Emma enjoys providing assessment and intervention for children where the cause of challenging behaviour is unclear and complex, and where differential diagnoses (other explanations for the problem) need clarifying. This is particularly relevant regarding children who have suffered family based trauma or neglect and are experiencing developmental, behavioural or emotional concerns such as anxiety, hyperactivity, oppositional behaviours, or obsessive concerns. Emma welcomes referrals for children in Out of Home Care where it is unclear whether the child may have a developmental/ behavioural disorder, (such as ADHD, ODD, Autism Spectrum) and/or trauma. Emma is accredited to use the Griffiths (developmental assessment), Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule and Autism Diagnostic Interview in her assessments, and uses a wide range of other evidence based assessments in her work.

Emma also has particular expertise and interest in working therapeutically with children who are in Out of Home Care and their carers. Emma works from an attachment model (considering key relationships between children and their carers) and is trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Family Focused Psychotherapy), having undertaken training with American Psychologist Dan Hughes in his first ever Australian based training in 2014. Emma also utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative and other Family Therapy frameworks in her work. Emma is also accredited in Triple P parenting coaching, Tuning Into Kids parenting, the parent-child Exploring Together program, is a Fun Friends facilitator and is Circle of Security trained.

Emma also provides assessment and consultation regarding problem eaters with limited diets and for children with food aversion utilising the Sequential Oral Sensory model, with limited therapy appointments.

Adding further to Emma’s extensive knowledge base she completed a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma through the Australian Childhood Foundation in 2016.

Emma is a Psychology Board Approved Supervisor of psychologists in training at all levels, including for Clinical endorsement and higher degree students. Emma also does some casual lecturing to Masters and PhD candidates at the University of Newcastle.

Outside of work, Emma spends time with her young family bike riding and exploring the outdoors.

Hillary has completed a Masters in Family Therapy from the NSW Institute of Psychiatry and enjoys working from a family perspective in order to support children and carers to achieve positive goals. Every child is different and Hillary’s experience with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Circle of Security, Attachment Theory and Strengths Based Therapy enables her to tailor her approach to the needs of the child and family. She works hard to ensure that therapy sessions provide children and families with a safe, consistent space to develop positive relationships and make effective change. She has experience facilitating group programs such as Positive Parenting Program, Get Lost Mr Scary, and the Cool Kids Anxiety Program.

Hillary has 3 young children and a dog, with the ultimate goal being to wear them out before they wear her out!

Katie has a strong interest in supporting children and their families; she understands the importance of taking a holistic approach to treatment, working collaboratively with the child’s support network and providing a safe therapeutic space. She also acknowledges that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to supporting her clients and that it can be necessary to think outside of the box. Katie will often use visuals in her practice to cater to the development needs of her clients and engage them in the therapeutic process.

Katie has been trained in a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy and positive behaviour support. She is skilled in delivering therapies specific to the treatment of anxiety and emotional dysregulation in children and adolescents, such as the ‘Cool Little Kids’ and ‘Cool Kids Programs’ (including the ASD adaptation) and the Zones of Regulation program.
Katie also provides a range of cognitive (IQ), behavioural, personality, developmental and memory-based assessments and has been trained in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Outside of work, Katie likes to spend time with her family, travel and perform in theatre productions.

As a parent herself, Kathryn understands the importance of listening to a child and their support network, and has a warm and approachable personality which she uses to engage with her clients.
She has expertise and training in a number of evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Family Systems Therapy. She is able to adapt her knowledge to whatever issues the client presents with.

Kathryn is able to provide assessment for various learning disorders and has been trained in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kathryn is a Psychology Board Approved Supervisor of psychologists in training at all levels, including for Clinical endorsement and higher degrees.

When not at work, Kathryn likes to spend time with her family (including her elderly dog), going for walks and doing Pilates. She is looking forward to the time when she can once again go travelling overseas.

Suzanne has expertise and training in evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Suzanne has as a special interest in applying Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model as an accredited therapist. CPS is an evidence-based, trauma-informed, neurodiversity affirming model of care that helps caregivers focus on identifying the problems that are causing concerning behaviours in children and solving those problems collaboratively and proactively.

Suzanne provides a range of cognitive (IQ), memory, behavioural and personality assessments and is able to provide development assessment for children in early childhood utilising the Griffiths 3 assessment.

Suzanne is dedicated to supporting others on their Psychology career journey and is a Psychology Board Approved Supervisor of psychologists in training at all levels, including for Clinical endorsement and higher degrees.

Simone enjoys supporting our clients in a professional and friendly manner always working toward the goal of client satisfaction. Simone feels lucky to have become a member of the fabulous Jacaranda Centre team. Along with working in a great team, she enjoys meeting lots of young people and their families. She is also grateful to be living in the age of technology to stay in touch with people who matter the most, with her gorgeous young grandson living across the ocean.

Jaki aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Jaki says that children and teens surprise and inspire her every day with their extraordinary resilience and endless curiosity. It is rewarding to see the kids grow, heal, learn and become happier versions of themselves by working together with our talented and nurturing psychologists.