Our Allied Health Team

Josh comes to us with extensive experience in the disability sector, having served as the Manager of Allied Health services in his previous role, responsible for leading and managing a team providing NDIS-funded allied health therapeutic supports.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree and is on the verge of completing his Executive Master of Business Administration at the University of Adelaide. His dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship has been recognised by the University, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our team.

Read more about Josh HERE.

Originally hailing from Saudi Arabia, Fatema first moved to Australia in 2010. Following her academic pursuits, she earned a Master's in Disability Policy and Practice from Flinders University in 2017.

Fatema has worked across a range of settings with children and adults primarily with Intellectual and Neurological conditions. For her, leading the team allows her to passionately uphold the principles of person-centred care - ensuring that the team not only recognises challenging behaviours and restrictive practices but also advocates for their participants to receive support through a strengths-based approach that enhances their quality of life.

Read more about Fatema HERE.

Sam brings a wealth of experience having worked in business support roles for over 20 years. Sam enjoys supporting organisations and ensuring families receive a welcoming experience while accessing therapy.

Sam is passionate about ensuring people are able to reach their goals and full potential through quality of services and clinicians.

Read more about about Sam HERE.

With over 33 years of experience and a focus on paediatrics, Susanna has worked in various clinical settings - private practice, community organisations and educational departments. In the last 15 years, she has been specialising in working with Early Interventions (0-6 years old), improving the independence and quality of life of children with additional needs.

Read more about Susanna HERE.

Jane is a registered teacher and occupational therapist holding a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy and Special Education from Flinders University.

Jane has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with a variety of disabilities including Global Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders.

Read more about Jane HERE.

Yolanda has earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and is considering furthering her education with a Master's degree focusing on mental health research.

With a strong belief in fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals to conquer environmental obstacles, Yolanda brings a wealth of experience as an Occupational Therapist, along with a profound dedication to service delivery and empowerment.

Read more about Yolanda HERE.

Joyce brings a wealth of dedicated experience in the field of physiotherapy. A highly skilled and compassionate professional, Joyce has notable experience and skills in paediatrics, working with children facing various challenges, including disabilities, developmental delays, and autism spectrum disorders.

The heart of Joyce's professional journey lies in the joy of working closely with children and their families, recognising the importance of collaboration.

Read more about Joyce HERE.

Recent graduate Kaylee joins our team with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Kaylee's dedication lies in helping clients navigate through communication and swallowing challenges, promoting independence and building trust.

Coming from a multicultural family, Kaylee is driven by the profound influence that communication and eating have on an individual's social life and overall well-being. Her enthusiasm to expand her knowledge and skills has led her to pursue a Master of Audiology, with a particular interest in dysphagia.

Read more about Kaylee HERE.

Anthea's dedication to understanding human communication and socialisation inspired her to pursue a career in Speech Pathology. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Experimental Linguistics and English Language Linguistics from the University of Toronto, followed by a Master of Speech Pathology from Flinders University.

Anthea has gained valuable experience in diverse settings, ranging from working with children and young people with learning and participation needs to supporting individuals with swallowing and language challenges stemming from injury and other medical complications.

Read more about Anthea HERE.

Jonathon or ‘Jay’ graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Adelaide University and Graduate Diploma Psychology: Advanced from Monash University. Working toward the completion of his PhD via Melbourne University and Orygen Youth Mental Health, Jay specialises in the treatment of autistic people with social anxiety, and those with complex mental health and psychosocial concerns.

Jay has worked across most aspects of community services including mental health, child protection, disability and psychosocial support.

Read more about Jay HERE.

Sharna is a Provisional Psychologist with a Bachelor's in Behavioural Science from Swinburne University and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology Advanced from Monash University. With a background in behaviour support and disability psychology,

Sharna values a client-centred approach, and her passion lies in empowering individuals and their families to navigate the challenges they face, fostering resilience, and helping them achieve their fullest potential. Sharna is driven by the belief that everyone has strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to improve their quality of life.

Read more about Sharna HERE.

Kristiaan is a Provisional Psychologist with a 1^st Class Honours Degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from University of South Australia, along with a Diploma in Counselling from Australian College of Applied Psychology.

Coming from a background of performance coaching, he has applied his experience and education as a practicing counsellor-coach, specialising in change management, anxiety and trauma-based challenges, psychosocial challenges, grief and loss, crisis intervention, and suicide-related interventions.

Read more about Kristiaan HERE.

Katherine is a provisional psychologist and a registered teacher, graduating from the University of New England with a Master in Professional Psychology. She has experience working with individuals with specific learning needs including autism, dyslexia and working memory issues.

Katherine uses a compassionate and empathetic approach to build rapport and develop the therapeutic alliance. She integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-based Techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology.

Read more about Katherine HERE.

Andy holds a Masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Adelaide and is a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association.

Andy is passionate about helping people overcome their problems and improve their lives. He's known for being supportive, understanding and always positive - qualities that make him a trusted therapist, coach and mentor.

Read more about Andy HERE.

After giving birth to her second daughter in 2023, Claire has resumed her work with a stronger commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities receive the best possible quality of life.

