HOW TO BOOK
After reviewing the services below, should you identify a clinician that best matches your therapeutic need, please email them directly via their professional links highlighted under their individual service profile.

If you would like to book with a Wonderkind & Co clinician or need guidance to identify who would be in the best position to support, based on your enquiry information, contact us directly through the REFER NOW button.

Referrals will be reviewed on Mondays and we will be in contact shortly after.

CLAIRE MARUM
Wonderkind & Co
Business Manager

Based at Ariston House, Claire joins the Wonderkind & Co team with an extensive background in Business Management and Administration as well as client liaison and customer service.

Claire will be at reception, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, to welcome clients and visitors, support the clinicians and ensure the smooth running of the Wonderkind & Co business.

KRYSTLE TICKNER
Wonderkind & Co
Client Administration Assistant

Krystle will be at Ariston House welcoming all and managing reception on Fridays.

Krystle comes to support us with over 15 years experience in customer service and administration. She holds a range of qualifications in tourism /operational management, hospitality and most recently interior design. Krystle has excellent computer and technology skills, is super organised and efficient and has a warm, kind and supportive approach. 

WITH SACHA SAKER
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Registered Counsellor

Sacha is an experienced Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Registered Counsellor with over a decade working with adolescents and adults in support of their mental health and wellbeing. Sacha offers individual counselling to adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, and PTSD.

As a former Mental Health Clinician in the community sector Sacha is acutely aware of the effects mental health can have on day-to-day life. As a previous Secondary College Team Leader supporting a multi-disciplinary group, Sacha also has a well-developed understanding of mental health presentations in adolescents and in particular an increased awareness of the stressors and influences that are associated with this time of life and development. Sacha specialises in supporting teens with high risk and/or complex needs. Sacha’s experience also extends to other members in the community which includes Veterans and their families. As a Military Veteran herself, she is well placed to support and guide Veterans and their families through their mental health recovery journey. Sacha works to provide a safe and non-judgemental space to support clients navigate through life challenges, regardless of what age and stage of life you are in. She aims to provide a proactive approach, ultimately delivering targeted support for individuals in times of need and recovery.

While Sacha has an extensive clinical toolbox her favoured modalities include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Person-Centred Therapy (PCT). Sacha has recently added additional times to her calendar as appointments continue to fill quickly. If you or a loved one is hoping to start on your/their mental health wellbeing path, please contact Sacha at sacha@balancedminds.au or via the Wonderkind&Co website link in our bio.

• 1:1 Therapeutic Support
• Family Support
• Parenting Support
• Social Work Clinical Supervision
• Field Education for Students
• Program Development
• Training / Professional Workshops

Send all self-referrals and inquiries directly through email to Sacha at balancedminds01@gmail.com

 WITH TILLY AMBLER

Tilly holds a Master of Psychology and is a registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience across corporate and private settings. She has extensive experience in career coaching, development, counselling and is experienced in supporting clients with mental health difficulties that impact their day-to-day lives. Tilly is passionate about supporting clients to achieve realistic outcomes.  

Using a mix of evidence-based therapies* Tilly works with you at your pace, understanding your background and experiences that have brought you to therapy. She will work with you toward your goals and support you in shaping a clear pathway toward the life you’re trying to live. Tilly has specialist training in Anxiety, Perinatal mental health, and Couples therapy**

Appropriate referrals for Tilly include:

• Anxiety 
• Pregnancy, Perinatal and Post-natal support
• Couples therapy
• Workplace stress
• Life transitions
• Career coaching and guidance
• Adjustment Disorder
• IVF and Fertility counselling 
• ADHD
• Autism
• Depression
• Non-Directive Pregnancy Counselling
• Parenting support
• Grief and loss.  

* Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT), Gottman Couples Therapy and others.

** Specialist training with Dr Russ Harris in ACT, Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), The Selini Institute, ANZICA, EFT Australia, Gottman Couples Therapy

WITH BRI DUNN
Mental Health Social Worker

Bri is a mental health social worker with 10 years of experience in areas including mental health, immigration, home-based care, and family services. 

As a mental health social worker, Bri is passionate about the systems and supports around a child. 

In 1:1 therapeutic sessions with children, Bri provides holistic therapeutic support that is trauma-informed, client-centred, and strengths-based. 

