Meet our team
Katherine Hill
She/Her
Clinical Psychologist
Principal Psychologist & Business Owner
Katherine is an experienced child and family clinical psychologist, with a lived experience of neurodivergence. She works effectively with children of all ages, teenagers and parents, enabling individuals and families to achieve greater wellbeing. She has worked in primary, secondary and tertiary education settings, providing a range of assessments, interventions and counselling.
Katherine has a passion for working with children who experienced severe trauma and disrupted attachments, such as those who have been involved in the Child Protection and Youth Justice systems, providing skilled assessment and therapeutic interventions. She provides case consultations to care teams and foster care services.
Katherine has training in contemporary psychodynamic frameworks, schema therapy, family work, cognitive and behavioural therapy, collaborative and proactive solutions, trauma informed interventions and play therapy.
Katherine has an strong interest in Autism and neurodiversity generally and provides therapy and neurodevelopmental assessments for kids, young people and adults. Katherine is a board approved supervisor (clinical endorsement) as is passionate about helping new clinicians learn about neurodiversity affirming work practices.
Katherine is not taking new referrals.
Luke Mill
He/Him
Psychologist (Educational and Developmental Registrar)
Luke is an experienced early career psychologist who is returning to Family Minded to provide therapy with predominantly teens, parents and adults generally. He will also be undertaking some clinical assessment work (autism, ADHD, cognitive and psychoeducational).
Luke has completed a masters in educational and developmental psychology, and he is currently receiving further supervision as a part of the registrar program. Luke previously worked with Family Minded, where he mostly worked with neurodivergent younger clients and their families, both in a therapeutic and assessment context. Luke has since been continuing to build his clinical and assessment skills, with him working with a range of children and families. Luke draws mainly from the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, and emotion-focused therapy.
Luke has a strong interest in working with clients from all walks of life. He is particularly passionate about helping empower clients, and guiding them to move towards what matters in their lives. Luke enjoys helping clients become more flexible in how they manage their internal experiences (thoughts, feelings, beliefs), which can have positive effects on mental health, relationships, work, and other areas of life. He also has a strong interest and relevant experience in working with neurodiverse clients. Luke provides expertise in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e., ADHD, ASD, Specific Learning Disorders, intellectual developmental disorder) for both children and adults. He enjoys using a collaborative approach with his clients, and he aims to provide a safe and judgement-free space for clients and their families.
In addition to face to face support, Luke will also be providing a telehealth therapy service for teens, adults and parents.
Luke sees clients Mon and Tues in Sunbury and via Telehealth
Luke has completed a masters in educational and developmental psychology, and he is currently receiving further supervision as a part of the registrar program. Luke previously worked with Family Minded, where he mostly worked with neurodivergent younger clients and their families, both in a therapeutic and assessment context. Luke has since been continuing to build his clinical and assessment skills, with him working with a range of children and families. Luke draws mainly from the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, and emotion-focused therapy.
Luke has a strong interest in working with clients from all walks of life. He is particularly passionate about helping empower clients, and guiding them to move towards what matters in their lives. Luke enjoys helping clients become more flexible in how they manage their internal experiences (thoughts, feelings, beliefs), which can have positive effects on mental health, relationships, work, and other areas of life. He also has a strong interest and relevant experience in working with neurodiverse clients. Luke provides expertise in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e., ADHD, ASD, Specific Learning Disorders, intellectual developmental disorder) for both children and adults. He enjoys using a collaborative approach with his clients, and he aims to provide a safe and judgement-free space for clients and their families.
In addition to face to face support, Luke will also be providing a telehealth therapy service for teens, adults and parents.
Luke sees clients Mon and Tues in Sunbury and via Telehealth
Catherine (Ka Kuan) Cheang
She/Her
Psychologist
Catherine is an early career psychologist and has completed her Master’s degrees in Psychology and Counselling. She has worked at private practice, school and educational settings to support children, adolescents, and families with a range of concerns, including emotional, social, and behavioural challenges. Catherine has also worked at a community mental health service to support individuals across the lifespan who experience challenges involving depression, anxiety, trauma and trauma-related concerns, stress, and adjustment issues.
Catherine has a particular interest in working with children, adolescents, and adults with neurodiverse needs and supporting their families within a family system framework. She is also passionate at working with trauma and trauma-related concerns and is EMDR-trained (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Catherine values person-centered approach as everyone is so special and unique
in their life journey.
She aims to provide a trusting, collaborative, and supportive space to work alongside her clients to explore and address their challenges, acknowledge strengths, values, and create meaningful changes.
She is fluent in Chinese Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
Catherine sees kids, teens, and adults on Wed & Thurs in Sunbury.
