Qualification(s): BSci(Psych), PGDip (Psych), MPsych (Ed & Dev)

Membership(s): AHPRA (endorsed supervisor; Ed & Dev Psych) MAPS, MCEDP

Number of years in the industry (or similar): Practicing Psychologist since 2004, Behavioural Therapist/Teacher’s Aide 1998-2003, Youth worker 1993-1997 (Studied Psychology from 1998-2008)

How would you describe what you do: As an Educational & Developmental Psychologist, I help people understand their intellectual and social-emotional abilities to get the most out of their learning across all aspects of their lifespan.  Our centre mainly works with paediatrics and their families but on most occasions, we continue to see our clients even into their adult years, should they ever need to call upon us.  The role of an Ed & Dev Psychologist is very systemic in their approach, as we don’t just deal with the individual in question; we also see how to support other contributing influences (e.g. parents, siblings, educational setting, workplace, etc.).  Over the last few years, we have taken on psychology students on placement while they complete their Master’s level degree.  I also supervise qualified psychologists wanting endorsement specialisation as an Ed & Dev Psychologist.

What do you like about what you do: Seriously, apart from paperwork, what’s not to like? I adore being an Ed & Dev Psychologist and the whole gamut this role brings; from assessments to messy play.  I love the process of investigating why a child behaves a certain way or is having difficulty with their learning and being able to explain that to parents and teachers.  Using research knowledge to turn the difficult into practical solutions.  Seeing the little steps of progress and celebrating milestones with parents and teachers.  I’m in awe of how members of my team immediately come together to help a distressed child (especially behind the scenes), to see how best that child can be supported from their disciplinary perspectives.  It’s pretty amazing how they analyse as they witness, a true strength of our clinic.

Tell us a story about how you got into the field: In all honesty, I loathed high school and started my career with the Public Service after finishing Year 12.  Soon after, I successfully applied for a Youth Worker position, which I did while we were raising our two young sons at the time.  Our youngest son was a handful and an opportunity came where I could take a year off work to look after our boys.  Staying at home dealing with a screaming child all day long was hard work.  As we went from one doctor’s appointment to another, the question of Autism arose. It was very unknown back then (1997), especially within the public forum, myself included.

I am a proactive person so I wanted to find out more how to help my son and manage his behaviours.  I applied for Uni, where at every opportunity my essays, research and theses were about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  I was intrigued by this condition as a mother and as an early professional.  Still while studying, I held positions with Department of Education as a teacher’s aide and as a Departmental Psychologist.  I’ve also held a position at a private catholic all girls’ school where I was the sole psychologist for over 800 students.

I started my multidisciplinary practice, Bright FACES, in the western suburbs because there was a lack of services that specialised in ASD.  I remember having to travel 45mins+ to therapy and doctor’s appointments and there were no Medicare rebates or funding support like DSS.  It is good to see how the field of Autism and the government are evolving, by providing more support to the individual across the lifespan and not just targeting early intervention.

Common misconception about what you do: Without a doubt, when you tell people you’re a psychologist many reply, “So you can read my mind”.  Unfortunately, we didn’t learn psychic abilities at Uni.

Any other information you would like us to know: Our two boys have grown up to be fine young men now both in their 20’s.  Our eldest son is a teacher at a specialist school, which he loves, so I guess working with special needs has rubbed off.  Our youngest son is no longer the handful he once was.  He has developed to be quite an independent and happy young man, who constantly surprises us, and others who know him.  He has always been my will to learn and share what I learn with others.

Finally, I’d like to say that working with families effected by ASD is indeed challenging but knowing that you’re contributing to the progress and are improving someone’s quality of life is far more rewarding.

Qualification(s): Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management, Personal Trainer Cert 3 & 4, CrossFit Level 1 Coach, Certificate 4 Retail Management

Membership(s): Hawthorn Football Club

Number of years in the industry 9 years in the sport, recreation and fitness industry. 23 years in a management role.

How would you describe what you do: Business Manager. As the company’s Business Manager, I look after all business matters, such as the processing of DSS Funding, controlling and adhering to company budgets, assist in developing new business, managing accounts receivables, liaising with the Melton Shire and other relevant small businesses, assist medical receptionist with client service.

