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Suite 6, Level 1
5-7 Discovery Drive
North Lakes QLD 4509

PH. (07) 3482 2457
The Child and Adolescent Development Service is committed to providing high quality care. Our practitioners are well trained with a wealth of experience. We undertake regular professional development to ensure that we are up-to-date with the latest ideas and practice in the field.

Frances O’Conor - Psychologist
BSocSc (Hons) (Psych) MPsych (Ed & Dev)

Frances is a registered psychologist and Director of the Child And Adolescent Development Service. She has a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree and many years experience as a psychologist. Frances enjoys working with children and teenagers, helping them to develop their emotional and social understanding and skills for self-management. She assists parents/carers with advice on how they can support their young person's capabilities and well-being.

Frances has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of learning and developmental difficulties, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Sharon Taylor - Psychologist
BA (Hons) MEdPsych (UQ) MAPS

Sharon is a registered psychologist and Member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree. She has worked in a variety of settings including working as an Early Intervention Specialist for Queensland Health and with not-for-profit organisations.

Sharon is passionate about providing early intervention services to young children and she believes it is important to intervene early in the life of a problem before small problems become large ones. Wherever possible, she aims to incorporate the whole family unit into therapy as each child is viewed within the context of their family. Sharon is an accredited Level 5 Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) provider.
Christine Willett - Psychologist
BSc (Psych) (Hons) MA (School Counselling)

Christine has been a  registered psychologist for many years in both NSW and QLD. She has completed a Master of School Counselling degree and has worked in the Qld Education system for over ten years, working extensively with children with disabilities and Early Intervention Programs.

Christine has specific interest in the treatment of anxiety, depression, oppositional and defiant behaviours, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She also has extensive experience in assessment of children with intellectual disability, learning difficulties and executive functioning problems. Christine is passionate about working with schools to create better learning outcomes for all children.

Stephen Morton - Psychologist
BA (Psych) BPsych (Hons) MPsych (Ed & Dev)

Stephen is a registered psychologist and he has completed a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree. He has several years experience in educational and private practice settings providing psychological services to children, adolescents and their families.

Stephen has specific interest in the treatment of anxiety, depression, anger issues, oppositional and defiant behaviours, grief and loss, self esteem issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He also has extensive experience in psychometric assessment of children with intellectual disability, learning difficulties and executive functioning problems. Stephen is a trained facilitator of the Secret Agent Society (SAS) Program and an accedited supervisor for higher degree psychology students.
Melanie Kimpton - Psychologist

BPsychSci (Hons) MPsych (Ed & Dev)

Melanie is a registered psychologist with a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree. She enjoys working with children and adolescents on a range of issues, including difficulties with emotional regulation, anxiety, and learning.

Melanie is interested in positive psychology and is passionate about education and wellbeing. Drawing upon strengths-based approaches, she uses assessments and early interventions to help young people identify their strengths and to develop new skills and coping strategies.
Tracey Besley - Psychologist 
BPsych (Hons) MPsych (Ed & Dev) AMAPS

Tracey is a registered psychologist and Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society and the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists. She has a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree.

Tracey has specific interest in cognitive (intellectual), learning and behaviour assessments; developmental disabilities; assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, anger and social difficulties; managing difficult behaviour and parenting support; grief and loss. Tracey is a Circle of Security™ registered Parent Educator.
Sue Jeffery - Psychologist
BAppSc (OT) GrDipEd (EC) BPsych (Hons)

Sue is a registered psychologist with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honors) degree. She has worked as a Psychologist within the health and disability sectors. This has given Sue extensive experience working therapeutically with children across a broad range of issues including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Anxiety and Depression, Social Phobia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioural difficulties and Developmental Delay.

Sue is also an accredited Level 5 Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) provider and a Circle of Security ™ Parent Educator. In addition to Psychology, Sue has formal qualifications in Occupational Therapy and Early Childhood Education which brings a mix of complementary skills and knowledge to her work.
Neelam Dutt - Psychologist
BSc (Hons in Psych) MProfPsych

Neelam is a registered psychologist with a Master of Professional Psychology degree. Neelam has experience working in private and public sectors including disability services. She has a particular interest and experience in assessment of children with cognitive, learning, and behavioural difficulties. Neelam is passionate about providing early intervention and takes a wholistic approach to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Neelam has a warm and empathetic approach and works collaboratively with clients to provide individualised support within a safe therapeutic environment.

Neelam is currently on Maternity Leave.

Lauren Cunningham - Psychologist
BBehavSc (Psych) PostGradDipPsych MPsych (Ed & Dev) MAPS

Lauren is a registered psychologist and Member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology degree. Lauren has worked in a range of settings with children, adolescents and young adults.

She is passionate about building rapport with her young clients, and encouraging them to actively participate in developing suitable plans and strategies for improving their mental health. When possible, Lauren encourages the young person to involve their family for extra support at home. For younger children, she works with parents to better understand the symptoms and triggers of the child’s behaviour and to support the parents to assist their child learn helpful coping strategies. Lauren is trained in Circle of Security (COS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Art Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and she draws from these frameworks to inform her practice with young people and families.