Her therapy waiting list is currently full.
Catherine is undertaking Autism assessments in Sunbury and Sydenham on Fridays for 3-5 year olds.
Catherine has a particular interest in working with children, adolescents, and adults with neurodiverse needs and supporting their families within a family system framework. She is also passionate at working with trauma and trauma-related concerns and is EMDR-trained (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Catherine values person-centered approach as everyone is so special and unique
in their life journey.
She aims to provide a trusting, collaborative, and supportive space to work alongside her clients to explore and address their challenges, acknowledge strengths, values, and create meaningful changes.
She is fluent in Chinese Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
Catherine sees kids, teens, and adults on Wed & Thurs in Sunbury.
Her therapy waiting list is currently full.
Catherine is undertaking Autism assessments in Sunbury and Sydenham on Fridays for 3-5 year olds.
Betul Mercandagi
She/Her
Psychologist
(Clinical Registrar)
Betul is an early career psychologist. She has completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Betul has several years of experience working in the community health, youth services, family services, and education sectors supporting children, youth, adults, and families with a variety of concerns.
Betul’s practice is grounded in being collaborative, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. She draws from the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, schema therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and play therapy in her practice. Betul is committed to providing clients and families with a therapeutic space where they feel safe, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change in their lives.
Betul is interested in working with children, youth, adults, and families with neurodiverse needs, as well as youth and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trauma-related concerns, interpersonal difficulties, or school-related issues.
She is fluent in English and Turkish.
Betul sees children, teens and adults on Wed, Thurs, Fri and Saturday in Sunbury, her list is also full.
Betul’s practice is grounded in being collaborative, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. She draws from the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, schema therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and play therapy in her practice. Betul is committed to providing clients and families with a therapeutic space where they feel safe, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change in their lives.
Betul is interested in working with children, youth, adults, and families with neurodiverse needs, as well as youth and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trauma-related concerns, interpersonal difficulties, or school-related issues.
She is fluent in English and Turkish.
Betul sees children, teens and adults on Wed, Thurs, Fri and Saturday in Sunbury, her list is also full.
Fiona Fox
She/Her
Psychologist
(Educational and Developmental Registrar)
Fiona is an early career psychologist with lived experience of neurodivergence. Fiona has just completed her Masters in Educational Psychology at University of Melbourne.
In addition to her evidence-based approach to mental health intervention, Fiona is very passionate about supporting neurodiverse kids and teens to understand themselves and develop their skills and abilities. Fiona is also committed to supporting families and schools to develop neurodiversity-affirming approaches to managing challenging behaviours while supporting children to develop positive identities and self-esteem.
Fiona has worked in school settings and private practice delivering interventions and administering assessments. Fiona has worked with a range of clients and draws from various therapy approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and play therapy. In her spare time, Fiona enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and playing board games.
Fiona is in Sunbury Mon, Tues, and Wed seeing kids and teens for therapy in Sunbury.
Fiona is also undertaking assessments in Sunbury or Sydenham on Thursdays.
In addition to her evidence-based approach to mental health intervention, Fiona is very passionate about supporting neurodiverse kids and teens to understand themselves and develop their skills and abilities. Fiona is also committed to supporting families and schools to develop neurodiversity-affirming approaches to managing challenging behaviours while supporting children to develop positive identities and self-esteem.
Fiona has worked in school settings and private practice delivering interventions and administering assessments. Fiona has worked with a range of clients and draws from various therapy approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and play therapy. In her spare time, Fiona enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and playing board games.
Fiona is in Sunbury Mon, Tues, and Wed seeing kids and teens for therapy in Sunbury.
Fiona is also undertaking assessments in Sunbury or Sydenham on Thursdays.
Michael Phung (Tuan Anh Phung)
He/Him
Psychologist
Michael attained a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Monash University. He has since completed an Honours degree in Psychology at the Institute of Social Neuroscience. He is completing his internship year in 2022 and plans to register as a general psychologist 2023.
In his spare time, Michael likes to dabble in a range of activities, including reading, fishing, hiking, cooking, playing board games, and watching superhero movies. Michael is an approachable, and warm clinician. As an uncle to six nieces and nephew, he has much experience with building great rapport with children of all ages. He is devoted to working with his clients to help them achieve their goals.
Michael sees kids and teens in Sunbury Mon & Tues.
In his spare time, Michael likes to dabble in a range of activities, including reading, fishing, hiking, cooking, playing board games, and watching superhero movies. Michael is an approachable, and warm clinician. As an uncle to six nieces and nephew, he has much experience with building great rapport with children of all ages. He is devoted to working with his clients to help them achieve their goals.
