Meet Our Team
Psychology
Dr Veronica Johnston (She/Her)
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Veronica holds dual qualifications as a clinical psychologist and registered teacher. She has over 15 years experience working with children and adolescents, providing emotional, educational, and behavioural support to her clients as well as their family and schools. Veronica also has a passion for women's mental health and works with many adults experiencing mental health difficulties.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorder, grief and loss, behavioural difficulties, parenting support for families, neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD, ADHD), relationship issues, school or peer related difficulties.
Veronica is currently not accepting new referrals.
Jacki Schurmann (She/Her)
PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Jacki is a Clinical Psychologist with nearly 15 years' experience delivering individual and group-based therapies to adults across public mental health, forensic and private practice settings. Jacki is passionate about providing a sense of safety and comfort for clients in her care, and offers a range of services to support meaningful change.
Jacki draws from a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy. Jacki is also a trained Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) therapist, as recognised by the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) and is an Board-Approved Supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and dissociation, substance use/dependence, personality disorders, workplace stress, relationship difficulties, adjustment issues, parenting support, and grief and loss. Jacki welcomes referrals from LGBTQI+, neurodivergent and clients of all cultural backgrounds.
Julie Jammet (She/Her)
CLINIC OPERATIONS MANAGER & PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Julie is a registered clinical psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) and an accredited supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia. She has extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults in different settings such as area mental health services, community care organisations and private practice. Julie has a strong interest in Animal Assisted Therapy and together with her accredited mental health therapy dog, Fly, they provide a non-judgemental therapeutic space where young individuals and their care givers can feel safe, listened to, and supported to achieve mutually agreed treatment goals. Julie is passionate and committed to helping young persons with a range of mental health difficulties to accomplish their personal, social and educational potential.
Outside of the clinic, Julie enjoys bushwalking with Fly and travelling the world when she can.
Please note that Fly (therapy dog) does not work every day and may not be available at the time of your consultation. If you do not wish for Fly to participate in your session, please notify reception in advance. .
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Depression, anxiety disorders, sleep difficulties, managing difficult emotions, low self-esteem, gender diversity, body image challenges, school related difficulties, obsessive compulsive disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders.
Melissa Van Styn (She/her)
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Melissa is a Clinical Psychologist and board-approved supervisor with over a decade of experience providing evidence-based psychological therapy. She has previously held roles in the public mental health sector providing crisis support and has several years of experience working with clients of all ages in private services.
Melissa has a compassionate, collaborative and client-centred approach with a focus on seeking client feedback to tailor therapy for each clients unique needs. Melissa aims to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic space for children, adolescents, parents, and adults.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorder, grief and loss, behavioural difficulties, parenting support for families, relationship issues, school or peer related difficulties.
Dr Damon Ashworth
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Damon is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked in private practice since 2013. He specialises in helping individuals experiencing sleep difficulties, trauma, and chronic health conditions. He also assists individuals with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, stress, and relationship challenges.
He takes a practical, collaborative approach, helping people make sense of their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for change. His work is grounded in a CBT framework, but he also draws on mindfulness, humanistic, existential and related approaches to tailor treatment to each individual.
Damon aims to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and able to move forward.
Rachel Tallent
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Rachel is a Clinical psychologist and former Olympian, with experience working in both public mental health and private clinics. Rachel works with individuals across the lifespan from children to older adults and has experience working with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, Autism and ADHD. Rachel employs a friendly, collaborative and non-judgemental approach when working with individuals, with the aim of creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their difficulties. Rachel primarily uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, however, will draw upon several therapeutic approaches to tailor therapy to the individual, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Rachel's particular areas of interest include sports performance, and the assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety. Rachel also works with individuals experiencing stress, relationship issues and emotion regulation difficulties.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, relationship/interpersonal difficulties, anger management, sports performance, general mental health and well-being, and emotion regulation.