Utilising play and art resources this therapy assists children to begin to process their feelings and previous life experiences in a safe and therapeutic space and learn the skills to solve problems, cope with difficult situations and understand and manage their emotions. 

Bri has a special interest in supporting parents to better understand their child and their child’s behaviour through psychoeducation and utilising Theraplay (Attachment-Based Play Therapy) to strengthen their attachment and connection enhancing their bond.

• 1:1 Therapeutic support 
• Psychosocial Assessment
• Intensive therapeutic care plans 
• Family Support
• Parenting Support 
• Activities underpinned by Theraplay Principles – Attachment-Based Play Therapy 
• Acceptance and commitment therapy
• Social Work Clinical Supervision

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Bri directly at bri@cornerstonetherapies.com.au or phone 0411 802 325

WITH RYLIE EVANS
Occupational Therapist
Art Based OT facilitator

Rylie began her journey into the healing arts as an Acupuncturist over 25 years ago. In 2002 she went on to study Occupational Therapy and then, later, furthered her qualifications in the field of Visual Arts.

Rylie has a range of skills and experience in supporting children, adults and families living with complex trauma, developmental, health and psychosocial issues.

Rylie is especially passionate about the importance of sharing stories, connecting to country and place, as well as person-centred, culturally safe care. Whilst the process of art-making enables us to create a space that allows this to naturally emerge, through an Occupational Therapy lens we are able to establish and work on therapeutic goals and outcomes in a non-confrontational way.

Rylie loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, camping, music, and art.

Rylie is excited to be working in a space where people from diverse backgrounds are able to come together, create social connections, and build their skills and confidence in taking on new experiences.

• Occupational Therapist
• Art Based OT facilitator

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Rylie directly at growot123@gmail.com

WITH FELICTY DEWAR

Mental Health Social Worker

Felicity is a Mental Health Social Worker with a Bachelor degree in Social Work, working most recently in both the Out of Home Care (OoHC) sector, and as a School Social Worker within the Wellbeing Team at a secondary college in Geelong. Professional development and growth within both sectors were enhanced through the process of collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and working alongside other like-minded passionate and driven child advocates.

Through training and experiences, Felicity has a well-developed appreciation of the impacts of complex trauma on the lives of others and has developed her approach to be trauma informed. Experiences in the OoHC sector included working with and supporting high-risk youth as part of a multi-disciplinary team and ensuring that their supports were in place to assist in stabilising the young person across all domains of their lives.

Felicity worked as a school social worker to assist in the delivery of support, prevention of harm and risk management for vulnerable students with impacted mental health presentations and the need for immediate intervention during this time. Taking on a substantial caseload with complexities as well as creating engagement programs to enhance skill development and promote connectivity amongst different year levels, Felicity also co-presented to student cohorts on issues of friendship and specific mental health issues to both students and student support staff.

Striving towards achieving the best outcomes for children and young people, their families and the community, Felicity has proven her strength as a staunch advocate both within the school and in the community for young people who are part of the LGBTQAI+ community and possesses a compassion and deep understanding of the many challenges faced by a young person on their journey towards gender identity, discovery, transition, acceptance and authenticity.

Felicity is stepping into private practice as a mental health social worker as part of the Wonderkind&Co. community, at Ariston House, and is looking forward to extending therapeutic support for young people and their families. Felicity will be available from late January, each Monday, and for group sessions in the evenings.

• 1:1 Therapeutic support,
• Parenting/family support (in office/outreach), 
• NDIS capacity building 
• Gender exploration,
• Q-Rious Me Parent support group program, 
• Q-Rious Me group work program for young people 
• Gender Q-Rious School education sessions.

Send all self-referrals and enquiries directly through the website at www.curiousmetherapeuticsupport.com.au or email felicity at felicity@curiousmesupport.com.

Mental Health Social Worker / Family Therapy

Tara is a mental health social worker who is passionate about supporting young people and their families who have been exposed to adverse life events including trauma.

Tara has significant experience supporting individuals exposed to family conflict, sexual abuse, family violence, complex mental health, alcohol and drugs, and sexual exploitation.

Tara has a Bachelor of Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Counselling, Masters of Social Work, and has practised Family Therapy. Having worked for many years in various disability, education, mental health, family services, and out of home care settings, Tara has a special interest in adolescent mental health and parenting/carer support.

