Stevie-Rae Kirkland

Clinical Lead

(she/her)
AHPRA Registration: PSY0001816539

Stevie is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who joined our team in 2013. Stevie has provided psychological support to the Illawarra community for over a decade, working across the lifespan. Outside of FSA, Stevie provides clinical supervision services to psychologists.

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Stevie’s natural therapeutic style is relaxed, conversational and authentic, acknowledging that the person seeking support is the expert of their own experience. Stevie’s approach prioritises safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship and strives to help people feel seen and heard through genuine connection. Stevie is an approved handler for our facility dog, Cooper, and is trained to utilise Cooper within her therapy sessions.

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Stevie with a particular interest in using a neuroaffirming lens to support neurodivergent populations; supporting those who have a history of trauma, attachment disruption and/or adverse life experiences; supervising psychologists across different career stages; and supporting those with anxiety presentations. While Stevie adapts and combines different approaches to suit the needs of each individual, her preferred modalities include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Canine-assisted Psychotherapy.

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In her spare time, Stevie enjoys reading, trying new cafes and restaurants, being outside in nature, spending time with animals, videogames and art.

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Stevie works Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Kalynda Powell

Team Leader

(she/her)
AHPRA Registration: PSY0002092202

APD Registration: APD015451

Kalynda is a Clinical Psychologist, board approved supervisor and Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) who joined the team in 2022. Prior to this Kalynda was privileged to work with First Nations people and communities in rural and remote NSW. With her dual qualifications, Kalynda has a unique perspective and experience working with eating disorder presentations and supporting people to explore the complex interaction between food and mental health.   

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Kalynda is passionate about working with people to develop a shared understanding of what has prompted them to seek support and empower them to develop and use the skills they already have to support change. She sees change as not simply symptom reduction, but an opportunity for self-awareness and growth. Kalynda enjoys walking alongside people through their own individual journey. Kalynda has a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults presenting with complex trauma, attachment disruptions and trauma, and grief and loss. She also enjoys working with those people experiencing anxiety, and disordered eating behaviours. 

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Kalynda aims to create a therapeutic space that feels safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive. She brings warmth, empathy, authenticity, and curiosity to the space, and acknowledges that the client will always be the expert of their own lives and experiences. She also believes that optimism and humor are always key additions to achieving positive outcomes with those she works with. Kalynda believes in tailoring the therapeutic approach to best suit the needs of the individual or family that she's working with and always with a focus on having strengths-based approach and building strong rapport. Kalynda predominately uses narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). 

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Kalynda enjoys spending time with her dogs, going for walks and spending time with family and friends. 

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Kalynda works Monday and Thursday.

Kristina Suatoni

Team Leader

(she/her)
AHPRA Registration: PSY0001961817

Kristina is a Registered Psychologist and Board approved supervisor who originally joined our team in 2016 and after a break, rejoined the team in 2024. She has a range of experience and has been supporting individuals in the Illawarra for about a decade. Kristina has worked in the areas of occupational rehabilitation, perinatal psychology, inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol support and also in private practice. Kristina has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families.

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Kristina believes that it is a privilege working alongside people in their journey towards becoming their most authentic selves and has a special interest in providing parent support, working with trauma presentations, supporting autistic clients, and providing parents/carer support.

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Kristina aims to be a relatable, down-to-earth and authentic therapist. Kristina predominately utilises Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), exploring Structural Dissociation (with adults), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT).

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Kristina enjoys engaging in creative activities including painting and drawing, and audiobooks, baking hyper-realistic cakes and spending time in nature with her family and her dog.

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Kristina works Monday to Friday.

Ajdin (Adi) Mujezinovic

Clinical Advisor

(he/him)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002100326

Adi is a Registered Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor and joined our team in 2018. Adi has a Masters in both Professional Psychology and Brain and Mind Sciences. Outside of FSA, Adi also worked with Assistance Dogs Australia for 5 years, as well as in private practice, and in training/resource development.

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Adi hopes to guide his clients towards better things, as much as he is able. His philosophy for therapy comes from Carl Roges “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination." Adi is interested in working with neurodivergence across the life span, mood and anxiety disorders, Functional Neurological Disorder and trauma related presentations.

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Adi incorporates the brain/body connection into his treatment, with a focus on affect (emotion) and behavioral based interventions. Adi aims to work collaboratively and personalise therapy to each individual client's needs. Adi predominately works with psychodynamic play therapy (with ICAPP), and complex/developmental trauma (via the Neuro-sequential Model of Therapeutics), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy.​ Adi is passionate about the positive contribution animals can make in the therapeutic space and has also completed training with Assistance Dogs Australia as handler enabling him to work with his fully qualified Assistance Dog, Cooper.

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Adi enjoys spending time with his loved ones, reading, tabletop games and tabletop role-playing games, videogames, 3D printing, and fountain pens.

