Meet Our Team
Our experienced Behaviour Support Practitioners provide person-centred, evidence-informed Positive Behaviour Support to NDIS participants across NSW.
Debora Peake
Clinical Supervisor & NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner (Advanced) - P0003577
Area Of Speciality
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Intellectual Disability
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Learning disorders
Qualified counsellor
Debora is an Advanced Behaviour Support Practitioner, qualified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with more than 25 years’ experience across the health, disability, community and therapeutic sectors.
Debora brings a person-centred, trauma-informed and rights-based approach to positive behaviour support. She has particular experience supporting autistic people and individuals with intellectual disability, ADHD, complex trauma and behaviours of concern. In her clinical supervision role, Debora supports practitioners to strengthen their clinical reasoning, meet NDIS behaviour support requirements and develop practical supports that improve participants’ quality of life.
Qualifications
Masters in Counselling, Australian College of Applied Psychology
Bachelors in Behavioural Studies (Psychology), Monash University
Leonie Kirkman
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1875542
Area Of Speciality
Complex Mental Health
ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Intellectual Disabilities
All ages - children, youth, adults
High-risk behaviours of concern
Leonie has more than 10 years’ experience in the mental health sector. Her work as a Support Coordinator has developed her knowledge of the NDIS, service systems and person-centred approaches to behaviour support. She has supported children, young people, adults involved in the forensic system and older participants, collaborating with families, schools, allied health professionals and broader stakeholder teams.
Leonie’s lived experience informs her commitment to delivering person-centred, trauma-informed behaviour support. She recognises each participant as the expert in their own life and values the knowledge contributed by their family, support network and clinicians. Leonie brings compassion and empathy to her work, building respectful relationships that support each participant’s individual needs, preferences and goals.
Leonie works with individuals across the lifespan, including participants with psychosocial disability, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability and learning disability. She also has some experience supporting people with co-occurring substance use disorders, particularly where these intersect with psychosocial disability.
Leonie values collaboration and works closely with participant teams to achieve shared goals. Her compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental approach supports meaningful engagement with participants and their support networks. She prioritises clear communication, attention to detail and timely updates so that everyone understands how support is progressing. Leonie is motivated by helping participants feel heard, improve their quality of life and work towards their goals. Her role brings together two longstanding passions: teaching and psychology.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Bachelor of Psychology
Catherine Knight
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1943465
Area Of Speciality
Children and young people with ASD, Intellectual Disabilities, learning barriers and various diagnosis
Early Intervention and working with family networks
Life transitions including SIL and ILO, DCJ, Education and Justice
Training and capacity building for families and support networks
Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary care teams including family, school, support coordinators, DCJ, support workers, SIL & ILO providers, allied health teams and public guardians.
All ages – children, youth and adults
Catherine is an experienced professional in disability, mental health, and community services. With more than 15 years’ experience supporting children, young people, adults, and families across the disability, education, justice, Drugs and alcohol, and community services sectors.
Delivering Positive Behaviour Support through the lens of lived-experience, neuro affirming, and trauma-informed approaches Catherine is confident in navigating complex systemic structures and stakeholder networks, including education, justice, and mental health. Catherine has extensive experience implementing Positive Behaviour Support across various settings and brings extensive experience in Support Coordination and case management across community services.
Catherine is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their goals and works collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams to develop sustainable strategies.
Known for her compassionate and non-judgmental approach, she is dedicated to enhancing participants’ independence and quality of life, delivering supports that lead to positive outcomes.
Qualifications
Diploma in Counselling (student)
Diploma of Community Welfare Work
Certificate IV in Community Services
Certificate IV in Training and Education
Sian Cox
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1498276
Area Of Speciality
Psychosocial disability
Depression, anxiety, and complex mental health
Early onset dementia and neurodegenerative conditions
Intellectual disability and acquired disability
Adults and Adolescents
Sian is currently completing a Master of Professional Psychology, driven by an enduring curiosity about why people do what they do and what those behaviours are really trying to communicate.