Tara uses a holistic, strength-based approach to best support each individual. Tara empowers individuals to be their own change agents. She works collaboratively to develop tailored therapeutic support strategies and practical tools that empower young people and their families to navigate through life challenges as a team and foster positive and sustainable behaviour change.

Tara is available for:

• Individual sessions
• Family work
• Parenting support

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Tara directly at tara@tarawood.com.au

See Tara’s good work here: www.tarawood.com.au 

WITH STACEY CADMAN

Art Therapist

Stacey (she/ her/ they/ them) is a registered Art Therapist who considers herself a colourful, artistic, crazy cat lady. They love creating safe spaces for expression, connection and playfulness and are passionate about providing holistic, trauma-informed, and client-centred therapy.

Stacey is a proud member of the neurodivergent and queer communities and recognises that everyone’s experiences and needs are different. Whilst these labels have helped her learn more about herself, Stacey understands that this isn’t the case for everyone, and that it’s important to get to know and be with her clients through the journey of therapy, always aiming to be culturally appropriate as well as LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent affirming.

In 2015, Stacey first discovered Art Therapy whilst working in student welfare at a school. Before this, she completed a degree in Education, worked in local government as a youth worker, and volunteered in schools, youth centres, and overseas. While completing their Masters of Art Therapy, Stacey worked as a respite worker and carer for children with disabilities, and as a teacher. After completing their Masters, she worked in dual disability and mental health with adults, residential and outreach adult mental health, and family violence.

Art and creativity have always played a big role in Stacey’s life and she’s found comfort in drawing, journaling, painting, and many other forms of creative expression. Discovering Art Therapy allowed them to combine their passion for working with and supporting others, and art making and creative expression to create a safe space where people can explore and make sense of their worlds. Stacey’s hope is that each person will feel seen, held and listened to as they navigate the therapy space together.

Stacey is a professionally registered Art Therapist with ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association) and holds a Bachelor of Education and Masters of Art Therapy.

• 1:1 Art Therapy
• Group Art Therapy
• Online Therapy
• Mental Health Support
• NDIS Clients (self and plan managed)
• Neurodivergent affirming
• LGBTIQA+ affirming
• Trauma informed

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer to directly to Stacey, please email creativenook.arttherapy@gmail.com, phone 0493 581 479 or visit www.creativenook-arttherapy.com.au

WITH SUSANNE BONE-THOMPSON

Mental Health Social Worker

Susanne Bone-Thompson from Thoughtful Solutions,  has made the decision to into Private Practice as an experienced Mental Health Social Work Clinician who has the capacity to engage the most resistant or avoidant young people and families with her gentle, practical, logical, kind and persistent approach.  Susanne has developed this capacity to meaningfully engage complex young people and their families with her years of experience working in the Out of Home Care sector.  

Since 2016 Susanne has work as a Residential Care House Manager (2IC) a Residential Care Case Manager a Targeted Care Package (TCP) Case Manager and for the last 3.5 years was a Family Thetapist as part of a Multi-Systemic Psychiatric Therapy team, here in Geelong. Susanne has excellent knowledge of Child Protective Services, Corrections, Out of Home Care, attachment disruption, family violence, sexual exploitation, treating complex trauma,  neuro-affirming, diversity inclusive and culturally safe practice.  

Prior to becoming a Social Worker Susanne was a busy mother of 4 and a youth worker, teachers aid, ran school wellbeing support and learning recovery mentorship programs and so much more.

Susanne is a committed and empathetic clinician who is passionate about achieving social justice, equality, respect, dignity and inclusiveness for all. She loves working as part of a team around the child to achieve shared goals, and believes collaboration, attunement and finding the voice of the young person to be key contributing factors towards healing and recovery.

Susanne will be operating out of Ariston House part time but has capacity to support young people and families of all ages via outreach at home, school or in the community.

