MEET Our Team
EMMA LIGHTFOOT - PRINCIPAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Emma has over 20 years clinical experience in public, private and educational settings. Emma works with children, adolescents and adults and sees a wide range of presentations including anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behaviours and provides parenting support.
Emma works eclectically with treatment modalities including EMDR, DBT, ACT, CBT and is trained in multiple parenting programs including Circle of Security Parenting, Exploring Together, Tuning Into Kids, Dads Tuning into Kids and Triple P.
Emma has a particular interest trauma, attachment, parenting and the benefits of mindfulness, nutrition and exercise on mental health. She has experience running both therapy and exercise groups.
KAELAN JONES - PSYCHOLOGIST
Kaelan is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). With experience in private practice settings, Kaelan has supported children, adolescents, and adults with a range of presentations such as anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, and trauma.
Kaelan applies a range of therapeutic approaches to meet client needs and takes a neuroaffirming approach in her practice. Kaelan believes it is important to work collaboratively with her clients and their support team to ensure consistency in approach.
Kaelan has a particular interest in helping individuals explore their neurotype (e.g. Autism, ADHD) and has a background in neuroaffirming assessment and diagnosis.
Kaelan is eager to not only support her clients, but to learn from them too.
CHRIS PORTELLI - PSYCHOLOGIST
Chris Portelli is a registered Psychologist, who has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a broad range of psychological, social, emotional, behavioural, and learning needs. He is passionate about helping people navigate life's challenges and is committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and non-judgemental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported.
Chris has a particular interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and enjoys helping clients develop greater psychological flexibility and build meaningful, values-driven lives. He also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), tailoring his approach to meet each client's individual goals, strengths, and circumstances.
Alongside providing psychological intervention and counselling, Chris has extensive experience conducting psychological assessments for cognitive functioning, learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental conditions, and mental health presentations. He has worked with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, refugee and newly arrived populations, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people experiencing trauma, complex mental health presentations, personality-related difficulties, and neurodivergence. His experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams has further strengthened his ability to provide holistic, person-centred care.
Chris believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is central to positive outcomes. He values building trust and rapport with clients and strives to ensure that therapy is both evidence-based and tailored to each person's unique experiences, helping them move towards lasting and meaningful change.
EVIE SMITH -
PRACTICE MANAGER / ADMINISTRATION
Evie has over 12 years experience working in Customer Service and Administration.
She has a great passion for people and prides herself on her administrative, communication and organisational skills as well as her positive, enthusiastic and friendly attitude.
Evie ensures our client care from the first point of contact is one of absolute dedication to support everyone on their journey.
She is available from 10am - 12pm on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.