Pymble Team

Alex Brown

Psychologist and Behaviour Analyst

B Psych, M Science (ABA & Autism), CBA, BCBA.

Alex is a registered psychologist and behaviour analyst with over 20 years experience in the field of disability. She has worked with children and adults in a range of public and private organisations. Alex has worked with autistic children and adolescents for the majority of her career, and values the person-centred outcomes she has seen in intensive early intervention.

In addition to Autism, Alex also has experience with individuals with a range of disabilities. She holds a Level 4 credential from FTF Consulting, indicating she can lead implementation of the Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) process. Alex also works with children with anxiety, pathological demand avoidance and ADHD. Alex is trained and experienced in Autism diagnosis, and also provides a range of psychometric testing.

Alex is a founding board member and current treasurer of ABA Australia. She also serves on the Affiliate Chapter Board of Applied Behaviour Analysis International.

Melissa Keir

Psychologist and Behaviour Analyst

B Psych (Hons.), M Psych (Ed & Dev), CBA

Melissa is a registered psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society. Following completion of a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons.) in 2009, and working as a Research Assistant at the University of Western Sydney, Melissa completed her Master of Psychology at Monash University, Melbourne, in 2013.

Melissa began working as an educator with children with aptitudes ranging from special needs through to gifted and talented in 2004. She has worked exclusively within the field of ABA since 2010, during which time she has acquired skills in designing and implementing early intervention programs for children with a range of diagnoses, ages and abilities. She holds a Level 4 credential from FTF Consulting, indicating she can lead implementation of the Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) process.

Melissa also has experience in psychological assessment and diagnosis, and designing and implementing cognitive-behavioural interventions.

Melissa has a keen interest in working with families to foster their child’s social and emotional development, including the development of genuine and reciprocal relationships with adults and peers to promote social and emotional well-being.

Kerri Willis

Program Supervisor

BSc (Hons. Applied Psych)

Kerri has been working in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis since 2005. She began her training in ABA after receiving an Honours degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Ulster. Kerri initially took up a position at The Red Door School in Dublin, which utilised the methodologies of Precision Teaching and Verbal Behaviour before emigrating to Australia in 2008.

In Australia, Kerri joined a large centre-based provider, where she worked her way up to program supervisor and senior centre clinician managing staff and family concerns. Kerri has been supervising ABA programs since 2011 and is passionate about working together with parents to achieve the best outcome for their children.

Kerri has a particular interest in seeing children through from early learning skills to school readiness and academics.

Peter Liu

Psychologist

B Psych (Spec.), Dip. Psychological Practice, M Ed (ABA)

Peter is a registered psychologist with many years of experience working with children and young adolescents with additional needs. He is also passionate about provide behaviour support to families.. Peter has completed a Masters of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Monash University and is in the process of obtaining the BCBA qualifications.

Stephanie Lade

Psychologist

B Com/B Arts (Psych), Grad Dip. Psychological Science

Stephanie is a registered psychologist who completed a combined Bachelor of Commerce with a Bachelor of Arts – Psychology degree in 2016. During this time,Stephanie gained experience in early intervention. In 2017, Stephanie completed her Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science at Bond University. Stephanie utilises evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Trauma informed practice to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, teens, and families.

Layna Cox

Program Supervisor

B Psych Sc

Layna holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of NSW. Layna started out working for the Department of Education with primary school aged children with barriers to learning. She then went on to work with children and adolescents in out-of-home care in complex situations who had developed challenging behaviour through trauma.

Layna has been in the world of ABA since 2017. She has worked with all ages from children through to adults with ASD and intellectual disability. She has worked applying ABA in schools, preschools, home and various other settings. Layna believes in fostering a fun and caring learning environment for her clients to help them reach their goals.

Ivy Wong

Psychologist and Behaviour Analyst

B Psych (hons.)

Ivy is a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society.  She completed her first training in ABA with Bright Eyes and has been working in the fieldsince 2019. After completing a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Sydney, she continued to work as a provisional psychologist and behaviour support practitioner supporting neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan (preschoolers to young adults) across different settings, including homes, schools, childcares and community locations such as shopping malls and parks.

