Psychologists

Dr Robyn Young is an Australian clinical psychologist and academic based in Adelaide, South Australia. She is internationally recognised for her work in autism research, diagnosis, and the interface between autism and the criminal justice system.

Dr Young hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology, a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Practice, and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Adelaide. Her doctoral research focused on savant syndrome, which later became the basis for the ABC documentary “Uncommon Genius”, in which she appeared as the principal presenter.

Key Contributions and Area of Expertise

Autism Assessment and Early Diagnosis: Dr Young developed the Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC), a widely used screening tool designed to identify autistic behaviours in children as young as 12 months of age. She also contributed to the development of the SPECTA program for autistic children.

Autism and the Criminal Justice System: She is a leading authority on the interaction between autism and the justice system, with particular focus on why autistic individuals may become unintentionally involved in criminal proceedings. Her expertise is frequently sought in matters relating to fitness to plead and criminal responsibility.

Dr Young has authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and several influential books, including works examining autism and crime. Her research has had significant citation impact internationally.

She is a recognised autism diagnostician, has prepared numerous medico-legal reports, and has appeared in Australian courts as an expert witness. She also services in professional advisory boards related to autism and is regularly consulted by the media and policymakers.

Dr Robyn Young is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading experts in autism, combining academic scholarship, clinical practice, and forensic expertise. Her work has had lasting influence on early autism diagnosis, public understanding of autism, and the treatment of autistic individuals within the legal system.

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 is currently on Maternity Leave.

Jessica is a Clinical Psychologist with 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 and has experience working across both public and private sector settings.

Jessica is a warm, compassionate clinician who is committed to delivering evidence-based, individualised care. She provides therapeutic support as well as comprehensive psycho-educational and diagnostic assessments, with a focus on supporting clients’ understanding of their strengths, challenges, and needs.

Her therapeutic work draws on a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Jessica works collaboratively with her clients, balancing empathy with a clear and direct approach, and aims to equip clients with practical tools to manage current difficulties and build long-term resilience.

Jessica enjoys working with children, adolescents, and their families, and takes a strengths-based approach to support emotional regulation, behavioural concerns, and social development. She has extensive experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum and is an Autism SA certified diagnostician. Jessica has a particular interest in delivering tailored, neuro-affirming assessment and intervention to support autistic individuals and their families.

Jessica supports clients experiencing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, emotional and behavioural regulation challenges, and peer and interpersonal difficulties.

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.

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.

Emma is a an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor. 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 (COSP) and Circle of Security Classroom (COSC) 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. 

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

Dr Joanna is a registered psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society. She completed her PhD (Clinical Psychology) in 2020. Her doctoral thesis examined how autism spectrum disorder presents among women and girls, and avenues for improving timely diagnosis. Joanna’s research is published in a number of international journals. Clinically, she specialises in developmental assessment across the lifespan and is committed to helping individuals meet their full potential. 

Since completing her clinical training in psychology, Joanna studied medicine and now works as a junior doctor in Queensland. 

Joanna offers assessments via Telehealth and some infrequent assessments at Wayville.

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

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, adults and their families. 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

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.

Eva is a registered psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and PhD (Clinical Psychology) from Flinders University.

Eva has a particular interest in psychological assessment and is experienced in assessing autism, ADHD, cognitive functioning and learning difficulties. She provides comprehensive autism (ASD), ADHD and psychoeducational assessments for both children and adults. Eva’s assessments prioritise a person-centred and neuroaffirming approach, supporting clients to better understand their individual strengths, needs and areas where support may be helpful.

Eva consults on Mondays from the Wayville office.

Leah is a Registered Psychologist and holds a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours. She is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) at Flinders University. Leah has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of settings.

She provides evidence-based intervention and support for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, behavioural challenges, emotion regulation difficulties and depression. She also works with neurodivergent individuals and delivers psychoeducational assessments to help understand cognitive strengths, learning profiles, and developmental needs.

Leah is committed to building strong therapeutic relationships and takes a thoughtful, collaborative approach to her work. She aims to create a respectful and supportive space where clients feel understood and equipped to make meaningful change.

Leah consults from the Wayville office.

Ely is a Registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She enjoys supporting children, adolescents, and young adults. She has over seven years of experience across government, public, and private settings, bringing a broad range of clinical experience to her practice. She provides psychological assessment and therapy in a warm, collaborative, and neuroaffirming environment.

Ely has experience and particular interests in comprehensive psychological assessment and therapeutic intervention for individuals with Autism (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, intellectual disability, executive functioning challenges, learning concerns, sleep difficulties, school attendance challenges, and social-emotional difficulties. She works collaboratively with clients and families to develop individualised, evidence-based support plans tailored to each person's unique strengths, needs, and goals.

Ely strives to create a safe and supportive space where clients and families feel understood and empowered to build on their strengths, explore challenges, develop practical coping skills, and work toward meaningful goals while living a life aligned with their values.

Drawing on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, Ely tailors intervention to meet each client's individual needs.

Ely is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPi).

Ely consults at Gawler

Molly is a Provisional Psychologist registered with AHPRA. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours and is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) at Flinders University.

Molly is passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships with clients and their families and is committed to supporting positive mental health outcomes. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults, and has experience supporting individuals who identify as neurodivergent. Molly uses evidence-based interventions and therapeutic models tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. Through her compassionate nature, she strives to create a warm and inclusive environment where clients feel safe and understood.

Molly has clinical experience working with presentations such as anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, behaviour management, interpersonal relationships, and depression. She is also trained in administering psychoeducational assessments to identify an individual’s cognitive and learning profile, providing targeted recommendations to support educational and personal growth.

Molly consults at Wayville

Amelia is a Provisional Psychologist registered with AHPRA. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2024 and is currently undertaking her 5+1 internship as part of her Master of Professional Psychology. Amelia is dedicated to building strong therapeutic relationships and creating a safe, supportive environment through evidence-based interventions tailored to clients’ needs. She has experience working with neurodivergent individuals and enjoys supporting clients of all ages and presentations in both therapeutic and assessment settings. Her goal is to work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their goals.

Amelia consults from Wayville and Gawler.

Hannah is a provisional psychologist registered with AHPRA. She is committed to creating a nurturing, non-judgemental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work towards meaningful change. 

Hannah has experience working with neurodivergent individuals across both support work and psychological assessment settings, and has a strong interest in continuing to work with this population. She also enjoys working with clients across a range of ages and backgrounds.

Through her training and practice to date, Hannah has developed a strong foundation in psychological assessment and therapy, with particular experience in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). 

Hannah consults from Wayville and Gawler

Sasha is a Provisional Psychologist registered with AHPRA. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours. Sasha is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) at Flinders University. 

Sasha strives to create a warm and supportive space using a compassionate and collaborative approach. She is passionate about helping her clients identify and achieve their therapy goals to make meaningful change. Sasha enjoys working with neurodivergent individuals and providing evidence-based intervention and support for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression and emotion regulation difficulties. 

Sasha consults from Wayville. 

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