Blue Mountains Team
Niesha Illingworth
Senior Psychologist and Behaviour Analyst
BA Psych (Hons), MEd (ABA), MAPS, CBA, BCBA
Niesha Illingworth is a registered psychologist and certified behaviour analyst with over 15 years of experience in the disability and psychology sector. She holds a degree in developmental psychology from the University of Sydney and completed her postgraduate studies at Monash University. As the lead psychologist at the Blue Mountains clinic, Niesha uses an individualised approach tailored to each client and their family, drawing on a range of evidence-based modalities. She is trained in diagnostic assessments and provides various psychometric testing services.
Niesha is a professional member of the Australian Psychological Society, certified with the Australian Association of Applied Behaviour Analysis and the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board, and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. She is also a board-approved supervisor for those working in psychology or applied behaviour analysis. In addition to her clinical work, Niesha is completing her PhD and is President-Elect of the Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia.
Macarena Lopez
Registered Psychologist
B Psych
Macarena is a registered psychologist who completed her undergraduate degree in psychology in Universidad Católica, Chile. Since 2021, Macarena has worked with a variety of client presentations and ages. She believes that research and psychotherapy should go hand in hand and that is why she uses evidence-based practices that adjust to the client’s needs and goals when it comes to therapy. Macarena is very excited to work with clients of all ages and support them to develop their skills.
Pete Danckwerts
Registered Psychologist and Clin Psych Registrar
BA (Psych, Comp Sci), Grad Dip Psych, B Soc Sci (Psych) (Honours), M Clin Psych, Assoc MAPS
Pete is a registered psychologist who has completed a Master of Clinical Psychology. With a background in technology and media before transitioning into clinical practice, he brings a broad, practical perspective to his work. Pete supports individuals across the lifespan through evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment. His approach is collaborative and grounded in helping clients and families build lasting skills, clarify what matters to them, and make meaningful changes in everyday life.
Pete is currently completing the clinical psychology registrar program, working toward endorsement as a clinical psychologist. He is also registered with the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and can see workers under the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme and those entitled to motor crash compensation under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Scheme.
Cara Wilmott
Registered Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Prof Psych
Cara is a registered psychologist, who graduated with her Masters of Professional Psychology from the University of New England. Before moving into the field of psychology, Cara worked across government and non-government sectors in policy and project roles. This experience shaped her understanding of people, systems and communities, and her transition into psychology was motivated by a desire to feel a greater direct impact from the work she does.
She brings a warm, evidence-based and person-centred approach to her work. She has a strong interest in working with people who are neurodivergent, who experience anxiety or depression, or have experienced trauma. She is committed to creating a safe, respectful and collaborative space for children, adolescents and adults.
Alongside therapy, she enjoys conducting psychological assessments, including cognitive, autism, behavioural and ADHD assessments. She is particularly passionate about later-in-life diagnoses that can be so powerful and affirming for neurodivergent individuals.
Srijana Sharma
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
BA Psych/English, MSc (ABA), BCBA, CBA
Srijana is deeply committed to using practices which are both ethical and evidence-based practices that underpin the science of ABA. She recognises the importance of tailoring teaching methods to best suit her clients needs and preferences. Moreover, Srijana is a collaborative team player who firmly believes in the power of cooperation as a means to facilitate her clients journey towards realising their optimal potential.
Embracing a holistic approach, Srijana is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and best interests of her clients and their families remain at the forefront of her practice.
Jaimee-Lee Allison
Certified Behaviour Analyst-Undergraduate and Behaviour Support Practitioner
Jaimee-Lee joined the team as a junior therapist after a family member began receiving early intervention support at Bright Eyes. Through his success, Jaimee-Lee decided to pursue a career in behaviour analysis and is now working as a senior therapist and behaviour support practitioner, while completing her Masters of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
With a background as a trained chef, Jaimee-Lee brings a unique and creative energy to therapy. She created our Food Education Group Program which assists individuals to develop essential daily living and social skills through hands-on food experiences.
Elizabeth Cheadle
Behaviour Support Practitioner
B Psych Sc, B Crim
Elizabeth holds Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Criminology, and recently completed her Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced). She has been working as a behavior therapist for 4 years, and loves watching her client's curiosities come to life. She has experience in applied behaviour analysis and early intervention, and looks forward to continuing to grow her experience here at Bright Eyes.
Elyssa Hannan
Clinical Psychologist
B Psych (Hons), M Clin Psych, Assoc MAPS
Ellie is a clinical psychologist who completed her Master of Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University. She has worked in various inpatient and outpatient settings with individuals across the lifespan, providing individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.
Ellie offers individual therapy for clients presenting with a range of mental health concerns, with a particular interest in anxiety and trauma. She is passionate about evidence-based practice and takes an individualised approach to best support clients. Ellie also has a particular interest in assessment and conducts psychometric and diagnostic assessments for adults and children.