Ivy is passionate about helping her clients and their families navigate through various mental health and behavioural challenges, including anxiety, trauma, school-can’t presentations, and selective mutism. She values collaboration with caregivers and other professionals in supporting her clients’ development, and conducts psychometric assessments to gain more insights into the clients’ strengths and difficulties.

 

Avni Pawar

Psychologist

B PsychSc (Hons. Psych), M Prof Psych

Avni is a Psychologist with over 7 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, adults and their families to overcome a variety of emotional, behavioural and psychological challenges.

She has a passion for creating a safe, warm positive environment that helps her clients thrive to their full potential. Avni has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons.) degree as well as her Masters in Professional Psychology, during which time she gained experience in early intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis.

Avni adopts an integrated approach, drawing from Applied Behaviour Analysis, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, along with a range of psychometric tests and assessments to provide tailored support to each client and their family.

Jessica Fearnley

Psychologist

B Psych (Hons.), M. Prof Psych

Jessica is a  psychologist with over 6 years of experience in supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents across various settings. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Master of Professional Psychology while working as a behavioural therapist, where she provided tailored support to autistic children and their families with diverse needs.

In her current role, Jessica develops and implements early intervention programs that are individualised to address the specific needs of each child and their family. She works with school-aged children to address a broad range of behavioural, emotional, and psychological needs, drawing from a toolkit of therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Jessica also conducts comprehensive psychometric assessments to gain deeper insights into each individual's abilities and needs.

Jessica is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances the emotional well-being and potential of children, adolescents, and their families. 

Sophie Smith

Provisional Psychologist

B Psych (Hons.)

Sophie is a provisional psychologist currently completing her Master of Professional Psychology at the Cairnmillar Institute. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University, where she gained experience in early intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis, supporting children across home, school, and community settings.

Sophie is passionate about creating a safe and collaborative environment where children and families feel supported. She values working alongside families and teams to help children build skills, confidence, and reach their goals.

Daisy Waugh

Provisional Psychologist

B Arts (Psychology), B Psychological Science (Hons.)

Daisy is a Provisional Psychologist who has completed her Bachelor of Arts – Psychology degree in 2022, Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree in 2023 and is currently completing her Master of Professional Psychology degree.

She has gained experience working in the field of ABA as a Senior Behaviour Therapist since 2023. During this time, Daisy has supported a diverse range of individuals from 2-years-old to 18-years-old in daycare, school, home, and community settings.

Daisy is passionate about supporting the wellbeing of individuals and families through the use of evidence-based and person-centred practice.

Miruna Thaventhiran

Psychologist and Behaviour Analyst

B Sc (Hons. Psychology), M Psych (Ed & Dev), BCBA

Miruna is a registered psychologist specialising in Educational and Developmental Psychology. She completed her Masters at Monash University in 2013, and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Miruna began working in the field of behaviour analysis in 2007 while completing her Bachelor of Science (Hons.) at the University of NSW. She received her certification as a behaviour analyst in 2020 following completion of coursework through the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).

Miruna has several years of experience working to support individuals to build their functional capacity and reduce barriers to their learning. She also has experience conducting psychological assessments and assisting individuals in overcoming difficulties with anxiety, learning, socialisation, emotion regulation, and behaviour.

Miruna is passionate about using a family centred approach with her clientele, and creating opportunities to develop an individual’s full potential using evidence-based assessment and intervention.

Queenie Chan

Psychologist

B PsychSc (Hons. Psych), M Couns&PsychTh

Queenie is a Psychologist with experience working with disability and trauma, as well as providing support to parents of young clients. Following completion of a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons. Psych) at the University of New South Wales, Queenie followed her passion of working with young people.

Queenie aims to integrate her learning into her counselling while also adapting a person-centred, mindfulness-based approach when working with people.

Elizabeth Rieder

Behaviour Analyst

B Psych, M Science (ABA), CBA, BCBA

Liz is a Behaviour Analyst who has worked in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis since 2016. The bulk of her experience centres on early intervention services for autistic children and behaviour support for young people across home, school, and community settings. She is passionate about using a person-centred approach paired with evidence based practice to maximise quality of life for her clients and their families.

