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 runs our parening group programs and supervises the team.
She is not taking new therapy or assessment referrals.
Betul Mercandagi
She/Her
Clinical Psychologist
Betul is an early career clinical 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 for therapy and assessments.
Sunbury on Tuesday - Saturday
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 for therapy and assessments.
Sunbury on Tuesday - Saturday
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 for therapy
Sunbury - Wednesday & Thursday
Her therapy waiting list is currently full.
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 for therapy
Sunbury - Wednesday & Thursday
Her therapy waiting list is currently 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 sees, kids, teens, adults and parents for therapy and assessments
Sunbury on Monday -Thursday.
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 sees, kids, teens, adults and parents for therapy and assessments
Sunbury on Monday -Thursday.
Michael Phung (Tuan Anh Phung)
He/Him
Psychologist
Michael is a psychologist with a Master of Professional Psychology from the Institute of
Social Neuroscience (ISN) and a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Monash
University. He has experience working with clients of all ages in both university and
private clinic settings.
He is particularly interested in supporting children, adolescents, and adults facing a
variety of challenges, including mood, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental concerns. In
his work with autism and ADHD, Michael applies a neurodiversity-aHirming approach,
believing in a collaborative, holistic framework to help neurodiverse clients reach their
goals.
Michael’s therapeutic methods include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT is an evidence-based, structured
approach that helps clients identify, evaluate, and reshape unhelpful thought patterns
while building skills and engaging in positive behaviours. ACT, a branch of CBT,
emphasizes accepting discomfort and focusing on personal values to guide behaviour
and developing mental flexibility.
Michael strives to connect authentically and collaboratively with his clients, providing a
therapeutic environment that is empathetic, calm, and supportive. He encourages
clients to develop self-awareness, self-empowerment, tailoring treatment to align with
each individual’s unique needs and goals.
Michael sees kids, teens and adults.
Sunbury - Monday & Tuesday
Sydenham - Fridays.
Social Neuroscience (ISN) and a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Monash
University. He has experience working with clients of all ages in both university and
private clinic settings.
He is particularly interested in supporting children, adolescents, and adults facing a
variety of challenges, including mood, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental concerns. In
his work with autism and ADHD, Michael applies a neurodiversity-aHirming approach,
believing in a collaborative, holistic framework to help neurodiverse clients reach their
goals.
Michael’s therapeutic methods include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT is an evidence-based, structured
approach that helps clients identify, evaluate, and reshape unhelpful thought patterns
while building skills and engaging in positive behaviours. ACT, a branch of CBT,
emphasizes accepting discomfort and focusing on personal values to guide behaviour
and developing mental flexibility.
Michael strives to connect authentically and collaboratively with his clients, providing a
therapeutic environment that is empathetic, calm, and supportive. He encourages
clients to develop self-awareness, self-empowerment, tailoring treatment to align with
each individual’s unique needs and goals.
Michael sees kids, teens and adults.
Sunbury - Monday & Tuesday
Sydenham - Fridays.
Vanessa Ng
She/Her
Psychologist)
(Educational and Developmental Registrar)
Vanessa, an early career psychologist, has a Masters of Educational Psychology at the University of Melbourne she did her final placement at Family Minded. 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 works with children, teens and parents
Sydenham - Monday & Tuesday
Sunbury - Wednesday & Thursday
Telehealth and assessments - 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 works with children, teens and parents
Sydenham - Monday & Tuesday
Sunbury - Wednesday & Thursday
Telehealth and assessments - Friday
Katerina Botin
She/Her
Psychologist
Katerina is an early career psychologist who has 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.
Katerina sees children, teens and parents.
Sunbury office Monday-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.
Katerina sees children, teens and parents.
Sunbury office Monday-Fridays.
Sam van den Bosch
He/Him
Psychologist
Sam is a registered psychologist who 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.
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.
Kellie Giles
She/Her
Psychologist & Play Therapist
Kellie is a child and family psychologist with 15 years experience, who also has a Masters in Play Therapy from Deakin University. As a qualified Play Therapist Kellie uses the therapeutic powers of play to assist children with a variety of difficulties including emotional regulation, social skills and coping with stressors at home and at school.