Claire has an Honours degree in Developmental Education and is passionate about promoting inclusion and providing individuals with disabilities with all the opportunities they need to achieve their goals.

Read more about Claire HERE.

Kayla graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education.

Kayla has been working within healthcare for over 10 years. Kayla started her career in aged care and found a love with working with individuals with dementia, this drove Kayla to find her passion within the disability sector and she has not looked back since. From being a support worker Kayla decided she wanted to take the next step in supporting individuals with disabilities in a different space to be able to improve their quality of life and furthered her career with a university degree.

Read more about Kayla HERE.

Davor is working towards his Bachelor of Teaching with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology.

Davor aims to benefit individuals by helping them overcome difficulties and challenges. Davor strongly believes in the importance of Behavioural Support and applying the evidence-based approach to support individuals in reaching their full and most importantly reachable potential.

Read more about Davor HERE.

Tabitha graduated with a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences from Flinders University and is a Registered Behaviour Technician.

Tabitha is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of individuals facing challenges, and sees positive behaviour support as an effective framework for promoting independence, enhancing quality of life, and fostering inclusive communities.

Read more about Tabitha HERE.

Michael graduated with his Master of Social Work degree from Flinders University in 2021 and is a registered member of the Australian Community Worker Association.

Michael specialises in working with children and young people and NDIS participants through supporting them in accessing community, inclusive sports, communication and active listening.

Read more about Michael HERE.

William completed a Bachelor of Psychology in 2018 and a PBS Certificate from Monash University. Will is motivated by a desire to understand and explain others’ core beliefs, what unconscious decisions lead to the expression of behaviour. As well as the encouragement of evidence based practices and direct action to improve mood and outcomes.

He enjoys diving into other people’s interests and the nuances of obsession. A big movie, video game and Cricket buff, Will is also happy to talk and connect.

Learn about Hessel Group's Behaviour Support Services HERE!

Mamta brings over 20 years of experience as a registered educator in early learning, special education, and vocational training sectors. With unwavering passion and dedication, she has embraced a range of roles and responsibilities throughout her career journey.

Becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner was a natural step for Mamta, as she delves deeper into the realm of disability and care services.

Read more about Mamta HERE.

Stephen completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science in 2015 and his Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2019.

Through his work, Stephen has provided support to a diverse range of clients with varying needs and conditions, helping him to develop not only personally but also as a mental health professional.

Read more about Stephen HERE.

Gavin holds a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours from the University of South Australia, where he cultivated a deep understanding of psychological theories and principles. This academic journey equipped him with a solid foundation in understanding human behaviour, which forms the backbone of his approach as a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner.

Gavin is enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with individuals, families, and organizations to promote positive behaviour change and enhance the quality of life for those he serves.

Read more about Gavin HERE.

Nives holds a double Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication and Media Arts, majoring in Graphic and Digital Design from the University of South Australia, and more recently graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Psychotherapy from the IKON Institute of Australia.

Working as an Art Therapist at Hessel Group, Nives specialises in mental health, neurodivergence, PTSD, family systems and trauma-informed care.

Read more about Nives HERE.

With an educational journey that took him from Sydney to the UK, Jarran returned to Australia with a Master’s in Music Therapy from the University of Melbourne.

At Hessel Group, he is a proponent for innovative care, preparing to integrate AI and vibroacoustic therapy into his practice. His planned PhD with Hessel will explore these technologies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Read more about Jarran HERE.

Zak is a third-year Occupational Therapy (OT) student with a Bachelor of Health Science. His passion lies in health and helping people achieve their goals, whether it's regaining independence or improving daily living skills.

Zak is on a journey to become an Occupational Therapist, dedicated to making a positive impact on lives. He's looking forward to working together with our team to reach goals and support our clients to live life to the fullest.

Learn about Hessel Group's Behaviour Support Services HERE!

Rhianna is currently in her fourth and concluding year pursuing her Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree at the University of Adelaide.

Rhianna is passionate about supporting clients to adapt and thrive in their homes, communities and environments. She believes in the importance of successful client-centred care, ensuring the client is a part of everything she does.

Read more about Rhianna HERE.

Doinita's career spans across Individual and Family Services, Out-of-Home Care, Emergency accommodation and NDIS. With nearly 20 years of experience, Doinita initially joined Hessel Group as a Positive Behaviour Support Therapist in 2020. Since then, she has transitioned into a more senior role and now takes the role of Intake Officer.

As the Intake Officer, Doinita's primary responsibility is to guide our clients in understanding their plans and the various opportunities available to help them.

Read more about Doinita HERE.

Liesa has been with Hessel Group for the past 15 years, 10 of those spent in finance and payroll before her current position as Disability Support Officer. Liesa’s passion for disability was united by her lived experience and she brings a wealth of knowledge which is beneficial to the role and supporting those navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme. She enjoys the role of Disability Support Officer, a meaningful role in which she is contributing to others and making a difference.

Learn about Hessel Group's Disability Support Services Here!

Kelli's professional journey has spanned diverse sectors, including customer support, retail, and aged care assistance.

With a passion for helping others, Kelli brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the team. Kelli completed her Certificate III in Business Administration traineeship and actively contributing as a dedicated Business Support Officer at Hessel Group.

Read more about Kelli HERE.