Ellie is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and is registered as a clinical psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Dr Lulu Belmont
Registered Psychologist and Clin Psych Registrar
B Soc Sci (Hons), MEd, PhD Crim, B Psych (Hons), M Clin Psych
Lulu is a registered psychologist working towards an endorsement in clinical psychology. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of presentations, with a particular interest in supporting individuals experiencing eating disorders. She has experience delivering evidence-based eating disorder interventions, including CBT-e, FBT, and SSCM. Lulu also works with clients presenting with anxiety-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and neurodevelopmental differences.
In addition, Lulu is experienced in conducting comprehensive diagnostic assessments, including assessments for autism, ADHD, and specific learning disorders. Lulu values building strong therapeutic relationships and takes a warm, person-centred approach grounded in evidence-based practice. She works collaboratively with clients to understand their unique experiences, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies that promote lasting wellbeing.
Baillie Cobb
Provisional Psychologist
Dip Soc Sci, B Psych (Hons), M Prof Psych
Baillie joined the Bright Eyes team as a provisional psychologist, after completing her Master of Professional Psychology placement with us. Before joining our team, she worked as a crisis support worker with LifeLine and an NDIS mental health support worker.
She offers both individual and family therapy for clients across the lifespan. She has a particular interest in working with those experiencing anxiety-related and mood disorders, especially those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and specific phobias. She is also passionate about supporting neurodiverse individuals.
Baillie takes a warm, collaborative and practical approach to therapy. She uses evidence-based approaches, including Exposure and Responsive Prevention (ERP) and incorporates family involvement where appropriate to create meaningful, value-driven goals and work toward lasting change.
Yug Shah
Registered Counsellor
B Nursing, Grad Dip Couns
Yug provides individual counselling at Bright Eyes and is currently completing a Master of Counselling through the University of Canberra.
Yug takes a person-centred approach, focusing on building trust, understanding each individual’s unique journey, and supporting clients to navigate challenges with empathy and clarity.
He is a trained facilitator in breath, somatic exercises, and meditation. He is also a Registered Nurse with a background in mental health and aged care.
Deanna Kapera
Certified Behaviour Analyst and Behaviour Support Practitioner
B Soc Sc, MEd (ABA), CBA
Deanna completed a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University in 2025 and a Bachelor in Social Science at Macquarie University in 2020. She has worked as a behaviour therapist with Bright Eyes since 2020. Deanna has a strong background working within the disability sector, and has worked with children, adolescents and adults in various settings. Deanna is passionate about early intervention and brings a wonderful energy to the Blue Mountains team.
Sarah O'Connor
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
BA, MA (Psych) MSc (ABA), BCBA
Sarah is a dedicated Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with experience delivering evidence-based ABA. She is skilled in functional behavioural assessment, designing and implementing function-based behaviour plans and individualised skill-acquisition programmes. Sarah is committed to ongoing professional development and creating safe, positive environments where children can achieve their full potential.
Tara Gilding
Senior Therapist and Support Worker
Tara has been a valued member of the Bright Eyes team for almost two years. Drawing on both professional training and lived experience, Tara brings a deeply neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach to her work as a senior therapist and support worker.
As a neurodivergent person and parent to two neurodivergent children, Tara understands first-hand the joys and challenges of supporting neurodivergent learners. She is passionate about supporting families and creating safe, respectful spaces where each child's individuality is embraced and nurtured. She values collaboration with families to help children build skills, confidence and connection at their own pace.
In addition to her work at Bright Eyes, Tara is currently completing her Bachelor of Social Work.
Sophie Bekfi
Junior Therapist
Sophie joined the Bright Eyes team as a junior therapist working under the supervision and guidance of our psychologists and behaviour analysts. Sophie is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology.
Renee Miller
Office Manager
B Psych
Renee joined the Bright Eyes team in November 2022 as Office Manager. Renee has experience working in the disability sector and navigating the NDIS and an educational background in psychology. Renee is adept at wearing many hats and always up for a challenge and the rewards that follow with overcoming them. She has a genuine passion for seeing positive outcomes for clients and is enthusiastic about joining the wonderful team at Bright Eyes.
Madeline Niemann
Office Administrator
BA (Hons)
Madeline joined the Bright Eyes team in 2024 as an office administrator. Previously, she worked as a school administration officer for the Department of Education and Communities both in the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Madeline is passionate about supporting families, and has a keen interest in helping parents and carers navigate the ups and downs of family life. She is currently studying counselling, and looks forward to completing her placement at Bright Eyes.
Tyneille St Quintin-Finn
Office Administrator
Tyneille joined the Bright Eyes team in 2021 as a part-time office administrator. She is the mother of three children and has a background in Early Childhood Education. Tyneille has been supported by Bright Eyes since 2018, when she first accessed support for her son who had been diagnosed with Autism.
Tyneille enjoys hearing the perspectives of other parents and carers within the ASD community.
Posy
Therapy Dog in Training