Adi works Monday to Thursday.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Megan Blacker

Clinical Advisor

(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0001954534

Megan is a Registered Psychologist and Board approved supervisor who joined our team in 2018 and after a short break, rejoined the team in 2024. She has a range of experience supporting individuals in the Illawarra for about a decade. She has worked in suicide risk de-escalation, drug and alcohol, private practice and with people of all ages. She has experience in both individual and group therapy.

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Megan believes that everyone is an expert on themselves and it is her role to support you with your goals. Everyone struggles at times and she feels it is a privilege to be able to work with and support you on your journey to mental wellness and being the person you want to be. Megan has a special interest in working with adolescents, adults, parents, anxiety and complex trauma.

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Megan aims to be a warm, open and friendly therapist. She tries to be trauma informed, culturally respective, neuro-affirming and LGBTQIA+ inclusive. Megan predominately works from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Group therapy. Megan is a trained Westmead Feelings program facilitator.

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Megan enjoys spending time with her family, walking (although nothing too strenuous), reading and drinking tea.

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Megan works Wednesday to Friday.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Cooper (aka. Boopy) 

Facility Support Dog

Cooper is a fully qualified Assistance Dog, and a very good boy, who joined our team in 2021. He received his full 18 months of training from Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA). He has passed his Public Access Tests (PAT) each year to maintain public access rights.

Cooper works with his handlers (Ajdin and Stevie) to provide psychological support in Canine Assisted Psychotherapy (CAP) sessions. He also has some availability for the rest of the team, helping to make the space feel welcoming and comfortable.  Cooper brings a non-judgmental and calming presence into sessions, helping his human co-therapists get the most out of therapy. He works from a person-centered framework, naturally maintaining unconditional positive regard and acceptance.

When he’s off the clock, Cooper lives with Ajdin. He enjoys pats, belly rubs, chasing GiGwi ball with his sister Cassidy, playing tug, zooming, and naps. His favorite treats are chicken and cake.

Cooper works Monday to Thursday.

Destinee Conyers

Psychologist

(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002414871

Destinee is a Registered Psychologist and joined our team in 2021 as part of her internship to become a registered psychologist. Destinee has 5 years of experience working in the Illawarra, with a focus on providing psychological support across the lifespan with individuals and in group settings.

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Destinee believes all people should have access to affirming care that meets them where they are at and aims to walk alongside client's to achieve their goals. She strives to always build a space of connection, understanding and acceptance that places value on each person's experience. Destinee has a special interest working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent presentations (specifically masking and PDA profiles) and anxiety.

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Destinee works from neuro-affirming and trauma-informed perspectives. She believes that each individual is the expert of their own experiences. Her approach to therapy is relaxed, collaborative, and with younger clients, playful. Destinee predominately works from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and play-based approaches with her individual clients. She has also developed social groups for girls, facilitated the Westmead Feelings Program, and is a Certified Facilitator of LEGO ® Based Therapy and a Confident Carers Cooperative Kids Facilitator (CCCK). Destinee is also a certified AutPlay therapy provider.

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Destinee enjoys reading, collecting Pokémon cards, building LEGO, spend time with family and friends, playing video games and exploring new places.

Destinee works Tuesday to Friday.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Yasmin Haley

Psychologist

(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002471930

Yasmin is a Registered Psychologist and joined our team in 2021, as part of her university Masters placement. Yasmin has degrees in Psychological Science and a Masters in Professional Psychology.

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Yasmin believes in the profound power of human resilience and the transformative potential of self-awareness. Yasmin follows Brene Browns philosophy of “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness, we will discover the infinite power of our light.” She aspires to walk alongside her clients through their growth, healing and change, where her clients can feel seen, discover their own strength, make sense of their struggles and find new possibilities. Yasmin has a special interest in working with anxiety, neurodivergence and trauma.

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Yasmin strives to ensure that clients feel safe and comfortable in the therapeutic space and feels strongly about prioritising a collaborative and holistic approach to therapy that is tailored to each individual's needs. Yasmin predominately works from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and is Neuro-Affirming in her approach to therapy.

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Yasmin enjoys spending time with her cats (Auggie and Junie), friends and family. She also likes swimming in the ocean, cooking (and eating), and whale watching.

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Yasmin works Tuesdays.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Cherie McCafferty

Psychologist

(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0001152502

Cherie is a registered psychologist who joined our team in 2022. Cherie has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Cherie has been employed across different settings including NSW Health, Non-Government Organisations, and in private practice.

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Cherie believes psychology is a positive healing science. She aims to embrace diversity, be inclusive and recovery orientated. She is interested in working with kids, especially those over the age of five and women of all ages.

Cherie aims to be client centered and flexible in her treatment approach, providing an individualised approach. Cherie predominately works with best practice therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Mindfulness. She is a qualified Mindfulness and Meditation Coach, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and is trained in the Confident Carers Capable Kids (CCCK) Program.

Cherie enjoys going to the beach or the bush, watching live music, hanging out with her family, pets and friends, reading, movies, travel, shopping, fashion and getting coffee.

