipHumNutr, MHumNutr
Tracy is a masters qualified nutritionist who provides nutritional therapy and dietary education solutions in the areas of childhood & adolescent nutrition, family health, and healthy aging. Through Be Well Nourishment she works hard to provide fun, practical, and simple solutions to all things nutrition!
Tracy specialises in supporting families to make smart nutrition choices, assisting with:
- General nutrition
- Autism & ADHD related nutrition
- Poor eating habits
- Growth concerns
- Mental health
- Digestive issues
- Restrictive eating patterns
- Sensory processing
- Disruptive mealtimes
Being a nutritionist and the parent of a neurodiverse child, Tracy understands the associated behavioural challenges and sensitivities that can make it difficult to ensure our children are getting the nutrients they need to support healthy growth and development. She also knows how desperate parents can be to seek out food-based solutions that may improve their child’s health, only to wind up feeling overwhelmed, confused, and alone, when no one seems to be able to provide clear answers to their nutrition questions.
Tracy is passionate about working with parents who want to improve their family's health, as well as supporting children & adolescents on the autism spectrum to help them become confident and adventurous eaters! Combining her scientific knowledge of nutrition with practical lifestyle habits, Tracy aims to help people achieve a wholesome and nutritious diet, without losing the wonderful enjoyment that food brings.
Tracy works collaboratively with families, kindergartens, schools and other treating health professionals involved in a child’s care to ensure a coordinated therapy approach.
Services include:
- Nutritional consultations
- Food therapy sessions
- Meal planning service
- Group programs
Tracy is registered with the Nutrition Society Australia and is able to provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
Dr Lydia Soh - Lemon Squeezy Psychology
Educational & Developmental Psychologist, BComm, PGDipPsych, MPsych(Ed&Dev)/PhD
As an Educational & Developmental Psychologist, Lydia has specialised knowledge about human development across the lifespan. She is particularly passionate about working with children and their related systems - parents, carers, partners and schools - to achieve a meaningful and fulfilled life. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the door, and to neuro-affirming and inclusive practice.
Through conducting comprehensive developmental, cognitive and educational assessments, Lydia aims to help people understand their unique profile of strengths and areas for support. She has a keen interest and understanding of the assessment and diagnostic processes of Specific Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Lydia draws from a range of therapeutic models in her practice, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies. She is passionate about being in your child’s corner, and acknowledges the value of involving parents, carers and teachers in the therapeutic process. Being able to equip children with a toolkit of life skills is a privilege that Lydia values highly.
Specialties:
- Developmental assessments (5 years +)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)
- Learning assessments (5 years +)
- Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
- Cognitive assessments (IQ)
- Comprehensive learning evaluations
- Counselling and Intervention (9 years +)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- Emotion regulation
- Executive function
- Social and relationships
- Parenting support.
Contact Lydia at admin@lspsychology.com.au or visit
www.lspsychology.com.au to enquire about availability for assessments.
Nicole Bester - OccuPLAYtion Station
Occupational Therapist, BOccThy, Certificate in Clinical Play Therapy
Nicole is a play based Occupational Therapist who is extremely passionate about working with children of all ages and abilities, and their families to support them to reach their full potential so that they can participate in society and lead fulfilling lives.
Nicole loves to give back to her community and has several years of experience volunteering with a range of age groups from birth -107 years of age across a diverse range of settings, including 6 years in the early intervention setting assisting with group therapy programs. Nicole regularly volunteers her art and craft skills at charity events and fundraisers and is an advocate for the Rare Disease community.
Nicole combines her love of working with children with her knowledge on the development of fine and gross motor skills to create fun and creative play-based activities based on the children’s interests which also work towards their goals. Nicole has an interest in group therapy programs and school readiness skills and has facilitated multiple group therapy programs.
Nicole is also very creative. She has a strong interest in the arts, especially visual arts, dance and music, as well as in nature which she incorporates into Occupational Therapy goals. Nicole uses a child centred, neuro affirming and strength-based, approach, meeting the child where they are at as she strongly believes that everyone should be given opportunities in life to share their skills regardless of their differences.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and a Certificate in Clinical Play Therapy, is a registered practitioner with AHPRA and is currently working towards her registration as a registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Nicole is a registered Medicare Provider and can provide services to NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed.
Contact Nicole at occuplaytionstation@hotmail.com
Visit https://www.instagram.com/occuplaytion.station/
Or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555549209899
Kate - Administration
Practice Manager, BBus(Hons), GradDip DM, Dip PracMgt
Kate is the first face you see as you walk in the door at Little Footsteps. She has a strong passion for community services, and ensuring that families and children feel comfortable and supported whilst accessing services. Kate works part-time during school hours and loves seeing the children coming in each day.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Business Management (Hons), Post-Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing and Diploma of Practice Management. She has over 20 years experience across a variety of high paced corporate and community settings and enjoys being part of such a supportive, caring and passionate team.