That question has been at the heart of Sian’s work across a range of fields. Before moving into the disability sector, she spent over a decade in senior consulting and change management, learning to unpick complex systems and the human dynamics within them. She has also trained and facilitated in mindfulness and trauma-sensitive yoga, which deepened her understanding of emotional regulation, the nervous system, and the relationship between psychological distress and behaviour.
Sian works with adults across SIL and community settings, with a particular interest in participants where behavioural and psychological needs intersect, including psychosocial disability, depression, anxiety, and early onset dementia. She believes that good behaviour support starts with genuinely understanding the person and builds outward from there into practical, evidence-based plans that make sense to the people implementing them every day.
Sian is committed to ethical, least-restrictive practice that upholds the dignity, autonomy, and quality of life of every participant she works with.
Qualifications
Master of Professional Psychology (Completing in September 2026)
Psychology Honours, UNE (2024)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology, UNE (2021)
BSc (Econ) Hons. 1st Class, Economics and Management Studies; Cardiff University Business School (2005)
Chanel Ellis
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1690706
Area Of Speciality
AHPRA registered
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dementia (including early onset) and neurodegenerative conditions
Complex and forensic mental health
Sexualised behaviours
Neuro-affirming evidence based behaviour support plans
Trauma-related behavioural presentations
Restrictive practice oversight and reduction
Chanel is a caring NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner with a strong clinical and healthcare background, experienced in designing and implementing individualised Behaviour Support Plans for participants across the lifespan. Her practice is grounded in thorough Functional Behaviour Assessment, enabling accurate identification of behavioural triggers and functions and the development of targeted, evidence-informed interventions that support measurable and meaningful outcomes.
Chanel works collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, social workers, educators, families, and support providers, to ensure behaviour support strategies are cohesive, practical, and embedded across environments. She has strong capability in training and coaching support staff and caregivers in positive behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques, supporting consistent and safe implementation.
Her practice is guided by ethical decision-making, clinical rigour, and alignment with NDIS guidelines, with a strong focus on participant dignity, rights, and quality of life. Chanel brings a disciplined approach to documentation, data analysis, and ongoing plan review, with particular attention to the monitoring and reduction of restrictive practices in line with NDIS requirements.
As a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Chanel brings valuable lived experience that informs her understanding of families, advocacy, and the importance of person-centred, rights-based support. Her practice reflects a strong commitment to dignity, inclusion, and improving quality of life for participants across the lifespan.
Qualifications
Andrew McNee
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1233751
Area Of Speciality
Substance Use Disorders
Complex Mental Health
High-risk behaviours of concern
Sexualised behaviours
Qualified Counsellor and member of Australian Counselling Association ACA)
All ages – children, youth and adults
I am a Behaviour Support Practitioner based on the NSW Central Coast, with a professional background that includes teaching, counselling, disability support, and team leadership in Supported Independent Living settings. In addition to formal qualifications in Disability Support, I hold a Bachelor of Science, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, and a Master of Counselling (with Distinction).My practice is person-centred, evidence-based, and informed by a strong foundation in science and mental health. I work with individuals of all ages and disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, substance use disorders, intellectual and learning disabilities, dementia, and dual diagnosis.
I have experience implementing tailored behaviour support strategies to address a wide range of challenges, including oppositional behaviours, social withdrawal, absconding, self-harm, aggression, sexualised behaviours, and behaviours related to food consumption and substance use.
I’m deeply passionate about the disability sector and bring a strong sense of social justice to my work. I am committed to supporting people to maximise their autonomy, capacity, and quality of life”.