Michael sees kids and teens in Sunbury Mon & Tues.
Chelsea Berry
She/Her
Psychologist
, Chelsea is a psychologist, who has recently completed her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Melbourne. She has worked in schools, hospital settings, and private practice delivering interventions, assessments and counselling, and supported neurodivergent children involved in a clinical trial exploring novel interventions for ADHD.
Chelsea has a special interest in working with children and adolescents with neurodiverse needs, including those with learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety as well as autistic kids and young people. She is passionate about focusing on the strengths of those she works with and empowering them to create positive changes in their lives. Chelsea strives to provide a warm, playful and welcoming space where people can feel comfortable and heard, to provide support that is both engaging and evidence based. In her spare time Chelsea enjoys reading, baking (and eating!) sweet treats, and spending time with family and friends.
Chelsea is is working with children, teens and parents.
Sydenham - Mon & Tues, Sunbury - Wed & Thurs, Telehealth sessions - Friday
Chelsea has a special interest in working with children and adolescents with neurodiverse needs, including those with learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety as well as autistic kids and young people. She is passionate about focusing on the strengths of those she works with and empowering them to create positive changes in their lives. Chelsea strives to provide a warm, playful and welcoming space where people can feel comfortable and heard, to provide support that is both engaging and evidence based. In her spare time Chelsea enjoys reading, baking (and eating!) sweet treats, and spending time with family and friends.
Chelsea is is working with children, teens and parents.
Sydenham - Mon & Tues, Sunbury - Wed & Thurs, Telehealth sessions - Friday
Vanessa Ng
She/Her
Psychologist
Vanessa, an early career psychologist, has recently completed the Masters of Educational Psychology at the University of Melbourne she did her final placement at Family Minded and is returning fully qualified in late January. She has experience working across schools and private practice providing assessment, counselling, and intervention for children and adolescents.
Vanessa offers a warm and empathetic approach that is holistic, person focused, and grounded in evidence-based practice. She is passionate about supporting clients and those closest to them to develop insight and positive change that is strengths based and collaborative.
In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys reading, creating videos, and exploring new cafes and restaurants.
Vanessa is returning to us in late January 2024.
Vanessa works with children, teens and parents
Sydenham - Mon & Tues, Sunbury - Wed & Thurs , Telehealth sessions - Friday
Vanessa offers a warm and empathetic approach that is holistic, person focused, and grounded in evidence-based practice. She is passionate about supporting clients and those closest to them to develop insight and positive change that is strengths based and collaborative.
In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys reading, creating videos, and exploring new cafes and restaurants.
Vanessa is returning to us in late January 2024.
Vanessa works with children, teens and parents
Sydenham - Mon & Tues, Sunbury - Wed & Thurs , Telehealth sessions - Friday
Katerina Botin
She/Her
Psychologist
Katerina is an early career psychologist who has just completed her Masters degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Melbourne. She has worked in schools and private practice providing tailored support to young children, adolescents, and their families through counselling, intervention, and assessment.
Katerina has a strong interest in working with neurodivergent individuals, who are autistic or have ADHD, and/or learning difficulties.
Katerina’s approach is client-centred, non-judgmental, and strengths-focused. She is
passionate about helping her clients to understand themselves better, through providing a
safe and welcoming space for others to express and explore their feelings as well as discover their own strengths to empower positive change.
Katerina strives to collaborate and enjoys work side-by-side with her clients and their families. She believes that she and her client are a team that works together to address their needs and meet their goals.
Katerina is committed to using multi-modal and evidence-based therapeutic approaches with interests in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Play Therapy.
When not in the clinic, Katerina loves to cook and try new recipes, watch movies, play video
games, and explore new restaurants around Melbourne.
She will be seeing children, teens and parents in our Sunbury office Mon-Fridays.
Katerina has a strong interest in working with neurodivergent individuals, who are autistic or have ADHD, and/or learning difficulties.
Katerina’s approach is client-centred, non-judgmental, and strengths-focused. She is
passionate about helping her clients to understand themselves better, through providing a
safe and welcoming space for others to express and explore their feelings as well as discover their own strengths to empower positive change.
Katerina strives to collaborate and enjoys work side-by-side with her clients and their families. She believes that she and her client are a team that works together to address their needs and meet their goals.
Katerina is committed to using multi-modal and evidence-based therapeutic approaches with interests in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Play Therapy.
When not in the clinic, Katerina loves to cook and try new recipes, watch movies, play video
games, and explore new restaurants around Melbourne.