• Young people in the out of home care OOHC sector
• Carers supporting young people in the OOHC sector
• Family preservation
• Family reunification
• Connected contact (Therapeutic parenting and family therapy support for families involved in Child Protective Services)
• Family therapeutic support
• Parenting support
• Challenging behaviours
• Risk management & safety planning
• Sexual exploitation
• School non-attenders
• NDIS participants (Capacity Building – around, engagement in services, Emotional Regulation,  Identity Development, Risk Management, Social Integration, Behaviour modification, Family structure & Family support)
• Individual Therapeutic Care Plan (practical psychosocial assessments and treatment plans)

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer to directly to Susanne, please email thoughtfulsolutions1@gmail.com or phone 0455 920 526

Spectrum Support Coordination is a group of passionate and dedicated practitioners delivering Support Coordination Levels 2 & 3 to children, adolescents, and adults with ASD, psychosocial and physical disabilities. We provide a neurodiverse affirming, GLBTQI, and culturally safe environment using a strengths-based approach to ensure that all participants can work towards achieving their goals.

We’re a team of tertiary-qualified Social Workers who deliver Level 3 Support coordination and specialise in areas of complex mental health, justice system and forensics, DFFH, and Child Protection.

We believe that every new day brings new possibilities for change. 

• Support Coordination
• Complex Mental Health
• Justice System
• Forensics
• Child Protection

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Samantha directly at samantha@spectrumsc.com.au

Visit Spectrum Support Coordination at www.spectrumsc.com.au

Bachelor Occupational Therapy (Hons)

CO-OP Approach Trained Therapist

SOS Approach to Eating Trained Therapist

Katie is an Occupational Therapist born and bred in Geelong who has over 25 years experience. Katie started her private practice in 2005 when there was a huge gap in private OT services in the Geelong region. She enjoys helping families on their therapy journey to understand their child’s needs and teach them tips on how to make day to day life easier. Being a parent to two busy boys, and having a lived experience of specific learning needs, Katie feels well equipped to understand the children and families she is working with.

Her client base ranges from 3-18 years, with her focus on neurodivergent clients including Autistic, and ADHDers, as well as those experiencing Anxiety and developmental and coordination challenges. She has a special interest in working on sensory and emotional regulation, executive function challenges, Interoception, handwriting, as well as fussy eating challenges her neurodivergent clients present with.  She is able to complete detailed assessments of handwriting, including those required for VCAA Special consideration for exams for our teen VCE clients.

Katie loves sharing her knowledge with parents, teachers and schools and has developed a series of webinars on a range of topics. Katie is skilled in helping children, teens, their families and support networks to thrive.

• 1:1 therapy sessions with clients aged 3-18years
• Parent consultations and education sessions
• Assessments and reports on areas detailed above
• PD sessions to parents, schools, and kindergartens on a range of topics including: Sensory Processing, Strategies for regulation, Interoception and  Fussy Eating.

NDIS funded (self managed and Plan Managed) sessions as well as private funded and Medicare sessions (CDMP Plans and BAMH Plans)

Sessions predominantly clinic based at 90 Gheringhap street Geelong.

Home and community based sessions as required, dependent on client goals.

For further information please see: Geelong Paediatric OT (katiestokesot.com.au), and follow us on socials – Facebook and Instagram for lots of strategies and tips.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please contact Katie directly via email: hello@katiestokesot.com.au

WITH KIM ARMSTRONG

Kim holds a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology and is a registered psychologist with specialist endorsement under AHPRA. She offers bulk billing services to clients who are referred by their GP under a Mental Health Care Plan and hold a valid concession card. Kim also specialises in conducting Victims of Crime psychological assessments and preparing VOCAT reports and is a recognised service provider for the TAC and WorkCover. 

With over 15 years of experience in community and private practice settings, Kim adopts a client centred approach to therapy, focusing on working collaboratively with an individual to develop specific goals and strategies that will enable them to look at issues with a different perspective, enhance their skills, strengths and resources, with a view to greater confidence, independence and improved management of unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Kim works with clients aged 18+ and appropriate referrals include:

• • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Depression
  • Victims of Crime
  • Childhood trauma
  • Workplace and general life stress
  • Grief and Loss

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Kim directly at drkimarmstrong@bigpond.com

Meet Tevita: a seasoned chef with over a decade of culinary expertise and a heart dedicated to making a difference. Beyond his culinary skills, he has generously volunteered as a Youth Leader in CALD communities. Recently, Tevita has been a guiding light for high-risk individuals in out-of-home care around Geelong. He’s also harnessed his culinary talents to empower people with disabilities.

