Kellie enjoys building relationships, believing that understanding and respect is the basis for personal growth and wellbeing. Winnie, Kellie’s therapy dog in training, is instrumental in helping create this bond. She works with issues including trauma, stress, mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression, regulating emotions and behaviour, and school avoidance. Kellie can support NDIS clients to work towards their capacity-building goals.

Sessions are often held outside in the beautiful backyard at the Warrandyte clinic, or while walking along or sitting on the banks of the Yarra river. Her approach is neuroaffirming, strength-based and future-focused. She draws from a range of evidence-based therapeutic strategies, including talking therapy using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or ‘CBT’, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and play-based techniques, to empower clients to cope and flourish with life’s challenges.

Kellie’s assessment skills are well-developed, and she has competence in cognitive and behavioural assessments based on the DSM-5-TR and in accordance with National Guidelines. Kellie is trained in using both the ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2 in autism assessment. She aims for reader-friendly reports and enjoys working with the client and parents to better understand the results.

Kellie recognises and celebrates neurodiversity, sexuality and gender diversity, and differences in intellectual ability (both intellectual disability and giftedness). Her Master in Education focused on motivation and metacognition in learning, particularly for gifted and autistic young people, so building success in learning is a priority. Kellie has been a keen ally of Pride Groups for many years and warmly welcomes LGBTQIA+ clients.

Kellie’s hobbies include running, volunteering at ‘parkrun’, time at the beach, reading and spending time with her family and Winnie. She enjoys playing chess and is learning to play the piano. Kellie and Winnie’s clinic days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.