Dominique Mulhane
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Dominique is a registered psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents and adults in both private practice and educational settings. She collaborates with clients to support them in achieving their own unique goals in a strengths-based and compassionate way. Dominique incorporates a range of evidence-based approaches in her work with clients including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. She is also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician. She has a special interest in supporting individuals with eating and body concerns and working with women throughout the perinatal and postpartum stages.
Appropriate Referral Include:
Eating disorders and disordered eating, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem issues.
Currently not accepting referrals
Skye Petrie (She/Her)
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Skye has over 23 years of experience working with children and families who have experienced trauma and harm. Skye believes the therapeutic relationship is a key element of support and offers a calm and safe space for individuals to explore and make sense of their experiences and feelings. She is passionate in supporting individuals to identify and achieve their goals through relationship and evidence-based interventions including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Skye also has a strong interest and passion for infant and parent mental health, with post graduate qualifications in infant mental health.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Trauma and PTSD, anxiety, stress, depression, emotion regulation difficulties, parenting difficulties, parent-infant relationship, ASD.
Kat O'Dwyer
PSYCHOLOGIST
Kat is a registered psychologist with several years of experience as a school psychologist. She provides tailored psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults to meet the individual’s unique needs and goals. Kat is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and empathetic therapeutic environment. She emphasises the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship, which she considers a key factor for effective treatment.
Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based, drawing from a range of modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy.
Kat is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and is also working towards gaining endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist.
Currently not accepting referrals
Georgie Chew (She/Her)
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Georgie is a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience working with adults, adolescents, and their families. She has worked in a range of settings, including both hospital and community health teams, giving her broad experience across the spectrum of mental health illnesses and their severity.
She provides comprehensive assessments, problem formulations, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to support her clients in building self-compassion, understanding, resilience, and mastery. She strives to create a safe and trusting working alliance and brings a curious, non-judgmental attitude to every client.
Georgie holds a Master's in Youth Mental Health and has a special interest in adolescent and young adult mental health and early intervention. She is also a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician. Additionally, Georgie has a strong interest in Sports Psychology, supporting individuals in enhancing their mental well-being and performance in athletic settings.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Depression, anxiety, trauma, school, relationship and behavioral difficulties, parenting support for families, stress management, body image challenges, and enhancing sports performance.
Cheryl Wile
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Cheryl is a registered psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Very compassionate and caring, Cheryl draws on a myriad of approaches to tailor individualized treatment plans to the client’s needs.
She endeavors to create a safe, warm, supportive environment where clients are encouraged to explore, understand, and develop increased self-awareness and an improved ability to cope with and challenge difficult thoughts, behaviours and feelings. She aims to help client’s feel empowered and equipped to self-manage their lives and optimize their future. Cheryl enjoys working with numerous client groups and has a special interest in palliative care.
Her treatment approaches are guided by emotion focused therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution focused therapy. She regards the job she does and the trust clients place in her a privilege.
Appropriate Referrals Include: 17+
Anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, anger, addictions, emotional regulation, self-esteem, stress, sexuality, burnout, LGBTIQ, ageing, end of life issues
Dr Kagiso Tlhabano-David
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Kagiso is a registered psychologist with over 20 years’ experience delivering individual and group therapies to adolescents, youth, and adults across community, university, private practice, and sport performance settings. Kagiso is passionate about delivering tailored, collaborative, client-centred care to clients using evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Solution-Focused Brief Theraphy, and trauma-informed care. She collaborates with clients to build insight, develop coping skills, and support meaningful, values-based growth. Kagiso is also trained in the delivery of mental health support to elite athletes, trained and recognized by the International Olympics Committee.
Kagiso is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Anxiety disorders, depression disorders, adjustment disorders, career and study transitions/difficulties, sports performance, relationship/interpersonal difficulties, mental health and general wellbeing, grief, burnout, and trauma.
Jessica Camilleri
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
Jessica is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She has experience working with children, teenagers, and adults across private practice, school, and community health settings. Jessica values building trust and safety with each person she works with and takes a collaborative, strength-based approach to therapy.