Sport, Recreation and Fitness Officer: In this role I’m responsible for programming exercise sessions for our primary aged children, adolescents and parents/groups which is run on a weekly basis.

What do you like about what you do? I really enjoy the variety of my role at Bright FACES, firstly because I’m not doing the same thing all the time. For instance I maybe processing DSS accounts or other administration task in the morning and then after lunch I’ll be focusing on a sports session plan and then delivering it to the groups later on in the afternoon. But what is really satisfying about my job is seeing our clients progress, not only in better quality of movement and an increase in fitness, but also the improvements in their social skills. I also like having the term breaks which gives me the chance to travel.

Tell us a story about how you got into the field: I pretty much got into the sport, recreation and fitness industry 8 years ago because I wanted a lifestyle change. Previous to that I had a middle management role for an oil company which was very stressful and quite bluntly hated and wanted to find a better work life balance. So in 2008 I quit my job cold turkey, without even telling my wife and pursued a career in Sports Recreation and Fitness. In 2008 I obtained my Cert 3 and 4 in Personal Training, and also enrolled to complete a Sport and Recreation Management Degree, which I completed in 2011. Whilst completing my degree I worked part time for Melton Waves and Genesis as a Personal Trainer. By the time I had finished my degree I was heavily entrenched in a career in Personal Training, to the point that I started a business partnership in which we had our own establishment, Melton Personal Training. After 18 months my passion for CrossFit lead me to run my own gym (CrossFit Melton). In 2104 I joined Bright FACES to assist with managing business matters once a week, and now I’m there pretty much full time.

Common misconception about what you do: I guess one of the many misconceptions about Personal Trainers is that they only cater for athletes. In my opinion a good Personal Trainer should be able to adapt to individuals fitness and healthy living goals and not a ‘one size fits all’ attitude. As we are individuals the advice given should be personalised too.

Any other information you would like us to know: I like riding my bike especially around Mt Macedon and Hepburn region. I worship the Mighty Hawks and the players (just visit my office). I love travelling. I love my Chockie Lab Busta Brown

I’m working on my bio with Dad!

How would you describe what you do: I welcome all of our clients to the clinic and assist them with their appointment bookings, along with providing information to our clients on the social groups that we offer. I provide assistance to ensure your appointments are handled with great ease for you and your family. I aim to make you feel welcome and comfortable with every visit into the clinic.

Tell us a story about how you got into the field : My background is working in registered training organisations providing administrative support to adult learners to achieve their goals of completing their qualifications. I enjoy working with those in our community and wanted to extend my passion for helping others to assisting children and their families in achieving their goals. I came across Bright FACES and the position was everything that I wanted.

What do you like about what you do: The team at Bright FACES are an amazing and supportive group of people, they make me laugh every day. I enjoy being able to put a smile on other’s faces and the interaction with our clients and their families allows me to do this every day, whether it is face to face or over the phone. It is rewarding watching others achieve their goals. As a parent, I know how fulfilling this is watching children achieving something new, watching their faces beam with pure pride and joy.

Common misconception about what you do: You can’t be that busy answering a phone. Every phone call is different so you never know what you are going to answer when the phone rings.

How would you describe what you do: I provide administration support to the whole team and complete projects/ tasks to benefit the company and staff under the direction of our Director. I am the second contact for Reception and I manage all bookings, including’s assessments in Michelle’s diary.

Tell us a story about how you got into the field: I have previously worked with Osteopaths prior to having children of my own.  When returning to work, I started in a GP clinic but soon realised I wanted to stay within the Allied Health sector.  An opportunity came up at a paediatric clinic- this caught my attention, so I applied and got the job.  After that, I wanted to move onto a different clinic that would work in with my personal life better and this is when I applied for a reception role with Bright FACES.

What do you like about what you do: I love being able to help families and brighten someone’s day. As a parent, I can understand how tough some situations can be and just having someone to understand and help you or your child, with no judgement, is such a relief.  I love seeing the progress the children that come through our doors, make.

Qualification(s): Masters in Psychology (Educational & Developmental)

Membership(s): Australian Psychological Society

Number of years in the industry (or similar): Starting working with children and families in early 1990, working with children with Autism and in Early Intervention services since late 1990s.