Kellie started her psychology career in early intervention and has worked as a school psychologist for the NSW Department of Education, with a special interest in play and the impacts on early education.
Kellie enjoys working with young children and their families to help strengthen relationships and assist with building essential play skills to achieve social, emotional and academic competence.
Kellie provides play therapy for children up to late primary/early secondary school.
Sunbury on Wednesdays and Fridays
Marielle Salvacion
She/Her
Psychologist
Marielle is a warm and dedicated early career psychologist who brings a client-centred approach to her practice. With experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults, she works across a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, low mood, and particularly enjoys supporting neurodivergent kids and young people.
Marielle recognises that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. She tailors her approach to each individual’s unique needs and goals, emphasising collaboration, open communication, and genuine rapport. Her practice draws upon a variety of evidence-based frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques. She also incorporates creative, strengths-based and play-informed approaches, particularly when working with children.
Marielle is particularly passionate about supporting clients and their families through both assessment and intervention. She is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and collaborative therapeutic space that honours each client’s unique strengths, cultural identity, and lived experience. Her warm, empathetic, and down-to-earth approach helps build strong therapeutic rapport and fosters a sense of trust and empowerment in the people she supports.
Fun fact: Outside of work, Marielle loves reading, binge-watching TV series, and exploring new restaurants. She also enjoys cooking for her loved ones and believes food is one of the most heartfelt ways to connect.
Marille works with children, teens and parents.
Sydenham - Mondays & Thursdays
Sunbury - Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Marielle recognises that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. She tailors her approach to each individual’s unique needs and goals, emphasising collaboration, open communication, and genuine rapport. Her practice draws upon a variety of evidence-based frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques. She also incorporates creative, strengths-based and play-informed approaches, particularly when working with children.
Marielle is particularly passionate about supporting clients and their families through both assessment and intervention. She is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and collaborative therapeutic space that honours each client’s unique strengths, cultural identity, and lived experience. Her warm, empathetic, and down-to-earth approach helps build strong therapeutic rapport and fosters a sense of trust and empowerment in the people she supports.
Fun fact: Outside of work, Marielle loves reading, binge-watching TV series, and exploring new restaurants. She also enjoys cooking for her loved ones and believes food is one of the most heartfelt ways to connect.
Marille works with children, teens and parents.
Sydenham - Mondays & Thursdays
Sunbury - Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Shikha Dwivedi
She/Her
Provisional Psychologist
(Masters in Clinical Psychology - India)
Shikha is a dedicated provisional psychologist with over six years of experience working as a psychologist in child, family, and educational psychology in India. She is now undertaking a 12 month internship as a provisional psychologist in Australia to learn about the context and systems in Australia. Shikha specializes in supporting children with special needs, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges, using a compassionate and evidence-based approach to promote emotional well-being. Shikha works closely with families and educators to design personalized interventions that help clients overcome challenges and thrive.
Outside of her professional role, Shikha enjoys travelling, camping, and immersing herself in nature, activities that inspire her perspective on balance and mindfulness. A lover of music, Shikha finds joy in listening to diverse genres as a way to recharge and stay connected to creativity. With her academic achievements, commitment to empathy, and passion for holistic development, Shikha strives to strengthen family connections and foster growth in every individual with whom she works.
Shikha is working with children and parents.
Sydenham - Tuesday & Wednewsday
Sunbury - Thurs, Fri & Saturday.
NDIS and private fees only, not Medicare or Private Health funds.
Khadijah Duarte
She/Her
Psychologist
Khadijah is a psychologist who also has 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 currently on parental leave.
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. |
Maddy Zagata
She/Her
Office Administrator
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Maddy is the friendly face at our front desk and the helpful voice on the other end of the phone. As our office administrator, she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the clinic and providing support to both clients and clinicians. Maddy holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), which she completed in 2024, and is currently taking a break from her studies. With a background in allied health administration as well as psychology and a genuine passion for supporting mental health care, Maddy brings warmth, professionalism, and a compassionate approach to her role
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