Psychologists

Sarah Anderson is a clinically trained psychologist who is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.  Sarah has years of experience working with adults, children and families to assist them with a range of presenting difficulties including the management of anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.  Sarah enjoys getting to know her clients and working with them to achieve their goals using a range of therapeutic models.

Sarah specialises in child, adolescent and adult assessment.  Her expertise includes diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder for all ages.  She also specialises in assessments for determining IQ, learning difficulties, giftedness, and intellectual strengths and weaknesses.  Vocational assessments can be offered to support career planning and re-entry into the workforce.  Sarah is trained in mediation for couples and for those in the workplace to negotiate a resolution.  She can also provide parenting capacity assessments.

Sarah consults from Wayville.

Melissa Rodi is a Clinical Psychologist whose primary training and focus has been in the area of autism spectrum disorder, working with children, adolescents, adults and their families. She has always had a great passion and special interest in this area.  She is experienced in cognitive-behavioural approaches. She seeks to support clients and families in building their toolbox and confidence to better understand themselves and have a safe space to explore highs and lows. Melissa can provide support in the areas of general behavioural management, social skills training and emotion regulation (anxiety, anger, depression). She is also happy to work with preschools and schools in supporting students on the autism spectrum. 

Melissa loves connecting with the community and has presented a number of workshops in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder and behavioural therapy.

Melissa will always strive to be a supportive member of your team and to make a positive difference in your journey.

Melissa consults from Wayville on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Genna is a clinically trained psychologist who specialises in the treatment of children, adolescents, young adults and their families to address a range of presenting concerns. Genna completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University. Genna holds professional memberships with the Australian Psychological Society (APS), including the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Genna is recognized by The Autism Association of SA as a provider of diagnostic services for individuals suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Genna is intentional about building an empathetic therapeutic relationship and strives to provide support and strategies to assist with life’s difficulties. Her primary interest involves supporting individuals and families with autism spectrum disorder. Genna also has interests in common adult mental health presentations (anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties). She uses a client-centred approach, to work collaboratively to support her clients in reaching best possible outcomes. Genna uses a range of therapeutic models tailoring therapy to meet the needs of her clients.

Genna consults from Wayville on Tuesday and Thursday’s and via Telehealth on Wednesdays.

Alliyza is a Clinical Psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University, where she investigated impression formation toward individuals on the autism spectrum.

Alliyza is committed to using evidence-based practice to empower clients to achieve their goals. In particular, she has special interest in supporting both children and adults with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She also conducts psychoeducational assessments for individuals of all ages and is recognised by Autism SA as an autism diagnostician.   

Alliyza consults from our Wayville office on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Jessica is a clinical psychologist. She holds a First Class Honours degree from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Psychology (Clinical) from the University of South Australia. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Jessica is a warm and compassionate clinician who aims to deliver evidence based therapeutic interventions tailored to the needs of her clients. She is passionate about connecting with her clients and equipping them with the tools to manage whatever difficulties they are facing. Jessica’s work draws from a variety of modalities, including behavioural therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. She enjoys working with children and their families to ensure that parents and caregivers feel supported to foster children’s development. Jessica uses a strengths based approach to assist her clients to reach their full potential.

Jessica assists clients with a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, emotional and behavioural regulation and peer relationships. She has experience in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and has a keen interest in delivering tailored intervention to support them and their families based on their needs.

Jessica consults from the Wayville and Gawler clinics.

Taylor is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and PhD (Clinical Psychology) from Flinders University. Taylor’s PhD and continued research investigates the relationship between specific types of memory, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms. Taylor is also a Board-Approved supervisor with AHPRA.

Taylor has worked mainly within The Department for Correctional Services in several different roles. These roles have involved assessment and intervention with clients at high-risk, in complex psychological assessments, and with supervision of criminogenic treatment programs. Taylor’s passion continues to be within the forensic and clinical spaces, in complex psychological assessment and has a particular interest in trauma. Taylor also teaches at Flinders University in forensic psychology, evidence-based practice and psychological assessment and measurement. 

Taylor consults from Wayville on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Ella is a Clinical Psychologist with a PhD in Clinical Psychology. At Headstart she conducts comprehensive psycho-educational assessments and provides evidence-based recommendations to support children’s learning, well-being and enjoyment of school.

Ella consults from our Wayville office.

Melissa is a Clinical Psychologist with a Master’s in Psychology (Clinical) from Flinders University. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Melissa has a warm and compassionate approach, focusing on strengths, to promote client led change. Melissa aims to deliver evidence based therapeutic interventions, drawing on a range of modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness based interventions. Melissa has experience working across the lifespan, with specific experience working with older clients, and also with children, within both the public and private sector.

