Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapist/ Industry Trainer
Maria comes to Gentle Sensory after seven years’ experience working with high risk and vulnerable young people with various mental health concerns and presentations. Maria has had experience with risk assessments, behaviour support plan development and worker training to manage high risk presentations such as physical violence, self-harm, crisis responses and much more. Maria has completed a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) with post graduate study in Youth Mental Health, graduate certificate in Autism Studies and Master of Counselling. Maria is also a trainer and assessor of the Certificate IV in Mental Health, Diploma of Mental Health, Certificate IV in Youth Worth and Diploma of Youth Work. Maria specialises in high risk presentations and behaviours, and practices CBT & DBT modalities. ACA Registration Number: Level 2- 23351 PACFA Reg. Certified Prac: 30938
Child & Family Counsellor
Pauline's passion for counselling stems from seeing the profound impact therapy had on her four children, each with their own mental health challenges and one that is Autistic and has an intellectual disability. Pauline has an intimate understanding of challenges parents face on a daily basis, bringing in her life experiences into the therapy room. Clients will find Pauline's style of counselling is a blend of sharing knowledge, strategies, and resources to help change the things that are not working while exploring personal strengths. Pauline also gives a warm, empathetic understanding as she joins with you in grieving and accepting the things you cannot change. Pauline has completed a diploma in counselling and is a certified interplay therapist. ACA Registration Number: 26969
Administrative Assistant
Gentle Sensory's administrative assistant, Hannah is delighted to be contributing her skills and life experience to the team. As a mother of two young children, Hannah strongly supports the values of Gentle Sensory. Hannah believe in empowering neurodiverse children by helping the people around them better understand them with a kind, caring and compassionate approach. Having been born and raised in Hong Kong, Hannah was exposed to a plethora of cultures from a young age, which has helped mould her interpersonal skills. Hannah find genuine joy in interacting with people and looks forward to engaging with all our current and future clients.
Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Frankie was born in England and raised in Auckland, New Zealand for her teenage years. She has lived in Melbourne for 12 years now with her husband and two daughters. Frankie has recently completed her post-grad cert in psychology and is hoping to start her master's next year. Frankie is an animal lover and has a menagerie at home! In her younger days, Frankie was a touring musician and still loves to get her guitar out every now and then, along with lots of other creative hobbies. Frankie was diagnosed as autistic in her late teens, and she also has a 16-year-old daughter on the spectrum. Frankie understands the challenges of raising an autistic and neurotypical child without family support, but she couldn’t be prouder of both of them.
Dietician
Ashleigh's ethos is respecting each individual and their own journey and goals. Her approach is to work with all members of a family involved in the care of an individual to provide the most appropriate environment to support progress. The foundation of her practice is respecting the individual to achieve their best and provide support to achieve a safe environment and give education and skills to support change. Food can be scary and the time that it takes to create trust around a new food is individual. Ashleigh respects this journey and will provide support throughout this individual journey. Change and habits which last can never be forced but need to come from a position of trust, this is the environment she strives to create to help all clients achieve their best and their unique full potential.
Therapeutic Support Worker
Ben is a compassionate and experienced Disability Support Worker dedicated to helping individuals live fulfilling and independent lives. With a strong background in support work, personal training, and community engagement, he brings a well-rounded approach to care that focuses on both physical and emotional well-being. He has experience working with individuals of all ages and abilities, providing tailored support to help them achieve their personal goals. Whether it’s assisting with daily living tasks, facilitating community participation, or supporting health and fitness goals, Ben is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those he works with. His background in sports, fitness, and team environments has strengthened his ability to motivate, encourage, and adapt to different needs. Ben prides himself on being reliable, patient, and proactive, always ensuring that those he supports feel comfortable, empowered, and valued.
Therapeutic Support Worker
Merrilyn and her partner moved to the area in late 2023 to be closer to 3 of their 12 grandchildren and to enjoy country life with train access to the city. She has been enjoying connecting to the local community, joining a choir and walking group, establishing a garden and spending lots of playful time with her 4-year-old grandson. He starts school next year, so this has opened space to make a contribution elsewhere. Merrilyn has worked in community organisations in mental health, homelessness, domestic violence and family support services for almost 40 years. This has included casework, therapeutic support, community support work and projects, outreach and home-visiting play sessions. In addition, she is a songwriter and has recorded her own and community CDs, facilitated early childhood music groups, songwriting and music-making sessions and choirs for both children and adults. She is a lifelong learner and her most important learning as a supporter and encourager of others is the importance of establishing and maintaining trusted relationships, gentle presence, respect and noticing of people's strengths and interests. She loves being outdoors and active, including walking, swimming, cycling and yoga, and this is something she looks forward to bringing her work in addition to music, boardgames and other creative indoor activities. She was very drawn to Gentle Sensory as an organisation created through lived experience and one that celebrates diversity, kindness and inclusion. Merrilyn will be available for support work and will be running the songwriting classes on Tuesday evenings.