Qualifications
Master of Counselling
Certified Practising Registrant - Counsellor
Cert III Individual Support
Christopher Halliday
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1743007
Areas of Speciality
Social Skills Training (Certified Trainer – PEERS® Social Skills Program)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and anxiety
Youth experiencing challenging behaviours
Education, schools, and juvenile justice/correctional settings
Children and youth
Chris is a down-to-earth and multi-skilled Behaviour Support Practitioner with a strong background in youth engagement, education, and trauma-informed practice. He has over 15 years of experience supporting children and young people with diverse behavioural needs across individual, family, community, school and justice settings.
After completing a Master of Education, Chris spent nine years teaching in public and independent schools, Juvenile Justice and Correctional Services. He later worked as an Education Consultant improving learning outcomes for children in Out-of-Home Care before founding CommonGround, a Central Coast-based service delivering evidence-based PEERS® programs for teens and young adults with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These programs focus on developing social skills, confidence, and meaningful peer connections.
Chris is extensively trained in understanding the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) and early childhood trauma on learning and behaviour. He is also an accredited facilitator of the Rock and Water program, supporting self-esteem and resilience, and has delivered workshops helping individuals understand and manage anxiety.
To learn more about CommonGround, visit commongroundsst.com.au
Qualifications
Master of Teaching
Bachelor of Arts (Literature and Communications)
Certificate in Engaging in Positive Behaviour Support Practices
Certified Trainer – UCLA PEERS® Social Skills Program
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1329065
Area Of Speciality
Providing person-centred strategies that enhance quality of life and support meaningful, lasting change for children and families.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Intellectual Disability
Skeletal Dysplasia (commonly known as Dwarfism)
Bullying and self esteem
Children, youth and adults
Melissa is a friendly and dedicated Behaviour Support Practitioner with over 30 years of experience across Community and Children’s Services.
As a mother of two adult children with disabilities, Melissa brings genuine empathy and understanding to her work. She recognises the challenges that families may face at home, in school settings, within the community, and when navigating NDIS and healthcare systems.
Melissa develops practical, strengths-based, and evidence-informed strategies aimed at reducing behaviours of concern, empowering individuals, and enhancing overall quality of life. Her approach is person-centred, collaborative, and focused on achieving meaningful, lasting outcomes for participants and their families.
Qualifications
Diploma in Community Services (Case Management) – Australian College of Applied Psychology
Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support – National Disability Services (NDS)
Multi-Element Interventions, Functions & Formulations, Motivational Interviewing, 2025 Autism Parenting Summit
Kat Almazari
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1172930
Western Sydney/Blacktown/Hills Based - Current Capacity & Telehealth available after school hours/weekends
Area Of Speciality
Early Childhood (ECI)
School support (primary and high school)
Transition planning (school transitions, SIL transitions, adulthood)
Multi lingual
Trauma- informed practice
Autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and developmental delay
Khatera works across home, community, school, SIL and SDA settings, using evidence-based, trauma- informed and person -centred approaches aligned with NDIS requirements. She collaborates closely with participants, families and multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, least – restrictive Behaviour Support Plans that prioritise safety, dignity and quality of life.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Primary Teaching
Master of Education
NESA accreditation
Clare Martin
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1561450
Current Capacity
Area Of Speciality
ASD, ADHD, anxiety, gender dysphoria
Intellectual disability , FAS-D, learning disorders,
Youth risk- taking behaviours
Experience in self harm , soothing and sexualised behaviours in young people
Registered counsellor
Clare is a multi- skilled, warm and non- judgemental support practitioner , educator and registered counselor.
Clare has 20 years professional background working with children, young people and adults in roles across early learning and special education , adult education, counselling and behaviour support. Clare holds formal qualifications in undergraduate of Psychology and post – graduate Diploma of counseling from Jansen and Newman ( awarded Distinction ).
Clare has worked for ten years as a registered and supervised counsellor across a range of settings, including Corrective Services NSW, where she facilitated evidence based psycho-educational change programs. She has also worked in Out-of-Home Care as a wellbeing support clinician , counseling young people through difficult life circumstances, as well as
supporting carers build therapeutic parenting skills , understand diagnoses , school issues, gender issues and neurodiversity. Clare has developed behaviour plans that use a strengths based and proactive approach with an emphasis on trauma- informed language. Clare has also developed and run social skills support groups for adolescents with ASD as well as facilitated safe relationship programs within public High schools.