Jessica works with individuals presenting with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, low self-esteem, and general mental health and wellbeing. She also supports parents with emotional coaching and behaviour support strategies. Jessica has experience working with autistic people and ADHD’ers to explore their support needs within a neuro-affirming framework.
Jessica uses a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to the individual, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Psychoeducation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Appropriate Referral Include:
Jessica has experience in working with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, general mental health and wellbeing, parent coaching (behaviour support), emotion regulation and anger management.
Taylah Blake
PSYCHOLOGIST
Taylah is a registered psychologist, who believes in a holistic and evidence-based approach to therapy, working with the whole person and recognising their unique life story. Taylah is passionate about supporting young people and working collaboratively with their parents, families and communities. Taylah also works with clients across the lifespan, including younger adults and adults of all ages as they navigate different life challenges.
As a clinician, Taylah is non-judgmental, warm, collaborative, and client-centered in her approach. She believes that every person is unique, and their treatment should reflect this individuality. Taylah is particularly passionate about helping individuals understand themselves better and achieve their goals.Taylah recognises the unique experiences for neurodivergent clients and those from diverse cultural backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all her clients. She uses a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Narrative Practice.
Appropriate Referrals:
Taylah works with children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan. Suitable referrals include individuals navigating, but not limited to: Anxiety, Depression, School refusal, Behavioral issues, Emotional regulation difficulties, Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), Body image concerns, Grief and loss, General mental health and wellbeing, LGBTQIA+ issues, Cultural and ethnicity issues
Maddie Milton
PSYCHOLOGIST
Maddie is a registered psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents and adults in private, public and educational settings. Maddie provides a safe and supportive space for clients to feel listened to and validated. Maddie uses evidence based therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Maddie enjoys working with neurodivergent children and feels pride in helping them to understand their brain better. Maddie works with parents to provide a cohesive therapy experience for young people.
Maddie conducts cognitive and academic assessments in a supportive and warm environment.
Maddie is currently undertaking clinical endorsement to be a registered Clinical Psychologist.
Appropriate referrals include:
Depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment, school based issues (refusal, anxiety etc.), neurodivergence, behavioural concerns, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationship difficulties.
Llira Haywood
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Llira is a provisional psychologist currently completing her Master of Clinical Psychology. She brings a warm, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to her work, primarily utilising Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and drawing on Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to support each client's unique needs.
She has a strong interest in psychological assessment and enjoys helping individuals gain clarity and insight into their strengths and challenges. Llira has extensive experience working with NDIS participants and is passionate about delivering practical, person-centred support that promotes independence and wellbeing.
Llira especially enjoys working with children and young adults, and has a growing interest in supporting individuals with ADHD across the lifespan. She also works with clients experiencing stress, burnout, and the often-overlooked demands of parenting, offering a compassionate space to reflect, recharge, and develop sustainable coping strategies.
With a calm and approachable presence, Llira is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel genuinely heard and empowered to make meaningful change.
Mark Tanian
PSYCHOLOGIST
Mark is a registered psychologist presently completing the final year of a Master’s Degree in Psychology (Clinical). He offers a warm, empathetic approach, focusing on building a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship with his clients. He understands that each person is unique and works to tailor therapy to the individual, taking into consideration neurodivergence, personality, and the distinctive experiences from a person’s history.
Mark has an interest in and experience in using evidence-based therapies when working with anxiety-related disorders, depression, personality disorders, substance use challenges, trauma, life transitions, grief, and relationship challenges. With a passion for primarily using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Mark aims to help guide people across the lifespan to deeper self-understanding, resilience, and personal growth.
In addition to treatment, he can conduct cognitive and educational assessments to help others gain insight into strengths and weaknesses and learn about strategies that may support them going forward.
Telehealth Only
Fly
Meet Fly
Fly is a certified Visiting Therapy Dog who brings comfort, calm, and connection. With his gentle nature and steady presence, he supports people of all ages through therapy, school visits, and community programs.