Melissa also conducts diagnostic assessments, and intellectual and psychoeducational assessments, providing evidence-based recommendations to support learning and developmental needs.

Melissa consults on Wednesdays from the Wayville office.

Lizzie is a registered Psychologist.  Lizzie achieved a first class honours in 2017 through Central Queensland University. She is currently completing her Clinical PhD in the area of Autism and Homelessness through Flinders University.

Lizzie previously worked in the homeless sector for 11 years, during this time she has gained skills and knowledge to work proficiently with OCD, anxiety, depression and trauma. She utilizes a number of approaches including behavior activation, CBT, schema therapy, ACT, EMDR, motivational interviewing and narrative therapy. 

Lizzie is committed to providing evidenced based interventions in a supportive environment to help her clients reach their goals. Lizzie is interested in working with a broad range of clients including children, families and adults.

She also conducts comprehensive intellectual and psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults.

Lizzie consults at both our Wayville and Gawler locations.

Jessica is a Registered Psychologist who specialises in working with children, adolescents, young adults and families. Her primary focus has been supporting clients with autism spectrum disorder and complex mental health challenges. She can provide support in a range of areas including behaviour management, emotional regulation, social skills, relationship concerns and general mental health difficulties including anxiety and depression. Jessica approaches her work with clients in an understanding and empathetic manner. She seeks to provide a safe and welcoming space to help clients feel comfortable to explore challenges and move towards achieving their goals. Jessica is happy to consult with preschools and school to support clients who are experiencing challenges in the education system. 

Jessica also provides comprehensive cognitive (IQ) and learning assessments for children, young people and adults.  

Jessica consults from Headstart's Wayville office. 

Letitia consults at Wayville on Tuesday, Thursday and Goolwa on Fridays. 

Georgia is a Registered Psychologist (registered with AHPRA) and is an Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Georgia has experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and is passionate about working with children. 

Georgia has a background in early intervention for children with ASD using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Georgia also conducts comprehensive psycho-educational assessments for children and young people. She enjoys working collaboratively with children, schools and parents to achieve the best outcomes for each individual family. Georgia works on building strong therapeutic relationships and supporting individuals to achieve their full potential in life. 

Georgia consults from the Wayville and Gawler offices.

Kate is a registered psychologist with AHPRA. 

Kate aims to build strong therapeutic relationships with clients. Her affable nature enables her to relate and communicate effectively with clients of all ages. Kate is committed to finding the right therapeutic model and intervention program for each client’s needs. Her goal is to work collaboratively with the client and their support base to provide a holistic approach to therapy.

Kate works with a range of clients with varying needs including;

• Neurodivergent teenagers or young adults who require social skills training, behavioural/emotional support or general counselling for future independence
• Teenagers or young adults with on-going mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, low self esteem
• People of any age who require comprehensive intellectual and academic assessments. The results of which can be used to identify; learning disorders, intellectual disability, test for giftedness, or identify strengths and weaknesses.

Kate consults at Wayville

Joanna is a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has recently completed a PhD (Clinical Psychology) which examined how autism spectrum disorder presents among females and possible avenues for improving timeliness of diagnosis. Joanna has a particular interest in diagnostic assessment of girls and women who may have ASD. She is committed to helping clients reach their full potential.  

Joanna is currently offering telehealth consultations (and some infrequent appointments at Wayville) as she pursues further study interstate. 

Chanelle’s principal interest is in providing support to children, adolescents and young adults relating to learning difficulties, behaviour management, anxiety, toilet training, eating and sleeping. She has specialised practice in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders, specifically in developing individualised behaviour management programs, and parent training and support. Chanelle is also experienced in providing social skills education (individually and in groups) and emotional development training in persons with autism spectrum disorders. Chanelle also provides educational (learning difficulties) and cognitive (IQ) testing.

Chanelle consults from Wayville

Emma is a Registered Psychologist and an Educational and Developmental Psychology Registrar. She holds a First Class Honours Degree of the Bachelor of Psychological Science, a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology, and a PhD in Educational Psychology. 

Emma has experience working with clients across the lifespan in areas including social engagement, behaviour guidance, emotional regulation, parenting strategies, and navigating life transitions. She uses a range of evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Applied Behaviour Analysis. 

Emma provides adult and child diagnostic assessments for developmental delays, intellectual disability, giftedness, specific learning disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. She also provides IQ assessments for Disability Support Pension (DSP) applications. 

Emma is a registered Circle of Security Parenting program facilitator and co-facilitator of Headstart’s teacher education workshop ‘From Clinic to Classroom’. 

Emma consults from our Gawler clinic rooms on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Circle of Security Parenting programs and teacher education workshops are scheduled upon request. 