Clare enjoys working collaboratively with families , multi – disciplinary professionals , and education staff to proactively meet the individual developmental and emotional needs of young people, to build new skills, and create lasting change.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychology
Graduate Diploma counselling ( awarded Distinction )
ACA registered counsellor
Psychology supervision in family community crisis counselling
Supervised by allied health practitioners in Out of Home Care
Bringing up Great Kids facilitator Training (Australian Childhood Foundation ) Advanced training in Suicide prevention (Black Dog )
Sand Tray Therapy Fundamentals certificate
Edwin Oppong
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1250280
Current Capacity
Area Of Speciality
Edwin is a Behaviour Support Practitioner who supports children, adolescents and adults with a diverse range of support needs. His approach is neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and PDA-informed, with a strong focus on understanding behaviour in the context of communication, unmet needs, nervous system regulation and individual autonomy.
Edwin has particular experience supporting people who experience demand avoidance, emotional dysregulation, anxiety and complex behavioural presentations. He takes a proactive, strengths-based and person-centred approach, working collaboratively with participants, families, carers and support teams to develop practical strategies that are respectful, meaningful and sustainable in everyday life.
With qualifications across psychology, counselling and business, Edwin brings a thoughtful, structured and holistic perspective to behaviour support. He is continuing his studies with the goal of becoming a registered psychologist.
Edwin is known for his calm, genuine and compassionate approach. He is passionate about helping individuals build emotional, psychological and social skills while supporting families and care teams to feel informed, confident and better equipped to provide consistent support.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychology
Cert IV Disability
Tracy Hawes
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner P1174273
Current Capacity
Area Of Speciality
High-risk behaviours of concern,
Sexualised behaviours,
Trauma
All ages – children, youth and adults,
ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
Substance Use Disorders,
Parenting Support and Guidance
Complex Mental Health
Tracy brings a wealth of knowledge to Positive Behaviour Support, earning her BA Honours degree in Social Work in 2005 and completing extensive training and development in trauma, behaviour change, problematic sexual behaviour, and parenting support.
With extensive experience as a Social Worker working with vulnerable individuals and managing complex situations. Tracy’s is driven to deliver Positive Behaviour Support through strengths-based and person-centred care, which is evidence-based, culturally safe, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and inclusive.
Tracy builds therapeutic alliances and positive, inclusive, empowering relationships with people of all ages and stages of life, development and social circumstances. She works in strong collaboration with families, care teams and support networks, with ongoing clear and effective communication.
Tracy is passionate about supporting positive change and improving quality of life for all individuals and their support networks. Her warm, open, respectful and non-judgmental approach promotes trusting and collaborative relationships with those she works with.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Social Work – Honours 2005
Extensive training and development in trauma, behaviour change, problematic sexual behaviour and parenting support.
Adam Arena
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Practitioner - P1203445
Current Capacity
Area Of Speciality
Young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD,
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
I am passionate about taking a collaborative approach to behaviour support that is compassionate, respectful, and non-judgemental. I believe meaningful and lasting change is most achievable when the individual, their family, support network, and professionals are working together with a shared understanding and common goals.
What drives me is the opportunity to look beyond behaviour itself and develop an understanding of the person, their experiences, strengths, needs, and environment. I believe that effective behaviour support begins with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to understand what is being communicated through behaviours.
I primarily work with young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), and intellectual and learning disabilities. I have experience supporting individuals with diverse and complex support needs, including behaviours of concern and psychosocial needs. I am open to working with individuals across the lifespan and with people of all disabilities.
I have developed practical experience in trauma-informed care, therapeutic communication, de-escalation, risk management, responding to complex behaviours, and working collaboratively with families, support teams, and other professionals.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)