Meet Our Qualified Child and Family Wellbeing Experts
Our multidisciplinary team combines extensive credentials and specialised skills to support children, adolescents, and families through tailored therapeutic approaches.
Meet Our Child and Family Wellbeing Specialists
Our team combines diverse expertise to support the developmental and emotional needs of children and families through evidence-based therapies and collaborative care.
Dr Michelle Adams , Child Psyhciatrist
Dr Michelle Adams is a Child Psychiatrist specialising in child development and mental health, with particular expertise in children under 12 years with developmental concerns. Her work considers the whole child, including emotional wellbeing, learning, attention, language, motor development, family relationships, and the impact of parenting a child with complex needs.
Dr Adams provides comprehensive neurodevelopmental and psychiatric assessments, including autism, intellectual disability, and learning disorder assessments, in collaboration with Educational and Developmental Psychologists. She also offers ongoing child psychiatry care, psychotherapy, parent-focused work, and medication management where appropriate. Direct intervention using the DIR/Floortime approach is available for young children with developmental difficulties.
Dr Adams takes a formulation-based approach, focusing on understanding why a child is presenting in a particular way at a particular time, rather than relying solely on diagnostic labels. Parents are closely involved in care, as supporting caregivers is central to a child’s developmental progress.
Referrals:
GP, specialist, or nurse practitioner referral required for Medicare rebates.
Current availability:
Dr Adams is currently accepting new referrals. Typical wait times are
approximately 2–3 months, though appointments may occasionally become available sooner.
Referral enquiries:
Email: info@drmichelleadamspsychiatry.com.au
Phone : 03 7037 4207
Alex Dawson, Psychologist
TBC
Linda Seymour, Psychologist/ Family Therapist
Linda Seymour is a Psychologist with over 16 years’ experience across public and private settings, specialising in supporting individuals, couples, and families. She has completed a three-year Master’s degree in Family Therapy and Systemic Therapy through Australian Catholic University, and her work is grounded in a systemic understanding of relationships, family dynamics, and the impact of trauma across the lifespan. Linda creates a warm, compassionate environment where clients feel safe to explore challenges and work towards meaningful, lasting change.
Linda provides support for couples and relationship issues, parent–child and co-parenting concerns, grief and loss, self-esteem and bullying, workplace-related difficulties, family trauma, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), and eating disorders. She also delivers services registered with NDIS and WorkCover. Each treatment plan is thoughtfully personalised to reflect the client’s needs, values, and goals, helping individuals and families navigate complex issues with clarity and confidence.
Referrals
Linda is currently accepting new referrals.
Referral enquiries
Email:
kirstie@medicalcareconnect.com.au
Phone: 03 7037 4207
Lauren Fouche - Speech Pathologist
Lauren is an experienced Speech Pathologist with over ten years of clinical practice across hospital, community and private settings. She
works confidently with both paediatric and adult clients, supporting individuals with communication and swallowing needs arising from developmental differences, neurological conditions and medically complex presentations.
Lauren has a strong foundation in evidence-based assessment and intervention, with particular experience in early communication, developmental speech and language disorders, neurogenic communication disorders and dysphagia. She values thoughtful, tailored therapy that is meaningful and functional for each individual, and enjoys working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to help clients achieve their goals.
Known for her calm and person-centred approach, Lauren strives to make therapy engaging, respectful and empowering for clients and families alike. She is passionate about lifelong learning and continuous professional growth, and brings both curiosity and kindness to her clinical work.
Outside of her professional life, Lauren enjoys running, strength training, painting and reading — activities that keep her grounded, creative and energized.
Referral enquiries: admin@capstonealliedhealth.com.au
Website: https://capstonealliedhealth.com.au
Karen Collidge- Nurse Practiitioner/ Family Therapist
Karen is an endorsed Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Therapist who works with children, young people, and families experiencing emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties. Her practice is grounded in a deep understanding of child development, attachment, and the impact of life experiences on emotional wellbeing.
Karen works holistically, considering the child or young person within the context of their relationships, family system, developmental stage, and broader environment. She has extensive experience supporting families across hospital, community, and private practice settings and brings a warm, trauma-informed, and collaborative approach to care.
Karen provides comprehensive assessment and therapeutic support, drawing on evidence-based interventions, family-focused work, and careful clinical formulation. Her approach focuses on understanding why a child or young person is presenting in a particular way at a particular time, with an emphasis on safety, emotional regulation, and sustainable change rather than diagnosis alone.
Families and caregivers are actively involved in the therapeutic process, recognising their central role in supporting a child’s emotional and developmental wellbeing.
Referrals:
Referral pathways and eligibility requirements vary depending on the nature of the service.
Current availability:
Please enquire for current availability and expected wait times.
Referral Enquiries:
Email : karen@aboutfamilies.com.au
Phone: 0409 940 200
claire hudson
Complex Trauma Psychotherapist
Claire Hudson-McAuley is Founder and Director of The Growing Heart, a growing Community of Care, Practice and Learning. An experienced Somatic and Gestalt psychotherapist, Registered Nurse, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor, Couples & Family Therapist, Training and Group Facilitator, Claire recognises the need to support the front-line heroes working with complex clients. Many humans working in mental health settings are unsupported or under supported. The Growing Heart now offers various trauma-informed and relational therapy trainings nationally and internationally, therapist support groups, and clinical supervision, as a guide and support to dedicated humans.
Referrals : https://the-growing-heart.com/
Dr Sharon Mittiga -
Clinical and Educational & Developmental Psychologist
Dr Sharon is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across a broad range of psychological and developmental concerns. Originally from Mauritius—one of the world’s most multicultural nations—she is fluent in English and French and has lived in Australia for over 22 years. She also has an understanding of Hindi.