She will be seeing children, teens and parents in our Sunbury office Mon-Fridays.
Jing Wen Ching
She/Her
Psychologist
(Educational and Developmental Registrar Candidate)
Jing is an early career psychologist who has just completed her Masters degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Melbourne. She has worked in schools, private practice and hospital with children and young adults ranging from 3 to 25 years old. She conducts psychoeducational assessments, one-on-one and small group intervention, counselling, consultations for teachers and families.
Jing draws on evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT and play therapy in her practice. She has developed a special interest to work with neurodivergent individuals. She is also enthusiastic in collaborating with their stakeholders in creating systemic change to address her clients’ needs and enduring success.
Jing is fluent in Chinese Mandarin and English.
During her free time, Jing enjoys exploring new restaurants and cafes around Melbourne, going for leisure walks, watching movies and comedy shows.
Jing sees children and teens and is taking referrals for both Sunbury (Sat) and Sydenham (Wed) offices.
Jing draws on evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT and play therapy in her practice. She has developed a special interest to work with neurodivergent individuals. She is also enthusiastic in collaborating with their stakeholders in creating systemic change to address her clients’ needs and enduring success.
Jing is fluent in Chinese Mandarin and English.
During her free time, Jing enjoys exploring new restaurants and cafes around Melbourne, going for leisure walks, watching movies and comedy shows.
Jing sees children and teens and is taking referrals for both Sunbury (Sat) and Sydenham (Wed) offices.
Khadijah Duarte
She/Her
Provisional Psychologist
Khadijah is a provisional psychologist who has completed her honours in psychology in addition to a Masters in Counselling. She has a background of working within private practice and the educational sector, treating all ages within a diverse population. By supporting individuals with their social and emotional development, Khadijah has found a specific passion working together with children, adolescents, and their families to unravel the challenges they may face during this key developmental period. She believes that by evaluating the connection between our thoughts and feelings, our attachments, and the influence of our childhood experiences, the whole picture can be considered.
Through a client-centred, strength-based approach, Khadijah aims to provide a warm, safe and inviting environment that can be fostered to create empowerment when reaching for individual goals. In addition to this, therapeutic processes are tailored to suit individual needs while providing accurate assessment and intervention.
Khadijah is in Sunbury on Monday, Friday and Saturdays in Sunbury.
(NDIS and private funding only, not Medicare or private health insurance)
Sam van den Bosch
He/Him
Provisional Psychologist
Sam is a provisional psychologist who has completed his 4th year in psychology and is undertaking his provisional psychology internship. Sam has worked at Headspace supporting young people with a range of mental health difficulties, he has also provided student mentorship and coached kids sports.
Sam works from a neurodiversity affirming approach is passionate about providing high quality therapy drawing on CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT and Schema Therapy approaches. In his spare time, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors. He also enjoys playing music and watching basketball.
Sam sees children, teens and adults.
He is in the Sunbury clinic Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in Sunbury.
(NDIS and private funding only, not Medicare or private health insurance)
Sam works from a neurodiversity affirming approach is passionate about providing high quality therapy drawing on CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT and Schema Therapy approaches. In his spare time, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors. He also enjoys playing music and watching basketball.
Sam sees children, teens and adults.
He is in the Sunbury clinic Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in Sunbury.
(NDIS and private funding only, not Medicare or private health insurance)
David Shannon
He/Him
Practice Manager and Clinical Intake Co-ordintor
Youth Worker (Dip Community Services - Youth Work)
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My name is David, I have been working in the youth work/welfare sector for the past 21 years. I have worked in residential care, outreach support, service coordination and more recently managing programs and staff working with youth at risk. I have had the pleasure of working alongside many kids, young people and their families in attending to daily tasks, engaging in the community and recreational activities, as well as addressing barriers to accessing services, education and creating positive outcomes.
I am a keen artist, working in the mediums of watercolour and acrylics painting landscapes. I enjoy playing the occasional game of golf, gardening and camping. I have two cats and a dog. In addition to my professional experiences working with kids and young people with various support needs, I have much personal experience with autism as many people in my family are autistic and ADHD. |
Thérèse Waring
She/Her
Administration Super Star!!
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Thérèse is our clinic's virtual administration assistant. She assists with appointment bookings, invoices and Medicare rebates, arranging new intake phone calls and a range of other administrative tasks to keep us organised and focussed on our clinical work.
Thérèse is an Australian who is based in France and she provides her services to us via the magic of the internet. Having an overseas virtual assistant means that as our work day is finishing Thérèse's work is just starting. Thérèse processes our paperwork from the day overnight so that we are ready to start the next day with the paperwork finalised. |