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Cherie works Wednesday to Friday.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Emma Hamilton

Psychologist
(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002595094

Emma is a Registered Psychologist and joined our team in 2022 as part of her university Masters placement. Emma became a fully registered psychologist in early 2024.

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Emma's favourite part of the job is working with young people to achieve their goals and celebrating their wins (no matter how small). Emma enjoys working with children, adolescents, and their families. Her preferred presentations are individuals presenting with anxiety, anger, and low mood difficulties. Emma has a special interest in working with neurodivergent clients and utilises a neuro-affirming stance to therapy. Emma likes to aligns her personal values with her therapeutic work of: helping others, displaying empathy and compassion, connecting with others, and understanding the human experience.

Emma takes a collaborative, gentle and creative approach to therapy and places a lot of importance on building trust and security in her relationship with clients and their families. Emma believes in meeting clients where they are at and tailoring therapy to each individual utilising creativity as much as possible. Emma predominately works from the perspective of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Emma is a certified group facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy and a Confident Carers Cooperative Kids Facilitator (CCCK).

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Outside of work Emma enjoys reading books, spending time with family and friends, and starting craft projects (which she may never finish). Emma also enjoys playing Nintendo Switch, her favourite games include Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, Hogwarts Legacy, and Zelda. Emma loves playing and listening to music and has previously played cello with both the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra and the Wollongong Community Orchestra.

Emma works Wednesday to Friday.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Simone Hesford

Provisional Psychologist
(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002401839 

Simone is a Provisional Psychologist and joined our team in 2023. Simone has 8 years of prior experience working in crisis support, early infant attachment research, and across rehabilitation psychology.

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Simone is a mother of two young boys and understands the challenges of parenting, work, and family. She enjoys spending the time to hear client's individual stories and creating a space for people to feel empowered, supported, and valued. Simone has special interests in perinatal mental health, reducing parents mental load, attachment theories, and in neurodivergence.

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Simone aims to be authentic, person-centered and holistic in her approach. Simone predominately works with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness strategies, and Play therapy.

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Simone enjoys reading, gardening, and travelling with her family. One of her favourite parts of working with clients is hearing their recommendations, whether it be binge-worthy series, places to travel, or activities to do with their families.

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Simone works Monday to Wednesday.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Maddison Holley

Psychologist
(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002401839 

Maddy is a Psychologist who joined our team in 2023 as part of her university master’s placement.

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Maddy is passionate about working with individuals and families and providing care to those in need within the community. She enjoys working with neurodivergent presentations (such as ADHD and autism), bipolar, depression, and anxiety.

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Maddy’s therapeutic style is to be empathetic and open-minded. Maddy aims to provide personalised therapy to ensure individuals get as much as possible out of the experience. Maddy has experience predominately using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), parent management training, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

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Maddy enjoys reading, spending time with her pets, art, and travel in her spare time.

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Maddy works Thursday.

Thomas Hart

Psychologist
(he/him)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002708012

Tom is a Psychologist and joined our team in 2023 as part of his university Masters placement. Tom has experience across a range of health settings, including educational, private, and not-for-profit mental health service providers. Tom has experience with crisis management, drug and alcohol, neurodivergence and group facilitation/co-facilitation.

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Tom's believes that everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace. Tom is guided in his practice by considering how individuals' have interpreted their experiences. Tom has a special interest in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing challenges with mood, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. He also collaborates with parents to help them develop effective strategies for supporting their child's unique needs.

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Tom focuses on building a strong, trusting rapport with clients, ensuring that their comfort and respect are prioritised throughout the treatment process. He values the subjective experience of each individual and encourages open emotional expression, creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Tom predominately works from a broader family-systems approach when working with younger people, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), attachment theory, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and solution-focused modalities.

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Tom enjoys gaming, running, scuba diving, and socialising with friends.

Tom works Wednesday to Friday.

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Current clients can book an appointment here

Demoore Abbas

Provisional Psychologist
(she/her)

AHPRA Registration: PSY0002807763

Demoore is a Provisional Psychologist and joined our team as part of her university Masters placement in 2024. Demoore has over five years of experience working in the mental health and disability space. Outside of FSA, Demoore has mentored and supported individuals across the lifespan in skill building and developing independence. She is currently working towards full registration as a Psychologist.

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Demoore believes individuals are the experts of their own experiences. She places a strong emphasis on establishing safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship and strives to foster confidence and resilience in her practice. Demoore enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety and mood-related disorders, personality disorders and trauma and stressor-related conditions. Demoore aims to be neuro-affirming and trauma-informed.

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Demoore's approach to therapy is warm, relaxed, and authentic. Demoore utilizes various evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the needs of individuals. Her preferred modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has also facilitated/co-facilitated the Westmead Feelings Program. 

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Demoore enjoys spending time with loved ones, cooking, reading, and creating digital (i.e., graphic design and illusration) and physical art (i.e., drawing and painting). 

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Demoore works Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.