Paris is a registered psychologist with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Paris is a warm and easy-going clinician who works with children, adolescents and their families.  Her clients typically range from 2 – 18 years of age.  She specialises in a range of areas including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders
• Emotion regulation skills 
• Social skills and navigating difficult friendships
• Executive function and study skills
• Parenting skills and support

Paris is familiar with various therapeutic models including Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy and behavioural interventions.  She is committed to tailoring interventions to suit the clients’ particular needs and skill set.

Paris also administers psycho-educational assessments.

Megan is a Registered Psychologist registered with AHPRA and is a student member of the APS. She graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2016. Prior to joining Headstart, Megan has held roles as a support worker, case manager and senior support worker working with children and young people under the guardianship of the minister and clients with disabilities. Through these roles she has gained extensive experience working with challenging behaviour and managing crisis. 

Megan uses a range of therapeutic techniques and provides therapy for children, adolescents and adults with varying needs. She is committed to building strong therapeutic relationships and helping clients achieve their goals. Megan's interest and experience is working with young people dealing with trauma, emotional and behavioural difficulties, anxiety and depression. She also has experience providing behaviour therapy and social skills training to people with ASD.   

Megan conducts comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents and adults. 

Megan consults from Wayville.

Millie is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). She holds a First Class Honours degree from the University of South Australia. 

Millie is an empathetic and genuine clinician who is focused on building strong therapeutic relationships with clients and their families. Millie works with a range of clients including children, adolescents and adults. She is passionate about building a safe and welcoming space to best connect with her clients. Millie has experience working with both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals and can provide support in a range of areas, including emotional regulation, behaviour management, social skills, executive functioning and sleep difficulties. She also is experienced in addressing a variety of anxiety-related difficulties, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). 

Millie's approach to therapy draws on a range of modalities, including Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Millie is focused on implementing a strengths-based approach to assist clients in managing difficulties and reaching their full potential. 

Millie also provides comprehensive psychoeducational assessments which can be used to identify specific learning disorders and intellectual disability. She further offers assessment for presentations of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

Millie consults from Wayville.

Laura is a Registered Psychologist. She graduated from a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree at Flinders University in 2021, and is a current member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). 

Laura is passionate about building strong therapeutic connections with her clients as she believes that this is at the core of effective and positive therapeutic outcomes.  She enjoys working with clients from all age ranges and uses evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the needs of the individual. 

Laura uses a range of modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Laura is passionate about learning and continuing to grow her skills as a clinician in order to provide the best possible service to her clients. 

She also conducts comprehensive intellectual and psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults.

Laura consults from Wayville

Eva is a provisional psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society. Eva holds Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with first class honours, and is currently undertaking a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Flinders University.

Eva is committed to building strong therapeutic relationships, while providing interventions that are both evidence based and tailored to a client’s individual needs and goals. She has experience working with a range of needs including anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioural difficulties. Eva also is available for psycho-educational assessments for both adults and children.

Eva consults from the Wayville office

Denise is a Provisional Psychologist registered with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Denise achieved a first class Honours through Flinders University in 2021 and is currently completing the 4+2 psychology internship at Headstart.

Previously Denise has worked as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner using the Positive Behaviour Support framework. Denise has been facilitating adult groups at Headstart for the past 5 years and is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients whilst providing evidence-based interventions to assist her clients to achieve their goals. Denise provides therapy for children, adolescents and adults with a range of needs using evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and play based therapies.

Denise consults at Wayville and Gawler.

Claudia is a Provisional Psychologist with AHPRA. Claudia is currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) at Flinders University after having graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Flinders in 2021. 

Through a calm and compassionate nature, Claudia strives to create a warm and welcoming environment for clients. Claudia values building strong therapeutic connections with clients and is committed to using evidence-based practices to support clients, tailoring interventions to suit the client's needs and goals. Claudia specialises in working with members of LGBTQIA+ communities and is passionate about providing safe and inclusive spaces for clients of diverse identities. 

Claudia has experience in the following areas;

• Providing psychoeducation and delivering interventions to clients with various mental health concerns such as anxiety, panic disorder, depression, and low self-esteem. 
• Supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical young people with; managing friendships, social skills development, emotion regulation, behavioural management, sleep, executive functioning, and organisation.
• Supporting LGBTQIA+ people and their families.
• Administering psycho-educational assessments.

Claudia currently consults at our Wayville clinic. 

Simpie is a provisional psychologist dedicated to conducting comprehensive intellectual and psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. Her therapeutic focus includes working with young children and teenagers to support with a range of needs including emotional regulation, anxiety, and enhance social skills. Additionally, Simpie has a keen interest in career counselling, helping individuals navigate their career paths with confidence and clarity. Simpie is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of her clients and looks forward to supporting them on their journey to well-being and success