Dr Sharon holds a Master’s degree in Educational and Developmental Psychology and a PhD from Monash University. Her clinical work is informed not only by extensive training and research, but also by her personal experience navigating anxiety and attentional challenges during her own schooling, giving her a deep understanding of how overwhelming these experiences can be at any stage of life.
She provides comprehensive psychological and neurodevelopmental assessments, including assessments for Autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties. Reports are thorough, clear, and delivered promptly, including when tight timeframes are required.
Dr Sharon offers therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, mood difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, chronic pain, and related adjustment issues. She also works within family systems to strengthen relationships, communication, and emotional understanding.
Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based and integrative, drawing on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and attachment-based frameworks. She supports clients to explore how early experiences influence current patterns in relationships, self-perception, and emotional responses, with the aim of building greater resilience and more secure connections.
With couples, Dr Sharon utilises her Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy to help partners deepen connection, navigate conflict, and strengthen their relationship.
Dr Sharon maintains current best practice through ongoing professional development and brings a warm, collaborative, and compassionate style to her work. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where insight, growth, and resilience can develop.
Outside of her clinical work, Dr Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and the challenge and energy of CrossFit. Her personal experiences and continued learning underpin her commitment to walking alongside clients on their individual journeys.
Referrals:
GP, paediatrician, psychiatrist, or other specialist referrals are accepted. A GP referral is required for Medicare rebates where applicable.
Current availability:
Dr Sharon is currently accepting new referrals. Wait times vary depending on the type of service requested.
Referral enquiries:
admin@brainhelperspsychology.com.au
Disclaimer : Dr Sharon Mittga is not an employee of Time to Grow Clinic. She provides services as an independent subcontracted therapist.
Yvonne Ellins,
Play Therapist/
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Yvonne is an experienced education specialist, Play Therapist, and registered Behaviour Support Practitioner with over 25 years’ experience supporting children and young people in school and community settings. She holds a Master of Play Therapy (Deakin University) and integrates therapeutic and practical strategies to support children and families.
Yvonne has a particular specialty in behaviour-related continence and incontinence supports. She works across trauma and child abuse, autism, ADHD, anxiety, self-harm, complex behaviours, family therapy, and Child–Parent Relationship Training. Her approach is holistic and team-based, shaped by extensive experience working within schools and alongside Child Protection.
Yvonne is a strong advocate for families navigating the NDIS and community support systems and is known for her calm, compassionate, and outcomes-focused approach. She also provides parent education and shares practical guidance for families supporting neurodivergent children through her online content.
Referrals:
Referrals are welcome.
Referral enquiries:
Yvonne@vact.com.au
rachel wooley,
certified Behaviour Analyst
Rachael Woolley is a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA), Behaviour Support Practitioner, and Director of Play to Learn Therapy. She has over a decade of experience supporting children through to adults with disability and complex support needs.
Rachael provides evidence-based Positive Behaviour Support and early intervention across home, school, clinic, and community settings. Her work focuses on emotional regulation, skill development, communication, and addressing complex behaviours, using trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and play-based approaches. She collaborates closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to create practical, effective strategies tailored to each child’s needs.
Referrals:
- Accepting referrals: Rachael is currently accepting referrals.
- Preferred contact for enquiries: Email is preferred at playtolearntherapy@bigpond.com or via phone at 0438 001 416.
- Referral pathway: Referrals can be sent via email or through Rachael’s referral link: https://forms.gle/pvzeumeH4a6XHCh56.
- Referral response timeframe: Referrals are typically triaged and responded to within 3–5 business days.
Tara Oboyle
Psychologist
Tara is a registered psychologist with an interest in supporting individuals and families. She has worked across a range of settings including not-for-profit organisations, schools/education settings, support groups, and private practice.
She is known to be relaxed, friendly, empathetic, and a good listener. Her manner is gentle and calm. She uses an eclectic approach to therapy respecting that everyone is unique.
Tara has a special interest in neurodiversity (Autism and ADHD) uses neuro-affirming practices, working collaboratively with individuals and with families, building self-understanding, and fostering self-belief.
In her spare time Tara enjoys reading books and watching movies. She also likes to spend quality time with her family and taking time to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Tara provides therapy sessions on Tuesdays.
Referrals:
Tara has limited availability but is currently taking enquiries
Referral enquiries:
Email: tara.oboyle23@gmail.com
Jessica Dehaan- Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)
Jess Dehaan is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) who has been practising in the mental health field since 2012. Jess works with young people aged 8 years through to adults, providing evidence-based, compassionate support tailored to each individual’s needs.
Jess has extensive experience supporting clients experiencing anxiety disorders, mood disorders, PTSD and trauma-related presentations, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), emotional regulation difficulties, family and relational challenges, and emerging personality concerns. Jess also works with young people navigating family & school stress, low self-esteem, identity development, and complex family dynamics.
Jess is particularly passionate about supporting young people, helping them build confidence, develop practical coping strategies, and better understand their strengths and challenges. Jess frequently works collaboratively with families, schools, and other health professionals to ensure consistent and supportive care. Jess’s therapeutic approach is warm, structured, and grounded in strength-focused practice. She focuses not only on reducing symptoms, but on enhancing overall functioning, building resilience, and supporting long-term emotional wellbeing. Jess values building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, respect, and authenticity and she aims to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges
Referrals:
Email:
jessdehaan.socialworker@gmail.com
Benefits of Our Collaborative Approach
Integrated Expertise
Personalised Care Plans
Holistic Development Focus
Continuous Communication
Contact Time to Grow
Kindly reach out to each therapist individually. if you are unable to get in touch with the desired therapist , you may contact the clinic manager at .
Email Us
admin@timetogrowclinic.com
Call Us
03 7037 4207