In 2018, Liz completed a Master of ABA at Trinity College Dublin and received her board certification as a behaviour analyst in 2021 before emigrating to Australia in 2022. Liz holds a Level 3 credential from FTF Consulting, indicating she can support implementation of the Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) process.

Madeline Ellam

Senior Behaviour Therapist

B Health Science (Psychology and Health)

Maddy has been working as a behaviour therapist with young and school aged children since 2017, whilst receiving her Bachelor of Health Science from Sydney University. She is passionate about building her client’s skills and confidence in a fun and compassionate learning environment.  Maddy especially values early intervention and evidence based practices to support children’s development.

Olga Solntseva

Senior Behaviour Therapist 

B Social Psychology

Olga is a psychologist with overseas qualifications. At present, she is working with us as a senior ABA therapist who has many years of experience in our field.

Olga creates a beautiful space for her clients to learn and grow.

Bhumika Mahant

Behaviour Analyst

B Psych, M ABA, CBA

Bhumika received her Bachelor of Psychology from Macquarie University. She has always been passionate about working with children. Bhumika's priority is providing top-quality care to her clients with a deep understanding of various therapeutic techniques and a compassionate approach. She strive to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve  personal growth.

Vivian Mai

Behaviour Analyst

B Science (Psych), M ABA, CBA

Vivian completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the University of Sydney and a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis at Griffith University. She has been working in the field of applied behaviour analysis for over 5 years, providing individualised support for children and teenagers with a range of diagnoses and abilities. Viv holds a Level 3 credential from FTF Consulting, indicating she can support implementation of the Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) process.

 

Vivian has extensive experience in early intervention and is driven by her passions of providing person-centred support for individuals with complex and challenging behaviours. She is committed to helping her learners reach their goals and improve their quality of life.

April Cussen

Behaviour Analyst

B Psychological Science, M ABA, CBA, BCBA

April is a Behaviour Analyst who has been working in the field since 2018. She completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (majoring in Psychology Extension, in 2019, and went on to earn a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University in 2022. Following her postgraduate studies, April obtained both her Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) credentials.

Throughout her career, April has supported a diverse range of individuals, from as young as 2 years old to adults in their 60s. While her primary passion lies in early intervention and working with primary school-aged autistic children, she has also provided behaviour support to adolescents and adults with a variety of diagnoses.

April is committed to evidence-based, person-centred practice. She is passionate about supporting her clients to live independent, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.

Caitlin Florian

Behaviour Support Practitioner, Sexual Health and Relationship Educator

B Inc Ed & Dis Studies, M Ed (ABA), M Med (SRH)

Caitlin has over 10 years experience working in the disability sector. Caitlin holds her Bachelor of Inclusive Education & Disability Studies, Master of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health).

Caitlin started her career supporting young adults with intellectual disabilities in group accomodation and community access programs in 2014 whilst also working as an ABA junior therapist during her studies.

Caitlin now specialises in supporting teenagers and young adults in skill building and education around topics relating to sexual education and development. Caitlin prioritises working with not only the individual but their whole support system of family and other professionals by offering parent and staff training in relation to these topics also.

Jemma Holt

Senior Behaviour Therapist

Jemma is currently studying psychology. She joined our team as an experienced support worker and her excellent and intuitive skills are clear within this role. Jemma is very passionate about supporting her clients to build independent and happy lives.

Peta Rostirola

NDIS Compliance & Business Operations Manager

Peta has been an integral part of the Bright Eyes team since 2014. She is responsible for overseeing compliance and business operations to ensure Bright Eyes continues to meet the requirements as an NDIS Registered Provider. Her role includes maintaining quality standards, managing financial administration, and supporting the clinic’s commitment to regulatory excellence.

As a mother of three, including a son diagnosed with Autism in 2010, Peta brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She understands the challenges families face when supporting a child with additional needs and is passionate about working within a family-focused clinic dedicated to helping children reach their full potential.

Nichole Brimble

Office Manager

Nichole is our extraordinary office manager who manages intake and daily operations.

Harrison Davis

Office Assistant

Harrison joined the Bright Eyes team as a part-time Office Assistant. He is learning all about how a workplace runs and how to work independently in a professional environment.

Harrison is very passionate about filmmaking and has made some fantastic films all about social skills that have been very helpful for our clients.