How would you describe what you do: I’m a developmental psychologist helping children and parents with lifelong development.

Tell us a story about how you got into the field (+ other relevant work experiences): I was interested in working as a psychologist from having worked in childcare looking after children. I worked with staff in children services providing training and then worked with parents.

What do you like about what you do (include what you find rewarding): I like supporting and helping people with personal issues they face in their lives and find it rewarding working with people and children

Common misconception about what you do: A common misconception about Psychologists is they can ‘read’ minds. But just like parents can understand their children we can interpret thoughts and feelings from observing behaviours.

Any other information you would like us to know: Enjoy looking after my daughter and our dog ‘Jack’ who is a Jack Russell.

Qualification(s): B.A. (Psych – Hons), Grad. Dip. Primary Teaching, M. Ed. Psych (currently undertaking)

Membership(s): AHPRA (Provisional Psychologist), Victorian Institute of Teaching (Registered Teacher)

Number of years in the industry (or similar): 10 years, including years of study

How would you describe what you do: I get to know children and their families so that I can understand the challenges they are facing, and work with them to find strategies which enable the child and their family to flourish. I use a range of tools to help me understand more about how children think, feel, and behave, and use this to guide me in making recommendations, suggesting strategies for them to try, or delivering interventions.

Tell us a story about how you got into the field: While working as a primary school teacher, I realised that my passion was really working with the children who find school challenging or having difficulty learning at the same pace as their peers. I wanted to learn more about how to help these students to reach their goals and develop to their full potential.

What do you like about what you do: I am very fortunate to be placed at Bright FACES and have the opportunity to meet so many unique and special children and their families. It is a privilege to get to know them and to hear their challenges and successes, joys and frustrations, highs and lows, and to join with them in working to achieve their goals.

Common misconception about what you do: That I am a mind reader or analysing everyone that I meet.

Any other information you would like us to know: I love sewing, colouring in, and doing craft activities. I also enjoy baking cakes and bread.

Qualification(s): Bachelor of Arts (Major in Psychology and Criminology), Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Membership(s): Member of Australian Health Practitioners Register (AHPRA), Member of Occupational Therapy Australia

Number of years in the industry (or similar): I have worked as an OT for about 6 years but have been working with children even longer!

How would you describe what you do: Occupational Therapists can assist with many areas of a child’s development. OTs can help children develop the skills that they need to participate fully in everyday activities at home, school, and in the community. They support a wide range of children with a wide range of needs such as developmental delay, sensory processing issues, and physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. Through play-based therapy and individualised intervention, paediatric occupational therapists work to improve fine motor skills, sensory regulation, social interactions, and self-care abilities. OT sessions are fun and are all about focusing on how to improve certain skills that can assist children in other areas of their lives where they may need support.

Tell us a story about how you got into the field: I have spent lots of my time working with children in different settings. I used to work as a soccer coach, footy coach, a birthday party host, I even used to dress up in an inflatable teddy bear suit! I wanted to find a job where I could have fun, but also support children to learn about important skills that they may need. That’s where I came across Occupational Therapy. I love that you can learn and teach so many things in a way that children don’t feel like they are working. So, after I had completed previous studies, I decided to take a chance and studied to be an OT. I haven’t looked back since.

What do you like about what you do: I love how rewarding it feels to support a family through their children’s journey. Sometimes things can be challenging and that is perfectly fine, everyone has a different journey or story. What makes me love what I do, is being a small part of supporting each individual child and their support network around them. With time and hard work, seeing ‘little wins’ turn into bigger success is amazing to see and something worth celebrating!

Common misconception about what you do: That OTs are only good for helping out with handwriting! Or that OTs can fix everything. While OTs are great to help children develop their handwriting skills, or can assist in many areas of their lives, there is lots of work that goes into progress. Sometimes goals are met faster than others but sometimes improving skills or supporting needs can take longer than people might think and it is all about progress and the ‘little wins’ that get you there.

Any other information you would like us to know: I am extremely excited to get started and meet everyone that I will work with in the future. I am always ready to continue to develop and grow my own skills and love to learn and hear about people’s different experiences. Make sure you come to your OT session ready to have fun and be ready to learn!