A Little About Fly
Trained to provide emotional support in clinics, schools, aged care, and community settings, Fly has a natural ability to sense how people are feeling. Whether quietly sitting nearby or greeting someone with a gentle wag, he helps reduce stress and create a safe, welcoming space.
Fly in Action
Bringing Calm: Helps people feel safe and relaxed, easing anxiety and tension.
Spreading Comfort: Shares warmth and companionship during visits to therapy sessions, schools, or community programs.
Supporting Therapy: Encourages emotional regulation, social connection, communication, mindfulness, and relaxation in a gentle, non-judgmental way.
Creating Connection: Builds trust, engagement, and understanding in both individual and group sessions.
Why Choose Fly?
Fly works alongside his handler, Julie, Clinical Psychologist, to provide compassionate, tailored support. Together, they create a safe space where clients can feel seen, understood, and supported on their journey toward wellbeing.
Fly (& Julie) are available to visit schools, clinics, aged care centres, and a variety of community programs — get in touch to arrange a visit.
Elyse Snaidero
PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Elyse is a provisional psychologist currently completing their Master of Psychology (Clinical). Elyse is an authentic and warm person who values establishing a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space for their clients. They work with clients across the lifespan and have a passion for working with people from all backgrounds, including culturally diverse and LGBTIQA+ clients. Elyse is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment and adopts neuroaffirming practices in their work.
Elyse takes a holistic, person-centred approach to therapy, drawing from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to tailor intervention to each client’s needs.
Caroline Evans
PSYCHOLOGIST
Caroline is an experienced psychologist currently undertaking a Master of Clinical Psychology. She has supported children, young people, adults and older people with assessment and therapy. Caroline can help people with a range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, issues with alcohol and other drugs and psychosis. She has worked with neurodivergent people experiencing stress or other mental health concerns in their daily life.
Caroline is trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
The aim of therapy with Caroline is to understand the client’s needs and work towards their particular goals using the strengths and skills they already have and those that can be developed together. Caroline often uses questionnaires to help understand needs and track progress. Caroline’s experience with a range of people over the years has shown that anything is possible.
Caroline provides consultations via Telehealth only. Telehealth gives you the flexibility of psychology sessions wherever it suits, including the comfort of your own home.
Caroline is not currently accepting new clients.
Catherine Macharia
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST &
CERTIFIED GRIEF COUNSELLOR
Catherine is a registered psychologist who has worked with clients of all age groups in both the public and private mental health services. She is a warm, and compassionate psychologist who strives to establish a safe, and respectful therapeutic relationship with her clients. She utilises evidence-based psychological therapies to support her clients to move towards an authentic and fulfilling life. Catherine’s approach is person-centred. She works collaboratively with each client to provide interventions that are specific and unique to their personal needs.
Please refer to Catherine’s website for more details. www.kunawiripsychology.com.au
Appropriate referrals include
Neurodiversity assessments (Autism and ADHD), Intellectual Disability and Cognitive assessments.
Allied Health Team
Gemma Tooley
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Gemma is an AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist who has extensive experience working across the lifespan, with particular interest in paediatrics. She specialises in working with children who have neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD and also those who have vision impairments. Gemma is a friendly, engaging, person/family-centred Occupational Therapist, who values the participation in meaningful occupations for children.
Appropriate referrals include:
Autism, ADHD, global developmental delay, sensory processing disorder, low vision/blindness.
Gemma is currently not accepting new referrals.
Nisha Nair
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Nisha is a dedicated Occupational Therapist and a graduate of Christian Medical College, Vellore—one of India’s premier medical institutions. She brings extensive clinical experience working with both pediatric and adult clients across a wide range of rehabilitation needs.
She is skilled in administering cognitive and developmental standardised assessments such as MoCA, ACE-III, Movement ABC-2, and Beery VMI, and places strong emphasis on a holistic, client-centred approach. Through therapy planning, caregiver education, and tailored interventions, Nisha supports clients to achieve meaningful participation in their everyday lives.