Tevita’s passion project, Maverick Manner, reflects his unwavering dedication and caring nature. Their philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: genuine interactions and holistic support. Tevita and his team offer a diverse array of services, ranging from personalized mentoring and cooking sessions to a transformative 6-week life skills program. Not stopping there, they even provide on-the-go barber services.

Adding to their repertoire, they’re gearing up to launch an innovative program designed to immerse young people in the outdoors, fostering emotional regulation. Collaborating with practitioners and industry experts, Maverick Manner aims to dismantle barriers and create new opportunities.

For Tevita, hospitality stretches far beyond the kitchen. His remarkable ability to connect with young individuals gives them a platform to be heard and nurtures their self-assurance.

Qualifications: Cert III Commercial Cookery, Cert 4 Child, Youth and Family Intervention.

• Mentoring and Support
• Respite and Retreat
• Outdoor Connect Program
• Cook and Connect Program

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Tevita directly at tevitak@maverickmannergroup.com.au

WITH JAXSYN SCHOLES
Counsellor
Male Mentor

Jaxsyn is a dynamic Counsellor with extensive experience working with, and supporting young people with complex needs in the Out of Home Care System, who are engaged with Child Protective Services, Young Justice Services, are experiencing School or Peer challenges and/or need a little extra support to manage big thoughts, emotions or behaviours.

Shake provides adolescents with support in alternative environments to enable them to feel more comfortable and promote engagement.  Environments that are unconventional to other counseling approaches and may include but is not limited to occurring on the Beach, Parks, Skate Parks, Footy Field or the Basketball Court. 

Shake takes pride in offering a service that is accommodating for anyone that experiences unhelpful thoughts, big behaviours, and challenging emotions.  Jaxsyn is also trained in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Therapeutic Life Story Work.   The aim of Shake is to identify the importance of ambiance whilst engaging in therapy, formulating a ‘Safe Space’ for every client to achieve connection.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Jaxsyn directly at shakecounselling@outlook.com

 WITH JACK PEARSON

Good Times Adventures Aus. provides therapeutic outdoor adventure programs to young people around the Surf Coast and Barwon region. Jack has spent his entire life enjoying the outdoors and loves connecting with others through his love for surfing and mountain bike riding. Jack has over 10 years of experience working with vulnerable youths. He places great importance in connecting young people to their community and getting out in nature. Jack and his team utilise electric mountain bikes (eMTB), skating, ocean activities, and exploring nature as means to engage young people in an individualised program that supports personal growth and development.The adventure style programs resonate strongly with young men and boys. Jack and his team develop individualised therapeutic adventure plans using a holistic lens that supports goals unique to the participant. Good Times Adventures Aus. is ideal for a young person who is looking to build their confidence, social connectedness, and learn new ways of managing life stresses through the use of exercise, goal setting, problem solving, connection to nature, mindfulness, and learning new coping tools. 

Jack is looking forward to connecting with you and starting your adventure. 

To learn more about Good Times Adventures visit the website: www.goodtimesadventures.com.au

or contact Jack directly 0408 586 836 or jack@goodtimesadventures.com.au

WITH MEG WETTENHALL
She/her

Meg is a registered Clinical Psychotherapist with Bachelor of Counselling and Psychology and Honors in Psychology; her thesis explored mindfulness and suicide. Since completing university Meg has worked in public health, primarily in the family violence and sexual assault sector. Meg has worked with diverse communities in regional and urban locations, and has extensive experience working with the impact of sexual assault and family violence. Meg is comfortable working with children, teens, adults and families.

Meg brings her authentic self to the work and offers an integrative approach to psychotherapy. She provides a safe, client-focused, trauma informed space for people to engage in the work of therapy.

Candlebark Psychotherapy offers equine, canine and nature based approaches. Meg works with her three horses and dog Jet. Meg also incorporates somatic experiencing into sessions.

If you are interested in seeking further information or would like to refer for service, please email Meg directly at mwettenhallpsychotherapy@outlook.com or visit www.candlebarkpsychotherapy.com

WITH KATE PERRY
Brand Strategist
Brand Identity & Logo Design
Website Design

• Brand Strategy 
• Brand Design & Illustration
• Logo Design
• Website Design
• Illustration

Contact Kate directly at kate@kateperryprojects.com or book a call

To see Kate’s work visit www.kateperryprojects.com