Cathryne Lang - Psychologist
BPsych(Hons) PhD

Cathryne is a registered psychologist. She has worked in a range of settings with children, adolescents and young adults. Cathryne has specific interest in the treatment of anxiety, depression, developmental disabilities, anger and social difficulties, managing oppositional and defiant behaviour and parenting support. She also has experience in assessment of children with intellectual disability and learning difficulties. Cathryne especially enjoys working with school-aged children and their families. For younger children, she works with parents to better understand the symptoms and triggers of the child’s behaviour and to support the parents to assist their child learn helpful coping strategies.

Candice Irvine - Psychologist
BPsychSc

Candice is a registered psychologist with a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree. She has worked in the child protection, mental health and disabilities areas, and in both private and public sectors. She has worked in rural and regional areas and with people of all ages.

Candice has specific interest in working with children and young people with emotional regulation issues including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), anxiety and depression, as well as providing parenting support and facilitating therapeutic group programs.

Allissa Whitehead - Speech/Language Pathologist 
BSpPath, CPSP

Allissa is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. She has experience assessing and treating clients presenting with a variety of communication difficulties related to speech production, fluency, understanding and use of language, and learning. She has worked in a variety of settings (eg. private practice, within schools and childcare centres) and she has experience working with children, adolescents and families.

Allissa is passionate about providing early intervention that is family-centred and evidence-based. She is a recognised provider of early intervention services under the Helping Children with Autism Program (HCWAP). She is also a Hanen certified speech pathologist and a trained facilitator of the More Than Words Program.

Hannah Draper - Occupational Therapist
BOccThy

Hannah is a registered Occupational Therapist and member of Occupational Therapy Australia. She has experience assessing and treating clients with various concerns related to everyday living, such as self-care (e.g. dressing), sleep, toileting, self-regulation, school skills, fine motor skills (including handwriting), gross motor skills, play and social skills.

Hannah has always had an interest in working in paediatrics, particularly with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). She also has experience working with children of various ages from 2 to 17 years with diagnoses such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, intellectual disabilities, visual impairments, sensory processing difficulties, and developmental and learning difficulties. Hannah is a recognised provider of early intervention services under the Helping Children with Autism Program (HCWAP) and Better Start Early Intervention program (BSI).

Hannah uses evidence-based and family centred intervention that is tailored to each client’s needs. She is committed to therapy that is client-centred, creative, holistic, and that incorporates a child’s strengths and interests.
Devi Mani - Occupational Therapist
B.O.T., OTAUS, AIOTA, WFOT

Devi is a registered Occupational Therapist and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia. She enjoys working with children and adolescents (ages 1-17 years), assessing and providing interventions to assist them to develop their occupational capacities. Devi uses evidence-based methods and she makes use of the young person’s interests to get them involved in therapy tasks. She works closely with the child’s carers to best meet expectations and set goals that support the child’s functioning at home, school and out in the community. Devi is experienced in delivering services in relation to sensory processing, self-care, toileting, self-regulation, school skills, gross motor skills, fine-motor skills, handwriting, play and social skills.

Devi has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, and Visual Impairment. She is a recognised provider of early intervention services under the Helping Children with Autism Program (HCWAP).

Devi’s main goal is to help young people build their foundation skills to enable them to confidently carry out their daily living activities and to thrive at what they want to do. She loves to make therapy fun and to have a positive influence in her clients’ lives.
Sarah Hyam - Speech-Language Pathologist 
BSpPath, CPSP

Sarah has a Master of Speech and Language Pathology degree. She is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia. Sarah has clinical experience in assessing and treating clients presenting with a variety of communication difficulties including the use of language, speech production, fluency, literacy/phonological awareness and using augmentative/ alterative communication systems (AAC). She is a recognised provider of early intervention services under the Helping Children with Autism Program (HCWAP). Sarah is also trained in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

Sarah has worked within a variety of settings (eg. private practice, within schools and childcare centres) and with children of various ages. She thoroughly enjoys working with children, adolescents and their families. She has a passion for making therapy engaging and successful by using a family-centred and evidence-based approach.

Maria Gleeson - Occupational Therapist
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Maria is a registered Occupational Therapist and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia. She has experience working across a range of clinical settings including paediatrics and mental health. Maria has a passion for working with children and young people to empower them to reach their full potential and to support them to overcome participation barriers that they are experiencing. Maria has experience working with children and young people who have various diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing difficulties, Global Developmental Disorder, Anxiety, and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Maria enjoys providing occupational therapy intervention to support skill development in the areas of play skills, social skills, daily living skills, motor skills (gross, fine & visual motor), handwriting, self-regulation skills, executive functioning skills, sensory processing challenges, and school readiness.

Louise Mitchell - Psychologist
BSc (Applied Psych), PGrad Dip Psych

Louise is a registered psychologist who greatly enjoys working with children, young people, and their families to help improve their health and wellbeing. She has experience working in community-based mental health settings, including psychiatric disabilities, youth support, and coordination of community outreach support services alongside Queensland Government Mental Health. Louise more recently worked for several years in a predominantly school-based family mental health support service.

Louise is a trained facilitator of the Child and Youth Mental Health Service’s Koping Kidz program and the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting program Tuning in to Teens™. She has also completed intensive experiential professional development in Trauma Informed Care and Practice – An Indigenous approach to developing worker skills.


© Child and Adolescent Development Service (CAADS) 2024
ABN 50166439238