Appropriate referrals include:
Pediatric clients: neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory processing disorders, genetic syndromes, and developmental delays
Adult clients: stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological or orthopedic conditions
Assistive device training (e.g., wheelchair)
Patricia Capino
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Patricia is a registered Occupational Therapist with six years of experience working with children of all abilities. She has previously served as a Clinical Excellence Lead in the Philippines, where she mentored colleagues and promoted evidence-based, family-centered practice to ensure high-quality, collaborative care. Guided by a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based approach, she strives to create engaging therapy experiences that help children grow in independence and joy in their everyday routines.
Patricia has a strong interest in early intervention, recognising that timely, play-based support helps children build the foundations for learning, confidence, and meaningful participation in daily life.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Early intervention, sensory processing challenges, handwriting, self-care, school readiness, developmental delays, and support for Autistic children, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Mackenzie Piper
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Mackenzie is an AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapist who graduated from Central Queensland University (CQU). She has a strong passion for paediatrics and brings valuable experience supporting children with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and ADHD.
Before qualifying as an occupational therapist, Mackenzie worked as a qualified swimming instructor, an experience that continues to shape her holistic and creative approach to therapy. She is particularly interested in exploring innovative ways to integrate her background in aquatic instruction with occupational therapy practice.
Mackenzie is dedicated to supporting individuals and families to build strong foundations for learning, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life.
Angelique Fong
ACCREDITED PRACTISING DIETITIAN
Angelique is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who has completed Master of Dietetics and a variety of specialised training including SOS and Responsive Feeding therapy. Angelique is passionate about helping support nutritional balance for long term health, wellness and a positive relationship with eating.
Appropriate Referrals Include:
Fussy eating, Nutritional adequacy, Diabetes, High cholesterol, Fatty liver, Weight management, Sleep apnoea- weight management, Disordered eating, IBS – (Low FODMAP, Low Food Chemical, Mediterranean diet), IBD (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis) and other gastrointestinal conditions , Food intolerance / sensitivity, Coeliacs Disease (Gluten Free), Food allergies, Mental health concerns, Menopause, PCOS, Disability assistance – including feeding difficulty and enteral feeds, Invisible illness – POTS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
Telehealth Only
Administration Team
Katina Simos
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Katina has over 25 years of experience working in allied health administration and support. She has a friendly, warm manner and will ensure that you feel supported and understood when making the call to discuss your specific needs. Please call Katina to make an appointment or discuss any clinic matters.
Administration Days:
Monday to Friday - 9am - 5pm
Please note that Katina works off site so you won't see her friendly face when you attend your appointment.
Amba Walker
CLIENT SERVICES TEAM LEAD
Amba is Ballarat-born and thrives on bringing out the best in others, with 10 years of experience in leadership and management. Delivering great customer service, to Amba, is all about creating genuine connections and making people feel valued from their first interaction. She genuinely enjoys working with others, building strong teams, and creating a positive, supportive environment. Outside of work, Amba loves spending quality time with family and friends, making the most of life’s simple moments.
Administration Days:
Monday to Friday - 8am - 4:30pm
Jaecob Luscombe
CLIENT SERVICES TEAM
Jaecob has over nine years of experience in the customer service industry, where their natural ability to connect with others has consistently shone through. Currently pursuing studies in psychology, Jaecob aims to become an accredited psychologist, driven by a deep curiosity about the human mind and a genuine desire to support and uplift others. Known for being approachable and easy to talk to, Jaecob brings warmth and a sense of stability to those around them, making a positive impact both personally and professionally.
Administration Days:
Monday to Friday - 8am - 5pm
Abbie
CLIENT SERVICES TEAM
Abbie brings over eight years of experience in administration and customer service, including extensive work in medical administration within general practice settings. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing and has a strong passion for patient advocacy, as well as caring for and supporting others—qualities that shine through in her role at Ballarat Psychology Clinic.
Outside of work, Abbie enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and watching the footy. She is also a proud ambassador for The Shaka Project, reflecting her deep commitment to mental health awareness and advocacy.
Contact Us
Contact us for further information or to book a consultation.